Should "wetsuiting" be its own category of fishing

[Flaptail]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

For me, I wish I had the intuition 15 years ago to employ a wet suit on the cape. Sometimes I would fish the bars in my shorts in order to buy some extra time on an outer bar as I wasn't taking the risk in waders. Wetsuit in that situation would be the same as it is on the rocks:
It buys you time and potentially puts you into places you might not get to otherwise. Sometimes its only a matter of a few feet that separates you from the fish.

At 6'-6-1/2" I never had that problem especially since they made waders in tall sizes but I think a wetsuit would help a great deal problem is for me it would be a custom job and I cannot bear that kinda of expense at this time for fishing.

The last few years, when we did actually catch fish it has been in the inshore troughs rather than the outer bar so I have been spending more time in waders barely getting my feet wet, which seems kinda dumb because you could do the same thing in hip boots at a % of the cost.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by Flaptail

At 6'-6-1/2" I never had that problem especially since they made waders in tall sizes but I think a wetsuit would help a great deal problem is for me it would be a custom job and I cannot bear that kinda of expense at this time for fishing.

The last few years, when we did actually catch fish it has been in the inshore troughs rather than the outer bar so I have been spending more time in waders barely getting my feet wet, which seems kinda dumb because you could do the same thing in hip boots at a % of the cost.

Its definitely a "situational" piece of equipment. I'm in the same camp as you with regard to not having to go deep to catch fish. The deepest I typically go is about waist deep to reach one of my favorite rock formations.

I did try the wetsuit/swimming thing this year despite having resisted doing so for the better part of two years. The reason it took so long was......fear. I can tell you after doing it there is plenty to be afraid of. Despite the big fish stories you've heard, there's many skunks and close calls involved too. It certainly gets glorified in the magazines too and rightfully so from a catching standpoint.

I have a brand new 7MM hyperstretch in my basement that's been used once and honestly wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't get used again. I swam about 40-50 yards in the dark this fall to a small perch which I shared with a couple other guys and didn't feel comfortable the whole time. I can tell you one of the other guys was quite uncomfortable too after he had a bit of difficulty breathing while traveling to the rock. Fortunately we all made it back ok and were laughing once on shore, albeit nervously.

I routinely did risky stuff like this in my 20's and can see the appeal wetsuiting has to the younger guys in the sport. There is definitely a thrill factor involved which adds to the game. Lots of times in the past I though only about what could be gained. At 38 with wife, two kids, good job, etc. there's no fish worth the risk for me as I've accepted my level of status in the fishing game. There's plenty of fish to be caught in ankle deep water too....

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

Its definitely a "situational" piece of equipment. I'm in the same camp as you with regard to not having to go deep to catch fish. The deepest I typically go is about waist deep to reach one of my favorite rock formations.

I did try the wetsuit/swimming thing this year despite having resisted doing so for the better part of two years. The reason it took so long was......fear. I can tell you after doing it there is plenty to be afraid of. Despite the big fish stories you've heard, there's many skunks and close calls involved too. It certainly gets glorified in the magazines too and rightfully so from a catching standpoint.

I have a brand new 7MM hyperstretch in my basement that's been used once and honestly wouldn't be surprised if it doesn't get used again. I swam about 40-50 yards in the dark this fall to a small perch which I shared with a couple other guys and didn't feel comfortable the whole time. I can tell you one of the other guys was quite uncomfortable too after he had a bit of difficulty breathing while traveling to the rock. Fortunately we all made it back ok and were laughing once on shore, albeit nervously.

I routinely did risky stuff like this in my 20's and can see the appeal wetsuiting has to the younger guys in the sport. There is definitely a thrill factor involved which adds to the game. Lots of times in the past I though only about what could be gained. At 38 with wife, two kids, good job, etc. there's no fish worth the risk for me as I've accepted my level of status in the fishing game. There's plenty of fish to be caught in ankle deep water too....

I used one this fall. Can't see swimming in it while wearing boots. I did, however, like it for wading. I'm often trying to get to rocks that are chest deep using a dry top....much more relaxing doing it in a wetsuit. It also lets you wade more confidently in a moderate swell/surf. The cushioning when you stumble is nice as well. Being wet is a downside unless the temp is perfect. It amuses me that when I fish by boat I'm always trying to get in as close as I can and land my plug in ankle deep water, and when I'm fishing the shore I'm always trying to get out as far as I can and cast as far out as I can manage. The biggest disadvantage I find is using it to get to a difficult rock, then catching a fish with a faceful of plug and trying to deal with it out there because getting back in is too much a chore. I also found myself fishing less because I'd think "if you go you should use the suit", but for a short trip it seems like too much work so I wouldn't go.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by numbskull

The biggest disadvantage I find is using it to get to a difficult rock, then catching a fish with a faceful of plug and trying to deal with it out there because getting back in is too much a chore.

Real fishermen only need one hook. Six plus barbs is simply wasting steel in an attempt to bolster your percentages and thus your bragging rights. The people of Pittsburgh love you though as do the folks in Alaska.

[DJ Muller]

One thing I found to my liking is that the wetsuit has a much longer lifespan for the dollar than do a pair of waders. For example a fews years back I was fishing your typical Montauk rock with a brand new pair of Hodgman breathables that I just dropped a $125 on. As I slid off my rock I tore 3 slits in the inside of my leg and the water poured into my waders as the curses poured out of my mouth.
I have several wetsuits that I wear pretty much everywhere but in my home waters (NJ). When in places like Cutty, Mtk, Block or MV where boulder fields reign supreme, my waders never leave my dufflebag.
I could not wear a wetsuit out in a few years of wear, where waders, if I am lucky, last a year. I found a wetsuit last year that I really liked for the warmer months...a 3mm full body from O'Neil Reactor that I paid $100 for. That thing will last me for years.
A little off subject, like using the full suit its long sleeves and legs offer great protection against sharp edges...whatever they may be.

Add up all the ws variables safety, mobility, warmth, protection, and longevity and it becomes a clearer choice for the surfcaster that doesn't want to mess with the worries that waders offer.

[flyvice11787]

DJ, that's good info for those of us waffling on getting a wetsuit .

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by flyvice11787

DJ, that's good info for those of us waffling on getting a wetsuit .

I wouldn't count on being as warm in wet neoprene as in waders, fleece, and a dry top come Oct/Nov, particularly if there is any wind.

[numbskull]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

there's no fish worth the risk for me as I've accepted my level of status in the fishing game.

Don't say THAT! It is never too late to start using plugs and rehabilitate yourself. We all make mistakes. Just say "no" to eels and move on. Wood will give you back your pride and let your children respect you again.

[SAUERKRAUT]

[QUOTE=Flaptail;645093]At 6'-6-1/2" a great deal problem is for me it would be a custom job and I cannot bear that kinda of expense at this time for fishing.

I hear you...Numby is the only one I know of that could buy only a Henderson shorty, have it reach all the way down to his ankles, and wear it as a full suit.