Should "wetsuiting" be its own category of fishing

[flyvice11787]

In the Montauk Locals Tournament, wetsuits have been put into a separate category from waders because wetsuiters are seen as having an advantage.

[fcap60]

Originally Posted by flyvice11787

In the Montauk Locals Tournament, wetsuits have been put into a separate category from waders because wetsuiters are seen as having an advantage.

...and that's the gist of this post. I'm just wondering if others see it that way

[flyvice11787]

Originally Posted by emgred

I put on a dry top and waders and I'm 60yds from shore on a bar in a back bay in chest deep water. Still surfcasting?
I'm 40 yds out on a rock, again dry top and waders, surfcasting?
I'm 40 yds out on the same rock in a wetsuit because it is more comfortable, surfcasting?

I don't use a wet suit when I fish, but do use waders and a dry top so I'm just posing questions.

If you don't have to swim to where you are going to fish, I think you can still call it surfcasting.

Emgred's answer hits it right on the head.

Originally Posted by fcap60

For example, if I took a kayak or small boat 25-50-75 yards from shore in order to fish a couple of big rocks or island that I could not otherwise get to in my waders, I'm not sure if that is truly surfcasting. Afterall, in this example, the "surf" in "surfcasting" would be missing.

What are your thoughts ?

In your example, the boat/kayak would be considered transportation. Not much different than getting off a boat at Cuttyhunk or any other island not connected to the mainland or a spot that's unreachable by car or foot (getting around private property to a public spot). You would still end up surfcasting, right ?

[Joe]

A distinct sub-culture, and a unofficial cadre of leadership, has already formed around it.
I think there will be a split, but it will be as a result of the sport taking on its own identity, rather than as a result of the traditional surfcasting community rejecting the wetsuiters. In other words, I don't see a surfcasting "purist" movement arising.
It will happen organically. Somebody will write a skishing book, a skishing-specific website will form, skishing tournaments will arise, etc.
Its a very effective method of fishing and the people participating are usually very good fishermen and they definitely have balls.

[flyvice11787]

Originally Posted by Joe

A distinct sub-culture, and a unofficial cadre of leadership, has already formed around it.
I think there will be a split, but it will be as a result of the sport taking on its own identity, rather than as a result of the traditional surfcasting community rejecting the wetsuiters. In other words, I don't see a surfcasting "purist" movement arising.
It will happen organically. Somebody will write a skishing book, a skishing-specific website will form, skishing tournaments will arise, etc.
Its a very effective method of fishing and the people participating are usually very good fishermen and they definitely have balls.

Maybe Paul Melnyk will revive his site and organize some of his rants into a book after that .

[emgred]

Originally Posted by flyvice11787

Maybe Paul Melnyk will revive his site and organize some of his rants into a book after that .

FYI

Melnyk just redid his sight.

http://www.surfcasting.com/

[flyvice11787]

I knew Melnyk was in the process of doing it. Right now, it has about as much content as the old site, just newer dates.