Should "wetsuiting" be its own category of fishing

[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?

[numbskull]

I used a 5mm full henderson suit, under armor cold gear beneath (top and bottom), a wool hat and a windproof top this fall (on the upper cape). Can't say I recall being warm or comfortable. Wetsuits are a useful tool, but you are still wet in them and when it gets cold and windy you will struggle to stay warm when wet....at least at my age.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by numbskull

I used a 5mm full henderson suit, under armor cold gear beneath (top and bottom), a wool hat and a windproof top this fall (on the upper cape). Can't say I recall being warm or comfortable. Wetsuits are a useful tool, but you are still wet in them and when it gets cold and windy you will struggle to stay warm when wet....at least at my age.

Don't feel bad, George. The young guys get cold too....that why I got a 7/5 suit. In the off season I suggest you do some acclimatization training with us. Next year you’ll be at the head of the pack...don't worry about the "cashew" jokes either, its all in good fun.

[shadow]

IMO wetsuit are great for certain fishing situations yet have not replaced my need for waders.To me they are a pain to get on and off,I feel fatigue much sooner when casting for long periods with a w/s verses when wearing waders
also when wearing a suit and not getting in the water much because of big surf or what ever I have gotten very itchy.Also like numbskull come a cold night in late oct I am cold even with my 5/7 and a dry top not to mention having to get undressed in the parking lot.If I need a wetsuit I will grab it,if I can get away w/ waders then thats what I will grab first.

[DJ Muller]

Originally Posted by numbskull

I used a 5mm full henderson suit, under armor cold gear beneath (top and bottom), a wool hat and a windproof top this fall (on the upper cape). Can't say I recall being warm or comfortable. Wetsuits are a useful tool, but you are still wet in them and when it gets cold and windy you will struggle to stay warm when wet....at least at my age.

George-
Did you submerse while wearing the suit? The wetsuit keeps you warm when the water trapped between you and the neoprene heats up. If there was no water inside-the suit would not work effectively.

What were the water and air temps this fall? I want to compare situations.

[DJ Muller]

Originally Posted by flyvice11787

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

fly-one piece I run warm so the cold isn't a big obsticle for me, that said I try to prep myself according to air and water temperatures. My buddy on Cutty this year suggested wearing (or at least carrying with you) a "hoody" (a 3mil. hood vest) that you can throw on and give you added protection when the the night winds blow cold.

[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.

[DJ Muller]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

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.

BB- First off I don't swim much, 6 foot deep is about my max. The drytop is not nearly the inhibitor that the friggin plugbag (sea anchor) is. When that thing fills with water it must weigh 50 pounds-plus. Try getting up on a rock with an extra 50 pounds pulling you down, waves hitting you, and you have frustration (PIA). To off-set this poblem I went to AS single tray/3 slot surfbags which I wear (2) on my belt. No more tug-o-war.

Wetsuits with the 'smooth skin' makes it wind resistant. My first couple suit were scuba or diving suits. They were fine until I went to surfing wetsuits which I found much more flexible and many made for dealing with wind, you sit on your board waiting for the next wave right?, it made perfect sense. So I bought the 3/2 O'Neil Reactor and haven't looked back.
BTW-I bought this suit with summer in Mtk. Fishing from dusk to dawn. At dusk the air is warm and the world is a beautiful place, but at 2 a.m. when a stiff wind kicks in and you are wet, standing on a rock for an hour or two-you can definitely get a chill. The smooth skin helps a lot but the drytop ices the cake.