Also, Susquehanna Fishing Magazine contributors John "Toast" Oast and Juan Veruete will be conducting a seminar, An Introduction to Kayak Fishing.
Monday, January 9, 2012
19th Annual Monaghan Fishing Show & Flea Market (Jan. 28-29)
If you are in the area on January 28th and 29th, swing by the 19th Annual Fishing Show & Flea Market at the Monaghan Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. Check out the flier for specifics.
Also, Susquehanna Fishing Magazine contributors John "Toast" Oast and Juan Veruete will be conducting a seminar, An Introduction to Kayak Fishing.
Also, Susquehanna Fishing Magazine contributors John "Toast" Oast and Juan Veruete will be conducting a seminar, An Introduction to Kayak Fishing.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Evolution of Winter Wear for Kayak Fishing (SFM, Nov. 2011)
From the November 2011 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
By Jeff Little
I wore blue jeans and construction boots the first time I went kayak fishing in cold weather. Three hours into the 9 mile float trip, my legs were soaked and cold from the paddle shaft drippings alone. The boots got tossed a few weeks after the trip, because they got wet and started to give me foot funk. 12 years later, I’m wearing the best money can buy for kayak anglers. The evolution shows a gradual increase in what I will invest in for on the water comfort and safety.
The first upgrade from blue jeans was a move to a cheap pair of 3.5 mm neoprene waders with accompanying felt sole boots. I wore multiple pairs of wool socks, sweatpants and long johns underneath. I looked like a cross between Godzilla and the Michelin man. Despite all the bulky extra layers of insulation, I was still cold. This set up was acceptable through November, but in December, January and February I just toughed through it. I can’t say I fished to my potential in those early years of learning how to catch winter river smallmouth. Comfort does translate to angling success.
So I moved on to a thicker 5 mm neoprene wader with attached boot foot. I was actually warmer wearing fewer layers. One huge upgrade was the socks. I found SmartWool. One pair of these with a hand warmer tossed down in the bottom of a spacious boot kept my feet from going numb. When I was cramming three pair of socks on before, it constricted blood flow, leaving my toes first cold, then near frost bitten.
Somewhere in there, I experimented with paddler dry pants with gaskets at the ankle that never seemed to keep the water out. I even shaved my ankles to see if it was my hair letting the water seep in. I also used a pair of breathable waders instead of neoprene. They were OK for October and November, but just didn’t afford the insulation of neoprene.
The biggest leap forward came with the descriptive words “relief zipper”. I will never go back to not having this amazing feature. The Kokotat Whirlpool Bib with relief zipper that I wear now allows me to put down the rod, unzip, grab the other one, take care of business, zip up and get right back to fishing in less time than it takes to retie.
I can remember driving home from trips when I wore waders realizing that I had become dehydrated. I think that I developed an aversion to hydrating myself. Subliminally, I knew that it would lead to the 15 minute process of paddling to shore, taking off the life vest, removing my spray top, then pulling a bulky pair of waders down, then reversing the process. Things are better now.
Under the bibs, I wear a moisture wicking top and bottom, also made by Kototat called Outer Core. The thin layer wicks away perspiration that can later leave your skin cold. Top it off with a hooded spray top and PFD, and I’m warm and ready for a 33 degree rain and smallmouth hitting hair jigs!
Editor’s Note:
Another great option is to wear a combination of dry pants with integrated dry socks, like the Kokatat Tempest Pants, matched with a dry top.
http://susquehannafishing.com/
By Jeff Little
I wore blue jeans and construction boots the first time I went kayak fishing in cold weather. Three hours into the 9 mile float trip, my legs were soaked and cold from the paddle shaft drippings alone. The boots got tossed a few weeks after the trip, because they got wet and started to give me foot funk. 12 years later, I’m wearing the best money can buy for kayak anglers. The evolution shows a gradual increase in what I will invest in for on the water comfort and safety.
The first upgrade from blue jeans was a move to a cheap pair of 3.5 mm neoprene waders with accompanying felt sole boots. I wore multiple pairs of wool socks, sweatpants and long johns underneath. I looked like a cross between Godzilla and the Michelin man. Despite all the bulky extra layers of insulation, I was still cold. This set up was acceptable through November, but in December, January and February I just toughed through it. I can’t say I fished to my potential in those early years of learning how to catch winter river smallmouth. Comfort does translate to angling success.
So I moved on to a thicker 5 mm neoprene wader with attached boot foot. I was actually warmer wearing fewer layers. One huge upgrade was the socks. I found SmartWool. One pair of these with a hand warmer tossed down in the bottom of a spacious boot kept my feet from going numb. When I was cramming three pair of socks on before, it constricted blood flow, leaving my toes first cold, then near frost bitten.
Somewhere in there, I experimented with paddler dry pants with gaskets at the ankle that never seemed to keep the water out. I even shaved my ankles to see if it was my hair letting the water seep in. I also used a pair of breathable waders instead of neoprene. They were OK for October and November, but just didn’t afford the insulation of neoprene.
The biggest leap forward came with the descriptive words “relief zipper”. I will never go back to not having this amazing feature. The Kokotat Whirlpool Bib with relief zipper that I wear now allows me to put down the rod, unzip, grab the other one, take care of business, zip up and get right back to fishing in less time than it takes to retie.
I can remember driving home from trips when I wore waders realizing that I had become dehydrated. I think that I developed an aversion to hydrating myself. Subliminally, I knew that it would lead to the 15 minute process of paddling to shore, taking off the life vest, removing my spray top, then pulling a bulky pair of waders down, then reversing the process. Things are better now.
