Should "wetsuiting" be its own category of fishing

[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.

[DJ Muller]

Originally Posted by numbskull

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.

Come colder weather (late Oct/Nov.) bump up to a 5mm. At any time the wind blows in the dark hours, throwing on a drytop cuts the wind and keeps you warm until dawn early light. I've never had a "cold" problem with the 5mm, but the 3mm can get chilly at 3 am and not moving off your rock for two hours. The Reactor has the wind inhibitor which is why it caught my eye.

Here's my bud Jolliffe wearing the drytop w/ the ws to cut wind.

[flyvice11787]

DJ, are you wearing a 5mm one piece suit, or a farmer john, which may be slightly warmer?

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by DJ Muller

Come colder weather (late Oct/Nov.) At any time the wind blows in the dark hours, throwing on a drytop cuts the wind and keeps you warm until dawn early light.

I like the dry top idea, but in my limited wetsuit experience a dry top can be a burden if you plan on swimming any distance with a top on. For deep wading its a great idea.