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Originally Posted by tlapinski
Last year I started to use my suit for fishing applications. Since then, many people have asked me what I use. Well, here is a quick outline of how I got started.
Disclaimer: Wetsuiting adds a bit of danger to your normal surf fishing. Please, if you decide to take the plunge, use your head. Go at it slow, make sure you fish with someone, and remember to always have a retreat plan.
I started off with the most important of gear, a suit. The suit I use is a 5mm two piece suit. The bottom half is basically a pair of neoprene pants, and the top has a connected hood, long sleeves, and a strap that goes from your backside between your legs and connects in the front. This locks the pants in. I like the 5mm for all around use. you will be standing stil a lot, so i feel a heavier suit is a little better. You can always fill up with sea water to cool down, but it's hard to add warmth while in the surf.
For safety gear, I run my normal surf belt with Boga, pliers, and water jug. I use a head light, and also keep a back up waterproof super bright LED light around my neck in case of emergencies. If I ever get swept out, I want something very bright to be able to signal with. I keep a quality dive knife in my surf bag in case I get tangled in a lobster buoy or fishing line. I had a bit of a run in with a lobster buoy rope last year while snorkeling. I did not have a knife on me at the time, and it could have cost me big. I was able to keep my head straight and freed myself with only a mild scare. Light neoprene dive gloves or the new Aquaskinz gloves come in handy when climbing up on barnacle covered rocks. For footwear, I wear 2mm neoprene dive socks under my Cabela's Guide tech wading boots. Thes are by far the best wading boots I have ever used. They are very comfortable, supportive, and highly durable. Mine are on the second season, and aside froma ll the laces I go through, they show little wear. Over my boots I use a pair of my modified Korkers. Normal korkers or some sort of spikes are HIGHLY recommended.
As far as gear, you want a small wading bag with a very secure latch or velcro. The medium single row Aquaskins is great for this. You will get knocked off the ocasional rock, so a securely closed bag can save your plugs! I found that a smaller bag is better as it cause a little less drag in the water and fills up with less water. For a reel, you want something either waterproof such as a Van Staal or Saltiga, or be prepared to do a lot of service on your reels. The reel WILL get dunked as you get more comfortable and begin to "swim" to outter rocks.
From my research, wetsuiting began in the late 60's out on Montauk. As the crowds got bigger, guys needed a way to fish other water. The wetsuit seemed like the perfect way. From that point, it developed and was refined into an art form. Some guys such as Paul Melnyk have even taken it to the extreme and began "skishing". This is basically a method of floating out in the current with an eel dangling below you. This method become so deadly, that it was eventually banned from many shore fishing tournaments.
Whether you take wetsuiting to the extreme, or just add it to your arsenal, I am sure you will fall in love with it as I have. Good luck, and be safe!
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