Under the bibs, I wear a moisture wicking top and bottom, also made by Kototat called Outer Core. The thin layer wicks away perspiration that can later leave your skin cold. Top it off with a hooded spray top and PFD, and I’m warm and ready for a 33 degree rain and smallmouth hitting hair jigs!
Editor’s Note:
Another great option is to wear a combination of dry pants with integrated dry socks, like the Kokatat Tempest Pants, matched with a dry top.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
January Issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine Now Online!
The January 2012 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine is now onlne and available for free download via SusquehannaFishing.com:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
January's issue includes:
This Month with a Susquehanna River Guide, by Lance Dunham
Defending the Outdoorsman, by Bill Milheim
Traveling Tips, by Rod Bates
Hints & Tips, by Allen Fowler, Bryan Wilhelm, and John "Toast" Oast
Cool Stuff, by Rick Wolbert and Bill Milheim
http://susquehannafishing.com/
January's issue includes:
This Month with a Susquehanna River Guide, by Lance Dunham
Defending the Outdoorsman, by Bill Milheim
Traveling Tips, by Rod Bates
Hints & Tips, by Allen Fowler, Bryan Wilhelm, and John "Toast" Oast
Cool Stuff, by Rick Wolbert and Bill Milheim
Friday, December 30, 2011
North American Fishing Club Susquehanna Flathead Article
Susquehanna Fishing Magazine contributor Rod Bates and Koinonia Guide Service are featured in a new article on the North American Fishing Club's website.
"Early Winter Flatheads" is an article about an outing Koinonia took on the Susquehanna River for big cats.
http://www.fishingclub.com/magazine/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/3230/early-winter-river-flatheads
"Early Winter Flatheads" is an article about an outing Koinonia took on the Susquehanna River for big cats.
http://www.fishingclub.com/magazine/articles/articletype/articleview/articleid/3230/early-winter-river-flatheads
Dress to Impress (SFM, December 2011)
From the December 2011 issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
Dress to Impress
By John “Toast” Oast
Each year as the temps drop I try to spread the word about dressing properly for kayaking and canoeing during the winter months. And these recommendations are just as important for anyone hanging around the water from now through the first half of 2012. Heck, that is why these sports are called “water sports”. There are always a few unseasonably warm afternoons before the water starts to return to comfortable temperatures. Every year we hear about people on the water, needing to be rescued or worse, when there is a nice sunny day. People forget that just because the air temp may be nice on a sunny day, that the water takes a considerably longer time to warm.
Growing up around the water I always saw news reports of people falling in the water and becoming hypothermic in a matter of minutes. The water only needs to be a few degrees lower than a person’s body to substantially lower one’s core temperature. Always wear the proper warm weather attire. Depending upon the activity, this attire may include waders, dry suits, or a combination of dry pants and a dry top, but always be prepared for the worst case scenario. And of course, always wear your personal floatation device.
Do you carry a pair of jumper cables in your vehicle, just in case? Do you have a fire extinguisher in your boat or kitchen, just in case? Well, shouldn’t you dress properly around cold water, just in case?
John “Toast” Oast is an American Red Cross instructor, is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and a member of the Ocean Kayak Fishing Team. His kayak rigging videos have received thousands of views, and been linked to websites around the world. For more information, visit http://fishyaker.com/ and his Youtube page at http://youtube.com/fishyaker.
http://susquehannafishing.com/
Dress to Impress
By John “Toast” Oast
Each year as the temps drop I try to spread the word about dressing properly for kayaking and canoeing during the winter months. And these recommendations are just as important for anyone hanging around the water from now through the first half of 2012. Heck, that is why these sports are called “water sports”. There are always a few unseasonably warm afternoons before the water starts to return to comfortable temperatures. Every year we hear about people on the water, needing to be rescued or worse, when there is a nice sunny day. People forget that just because the air temp may be nice on a sunny day, that the water takes a considerably longer time to warm.
Growing up around the water I always saw news reports of people falling in the water and becoming hypothermic in a matter of minutes. The water only needs to be a few degrees lower than a person’s body to substantially lower one’s core temperature. Always wear the proper warm weather attire. Depending upon the activity, this attire may include waders, dry suits, or a combination of dry pants and a dry top, but always be prepared for the worst case scenario. And of course, always wear your personal floatation device.
Do you carry a pair of jumper cables in your vehicle, just in case? Do you have a fire extinguisher in your boat or kitchen, just in case? Well, shouldn’t you dress properly around cold water, just in case?
John “Toast” Oast is an American Red Cross instructor, is the publisher of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and a member of the Ocean Kayak Fishing Team. His kayak rigging videos have received thousands of views, and been linked to websites around the world. For more information, visit http://fishyaker.com/ and his Youtube page at http://youtube.com/fishyaker.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Susquehanna Fishing Magazine, January Issue Coming Soon!
The 23rd issue of Susquehanna Fishing Magazine will be published and online, available for free download, within the next week. Stay tuned for the release!
http://susquehannafishing.com/
Note: Advertising and article/photo submissions are still available
http://susquehannafishing.com/
Note: Advertising and article/photo submissions are still available
Friday, December 23, 2011
Happy Holidays from Susquehanna Fishing Magazine!
Susquehanna Fishing Magazine and SusquehannaFishing.com wish everyone a great holiday!
Remember, if you haven't checked out the December issue of SFM, you can download it for fee at SusquehannaFishing.com:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
The January 2012 issue should be online during the first week of January. Feel free to forward your article and photograph submissions.
Remember, if you haven't checked out the December issue of SFM, you can download it for fee at SusquehannaFishing.com:
http://susquehannafishing.com/
The January 2012 issue should be online during the first week of January. Feel free to forward your article and photograph submissions.
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