Wetsuit Wednesday? - Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating

Pete_G · 08-13-2008, 10:48 PM

Someone's going to need to be rescued by the Coast Guard soon, it's just a matter of time.

Seriously though, recognize your limitations. I don't care how good a swimmer you are (I used to run triathalons, although swimming wasn't my strong suit) it's a different game toting along all that gear. I had brief moment of concern tonight when there was a little more current then I expected, missed the middle bar I usually rest on, and had to go ALL the way to my final spot in one shot. I was in Newport and I thought my next stop was Cuttyhunk. Remember you float if/when you get tired. Once I realized I was off course and got a little tired I just "idled" in place for a while and then continued on my way. When you start breathing hard that's when you're vulnerable to s#^&#^&#^&#^&#^&g in some unexpected sea water, take a break if you can.

As Goose said 3mm is a short season. I'm already back in my 5mm on most nights. If only one it should be a 5mm and it is much more bouyant if you want to just float. That said, those of us who have more "natural" insulation don't chill off as easily. For me when I'm in a 3mm on a 70 degree dry night I really struggle to stay warm enough after evaporative cooling takes place.

The new Korkers shoes with interchangable soles are THE ideal boot for this sort of activity. They aren't just better, more importantly they are safer. You can swim much better in them then a dive boot and Korkers as they are dramatically lighter. Just get appropriate neoprene socks to go underneath.

Some sort of gloves are highly advisable, Aquaskinz or similar. Pulling yourself up on rocks (or grabbing them as you get knocked off) hurts without them.

Be safe out there...

PaulS · 08-14-2008, 07:01 AM

Where are you guys buying your suits and what's the approx. cost?

Thanks

(for some reason I keep thinking of sausages)

NIB · 08-14-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pete_G

Someone's going to need to be rescued by the Coast Guard soon, it's just a matter of time.

Seriously though, recognize your limitations. I don't care how good a swimmer you are (I used to run triathalons, although swimming wasn't my strong suit) it's a different game toting along all that gear.
As Goose said 3mm is a short season. I'm already back in my 5mm on most nights. If only one it should be a 5mm and it is much more bouyant if you want to just float. That said, those of us who have more "natural" insulation don't chill off as easily. For me a when I'm in a 3mm on a 70 degree dry night and I really struggle to stay warm enough after evaporative cooling takes place.

The new Korkers shoes with interchangable soles are THE ideal boot for this sort of activity. They aren't just better, more importantly they are safer. You can swim much better in them then a dive boot and Korkers as they are dramatically lighter. Just get appropriate neoprene socks to go underneath.

Some sort of gloves are highly advisable, Aquaskinz or similar. Pulling yourself up on rocks (or grabbing them as you get knocked off) hurts without them.

Be safe out there...

This is no lie.I use a 3/2 it does not float u as well as a 5..
Had a few close calls when conditions where more harsh on a 50 yd swim.NIB is not so smart..It will tire ya out quick..
Like Pete said with all the gear an boots on it is hard to swim..
I used my rod to pole me along after a while and it saved my butt..You must remember to stay calm..
I like the new Korker boots.They are a little high but nivce an light.

WoodyCT · 08-14-2008, 08:35 AM

Those short little boogie board fins look like they might me of some use when trying to get to far off rocks. Hang them off the back of your belt on a carabiner until it's time to swim back in??

Redsoxticket · 08-14-2008, 09:08 AM

good luck & be safe Chumley.

,
small inflated tire tube to navigate to perches along with hauling large bass back to shore or a lunch box.

Swimmer · 08-14-2008, 02:22 PM

Its a movie about surfing. Its ironic that you made mention of buying a xxxl wetsuit on Wednesday.

I think 3 mil is the way to go. Numbskull, 5 mil will tire the arm out pretty quick I bet. Keep you warm and float you like no tomorrow though.

Tagger · 08-14-2008, 03:55 PM

Larry ... If you don't mind ,, about how many stones that cost .. You buy local ? brand name .? are some better than others .. ?

afterhours · 08-14-2008, 04:17 PM

this is all Z's fault.....

Zeno · 08-14-2008, 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by afterhours

this is all Z's fault.....

Yeah right
First it was metal lips
then it was white water
eel skin madness
and now wetsuit
The Ruski running over Georgians is the next thing I will get blamed for

Seriously ,wetsuit should be used as a "tool" not an solution.
Eventually, you get more comfortable and you start eyeing rocks that you shouldn't. Every time I get on a ##$%^&& rock I think I see one a little further out. Them you try to get it only to find a jaded piece of real estate you cant stay on. Another annoying wetsuit thing is using a rod as a cane. Last Friday night I was solo on the Montauk south side when my but cap broke while wading and a rock got in and stuck.Every time I casted the rock flew forward and then backwards.Its was like having a rattle in my rod....hmmmmm maybe that is why that cow ate my rigged eel on a second cast ? There might be something to it

Another thing to consider is BAGS. I put in caps because they will drive you nuts. You think you can get on a rock with your standard bag , you should of seen me at Cutty for almost half an hour trying to get up on a rock at SW. Every #$%$^&* time I got up like a seal by sliding on my stomach ,my Hunter bag (which weighs 50 lb with water) would pull me down. My partner was pissing in his pants laughing. I had to take the bag off and put it on the rock. Then I placed the rod on the rock. Now I only had to get on before the wave washed the bag and rod off the rock. It wasn't pretty....be careful out there
Get a smallest bag for your needs....

numbskull · 08-14-2008, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tagger

Larry ... If you don't mind ,, about how many stones that cost .. You buy local ? brand name .? are some better than others .. ?

Eddy, I ordered mine from Divers market in plymouth. They have 10% off and no sales tax this coming weekend. It was about 300 bucks when all said and done, including socks. I plan to try wading boots initially. I got the hyperstretch henderson because most people seem to agree it is worth the extra money for a flexible suit and this brand was recommended by many. I got a full suit because that is what I see pictures of most people wearing and I didn't want to spend extra money for several different neoprene jackets in order to get the greater versatility of the farmer john style. I got the 5mm because I don't want to be cold and 7mm sounds like too much for most of the year. I suspect I'm nuts.

eastendlu · 08-14-2008, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by numbskull

Eddy, I ordered mine from Divers market in plymouth. They have 10% off and no sales tax this coming weekend. It was about 300 bucks when all said and done, including socks. I plan to try wading boots initially. I got the hyperstretch henderson because most people seem to agree it is worth the extra money for a flexible suit and this brand was recommended by many. I got a full suit because that is what I see pictures of most people wearing and I didn't want to spend extra money for several different neoprene jackets in order to get the greater versatility of the farmer john style. I got the 5mm because I don't want to be cold and 7mm sounds like too much for most of the year. I suspect I'm nuts.

I suspect you are correct welcome to the club.

Clogston29 · 08-14-2008, 05:00 PM

word of advise, be carefull where and when you decide to swim out. to most people on shore, someone a few hundred yards offshore on a rough night is in trouble, not fishing. had the police and fire department out looking for us one night with spotlights. have heard of others having similar experiences.

also, i'd recommend loading up with all the stuff that you'll carry when you fish and going for a swim on a calm day if you're at all not sure of your swiming ability or overall fitness level.

that's all for if your actually swimming, for just deep wading and not having to worry about filling waders if you mis-step, just go for it, the wetsuit is much safer and more comfortable than waders and a dry top (and more cost effective since dry tops inherintly suck and don't last long at all)