There’s an old saying, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” While that credo most certainly appeals to a younger crowd, there’s no doubt that having the right gear in snotty conditions can make all the difference in the world, even on the nicest boat. And let’s face it, when the fish are biting, sometimes you just have to go. We gathered a selection of foul-weather outerwear, footwear and accessories to help you focus on the task at hand and not the elements.
Best Foul-Weather Jackets
AFTCO Fortress Rain Suit
The top-tier option from an industry staple, AFTCO’s Fortress Rain Suit offers the highest waterproof rating with exceptional breathability. Built for the toughest conditions, this jacket and bib combo keeps water out, stays secure in strong winds, and offers unrestricted movement with its articulated fit.
Columbia PFG Force XII Jacket
A longstanding household name in the outdoor space for good reason, Columbia’s new PFG Force XII Collection is worth a look if you’re in the market for new foul-weather gear. Featuring its proprietary ODX OutDry Extreme fabric, the jacket offers superior waterproofing and breathability. Thoughtfully designed with anglers in mind, the jacket includes a high-collar hood, adjustable cuffs and reflective details.
Pelagic Hurricane Jacket
The newest line of foul-weather outerwear from the team at Pelagic includes the Hurricane Jacket, which combines warm insulation with a durable waterproof exterior. A packable hood offers coverage during rain and tucks away for unrestricted movement when not needed.
Simms ProDry Rain Jacket
A respected name in fly-fishing for nearly 50 years, Simms has recently made a push outside its core market with the launch of several products. Marketed as “weatherproof,” the new ProDry Rain jacket and bibs offer Gore-Tex waterproofing and breathability, and feature the sleek look and feel that have made Simms successful.
Gill Pro Tournament Jacket
The Pro Tournament has a highly technical three-layer design that offers protection against wind and water, with fully taped seams and an enduring water-repellent finish, which offers great protection from wet weather and salt spray. The Vortex hood technology keeps the hood in place when traveling at high speeds too. gillfishing.com
Grundéns Gambler
The company’s flagship angling jacket, the Gambler, is constructed with all the features demanded by professional tournament anglers. It optimizes waterproofness, comfort and mobility, thanks in part to built-in stretch panels and a shingled cuff design as well as its Gore-Tex construction. It’s packed with features and built with all the toughness and reliability of the Grundéns brand. grundens.com
Watch: We show you how to rig one of the best baits for blue marlin: the swimming mackerel.
Pelagic Chubasco Jacket
To keep you dry in the wettest conditions, Pelagic’s new Chubasco Jacket is composed of a lightweight, 100 percent waterproof PVC shell that offers a superior barrier from the ocean’s relentless elements. Designed for the traveling fisherman, this jacket packs easily and features a loose-cut design for optimal mobility. pelagicgear.com
AFTCO Barricade Elite Jacket
Built with wet-weather fishing in mind, the Barricade Elite jacket has 100 percent nylon four-layer construction to keep you warm and dry even in the harshest conditions, with a 30K waterproof rating and 7K breathable system to vent excess moisture and body heat. The double dry cuff and YKK chest zippers are designed to keep water from sneaking in as you move about the cockpit. aftco.com
Huk Mossy Oak Tournament Jacket
Designed to perform at the highest levels, the Mossy Oak Tournament Jacket is windproof and waterproof, with fully taped seams, a storm flap, covered zippered chest pocket, covered flap hand pockets, adjustable hood, and adjustable hem and cuffs. A highly durable water-repellent coating and the waterproof/breathable material work to fight moisture on three unique levels, keeping you dry and agile. hukgear.com
Salt Life Excursion Waterproof Hooded Jacket
The Excursion waterproof micro ripstop hooded jacket features a brushed tricot-lined mock neck, a vented back yoke with mesh lining, fully adjustable hidden cinch toggles, and three zippered pockets, plus a fully waterproof construction with taped seams and reflective trim for low-light visibility. saltlife.com
Grundéns Tourney Jacket
Fishermen have relied on this brand for years. The jacket is made with a sturdy stretch fabric that allows full movement, whether you’re tossing a cast net or pulling the anchor. grundens.com
Avid Typhoon Rain Jacket
This could be the ultimate warm-weather rain jacket. Underarm vents keep you cool, while the water-resistant shell keeps you dry. avidgear.com
Huk Leviathan Jacket
If you have ever fallen overboard at night, you know the importance of not only being seen, but being seen quickly. This series is woven with Reflectek technology, making you highly visible at night when hit with a light source. hukgear.com
Best Foul-Weather Bibs & Pants
Columbia PFG Force XII Bibs
The PFG Force XII Bibs from Columbia features ODX OutDry Extreme fabric to offer superior breathability and waterproofing. The bibs feature stretch panels, abrasion-resistant overlays and multiple storage pockets.
Pelagic Squall Pants
The new Squall Pants feature the same waterproofing and superior Pelagic engineering as the Hurricane Jacket, providing anglers with a deadly combo for fighting off cold and wet conditions.
Huk Leviathan Bibs
When others are hiding from the spray and rain, you’re still fishing. These bibs keep you in the game and protected from the elements — storm or no storm. hukgear.com
Gill Race Fusion Salopettes
Both functional and fashionable, these bibs offer three-layer waterproof and breathable protection. With a superstretch back panel, you’ll stay dry and cozy even in the nastiest conditions. gillmarine.com
Aftco Hydronaut Waterproof Bibs
These hypercomfortable bibs have extra-wide ComfortFlex shoulder straps and articulated knees that keep you mobile all day long. Developed with the help of AFTCO’s pro staff, it’s waterproof, high-performance gear that fishes hard. aftco.com
Grundéns Tourney Bibs
Long gone are the days of only one option. These flexible bibs are not only 100 percent waterproof, they are 100 percent comfortable. Lightweight and durable, they’re guaranteed to be a staple in any temperate fisherman’s closet. grundens.com
Best Foul-Weather Footwear & Accessories
AFTCO Breakwater Gloves
AFTCO’s new waterproof Breakwater Gloves work well with the Fortress Rain Suit for total protection in cold, wet or windy conditions.
Simms Challenger 7″ Boot
While offering features similar to other deck boots, the Challenger 7” Boot offers Simms’ proprietary rugged deck outsole to provide next-level grip and traction on all surfaces.
Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boot Sport
Xtratuf helped catalyze the ongoing deck-boot revolution and continues to evolve with its Ankle Deck Boot Sport, which combines performance and innovation. Up to 30 percent lighter than traditional boots, it features a durable, slip-resistant Biolite foam construction and a one-piece outsole. Offering sneaker-like comfort, high energy return and superior traction, it’s the ultimate choice for comfort and agility on deck.
