The second-most important piece of equipment any angler on a Canadian fishing trip should have is excellent-quality rain gear.
The first is a proper-fitting life vest. We supply life vests as part of our fishing packages at Bow Narrows Camp but we still suggest you bring your own just because you will be more inclined to wear one that you know and like. (See Your Most Important Fishing Gear)
You need to bring your own rain gear and we strongly suggest you get the best.
Gore-Tex and similar waterproof, breathable fabrics are superior to non-breathable rain gear because you don't sweat in them. This is important because your rain gear is also your first line of defence should you encounter cold weather too. You need something to break the wind but which keeps you dry from rain, spray and sweat.
From what we've seen the ultimate in rain gear is Cabela's Guidewear. Everyone who has brought this to camp has reported it to be excellent.
Of course you need both jacket and pants.
However, Guidewear is probably also the priciest rain gear on the market. It's too expensive for me, in fact.
Here's an update from 2011. For two years now I've been wearing Cabelas DryPlus rainwear and have found it to be excellent. This is about one-half the cost of the GoreTex Guidewear.
It breathes well and is comfortable in cold weather. It is absolutely waterproof and it is tough as well. I've worn mine in the bush while cutting firewood and nothing got torn or had sticks poked through it.
I just point this out to illustrate that you can get very good rain gear for less expense if you want.
All of the breathable-fabric jackets and parkas have adjustable cuffs which helps keep water from running up your sleeves when fishing.
If for some reason you don't want the breathable fabrics then get commercial grade rainwear worn by such people as highway and utility workers. It's not cheap either.
The very last option is to buy a set of vinyl or PVC rain gear. This is better than nothing but just barely. You can expect the seat or crotch of the pants to split and the rain to run down the sleeves and in the neck. It makes you sweat inside, so if you wear it for more than an hour you will get cold.
Finally, don't forget to bring either rubber or waterproof boots. Nothing's worse than having cold, wet feet.
4 comments:
I have always "dreamed" of getting Gore-Tex rain gear, but it costs more than I am able or willing to spend. A couple of years ago, I purchased Frogg Toggs and gave them a try. I was apprehensive about the material, but found them to perform quite well in shedding rain. They have kept me warm and dry through a number of rain storms in Ontario. They cost about $60/US.
Looking forward to my first fishing adventure at Ox Bow this next summer...
Dan - I sent in a comment this morning and may have accidently referred to your camp as Ox Bow... If that is the case, I apologize. I have been attempting to multi-task (not good at my age and brain capacity!!!), as I have been looking for some local lakes to fish here in West Tennessee, while at the same time looking to your "Slice-o-Heaven." Ironically, the lakes I have been searching here at home are called Ox Bow lakes. These are formed in a former river bend when the main river channel changes direction and leaves in its path a body of water, shaped like a bow, which is now land locked and separated from the river. Many of these new bodies of water are stocked with game fish by the Tennessee Department of Natural Resources and become hot spots for fishing. So, if I accidently called your place Ox Bow... Oops!!! I am sorry.
Happy fishing,
Doug Billings
Quite a few of our customers bring this rainwear and most agree with you, Doug, that it is pretty good.
We have had a few people who have said it won't keep you dry in all-day driving rains. But I think there are different grades of Frog Toggs and they might have been wearing the cheap stuff.
One of the best things about it is that it is tough even though it sort of looks and feels like paper.
There's nothing worse than a cheap vinyl rainsuit that splits in the seat the first time you bend.
No worries on the name mistake. We are accidentally called many things such Bow-N-Arrows and Beau's Narrows. One of the funniest was someone who thought we were called Bone Marrow Camp!
So why are we called Bow Narrows anyway? The narrows in front of camp is bow-shaped. The actual name of this water body, however, is Phillips' Channel. Phillips was one of the gold rush pioneers.
Dan
We used all three mentioned and found women Frogg Toggs to be worthless. The guys ones are better but no comparison to the Gore-Tex if you plan to stay out in the waves and driving rain. They also last for years and can be past on to kids as they grow.
Post a Comment