Bye Bye Rainsuit
One of the most useful pieces of advice Pete taught me about fishing was to make sure you spend money on a good rainsuit. Nearly 20 years ago, he took me to Bass Pro Shops to get me my first “real” set of foul weather gear. He assured me that it would pay off in the long run and we’d decided to get a BPS Gore-tex 100 mph rainsuit, no matter what it cost.
As I’ve written a million times before, I don’t like fishing in the rain or the cold. It’s uncomfortable and I can’t mentally get through this ridiculousness. However, If I skipped fishing every time it was cold or rainy I might not get much time on the water in at all. Bad weather sometimes seems to follow us around and the fish don’t seem to mind – it’s always raining for them.
Looking back, my red rainsuit was indeed the best purchase fishing purchase I’ve ever made.
At the time women’s rainsuits weren’t a thing so I had to purchase the smallest men’s size, medium. It was too big but I made it work, I velcro’ed the sleeves and the pants and I’m happy to say that the Velcro held up. Properly layered, it kept me warm and dry but I never did grow into it (this girl was done growing up a long time ago) and I’m sure I looked absolutely ridiculous.
Since then, the options for female fishing clothing have increased substantially. I’ve been able to find some other rainsuits that are just as waterproof, but didn’t make me look I was wearing a balloon.
If you’re going to fish seriously, you’ll need to cough up the bucks and get one for yourself. I suggest a pair of bibs and a jacket. Combined they provide double protection around the midsection to prevent water from getting through to the layers beneath.
As I have moved on to a more “fitting” rainsuit it was time, long past due, to get rid of my “first” rainsuit. I brought it to a fishing flea market last week. Out of the corner of my eye, I suddenly saw the red rainsuit draped over a potential purchaser’s arm. I’ll admit it, I got a little choked up (not exactly, but kind of) and after a little negotiation, off went my “first,” but not without a picture.
Fortunately, there are As my long time outdoors friend, Bradley Simmons, frequently tells me: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.” Here is a list of rainsuits and bibs/pants I recommend based on personal experience. Be sure to try them on – everyone has a different fit.
