Kayak Fishing in the Winter - How to Be Safe in Cold Water

With the cold water and cold weather of winter, kayaking can be dangerous. Things can quickly go from bad to worse. In this video I explain the "Rule of 120" and how to stay warm and safe on the water. I also show how I stay prepared for when I fall out of my kayak.
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Tackle used in this video -
NRS Gear - www.nrs.com/
Kayak - Bonafide SS127 -
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Video equipment used in this video -
Camera - Cannon 80D, GoPro Hero 3 and 5
Camera stands - YoloTek Power Stick
Microphone - Sony UWPD 11/42
Editing Software - Adobe Premiere Pro
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釣り

[@77barree]

I had to pull a guy out that didnt make it a few years back .cold water then heart attack. thanks for the video post.

[@hiddenend]

my friend shot a big buck as it was coming out of the river. when he shot it, it jumped back in the water. my friend, without thinking, jumped in after it. the temperature that day was in the 30's and we had about 6" of snow on the ground. I got to him with my truck within 5 minutes and he was standing in his underwear and his body was completely red. it was a very scary situation. I have my 2nd kayak and am planning on fishing this winter for the first time and I keep thinking to myself "if I catch a monster and it gets loose right at the boat, don't jump in after it".

[@notsure8327]

Man this is why you stay #1 to me. I just watched a very popular fishing KZbinr today and about 5 videos in, I’d seen 3 videos where he said things that were straight up false, done things that were dangerous, and generally showed himself to be a tool. Thank God you are on here.

[@grunion721]

Good stuff...One of my stay warm hunting hacks I've carried over to winter kayak fishing. Use the hot hands toe warmers with adhesive and slap one to each side of your lower back on your base layer.

[@hatterasfreediver]

Great video... adding to the waders topic... neoprene waders float like a cork; they also provide warmth once they are filled with water just as a neoprene wetsuit does.

[@notsure8327]

For the fire kindling, cotton balls dipped in Vaseline. Change them out every couple months. The jelly keeps the inside dry and burns long, you spread it apart and whether it’s a lighter or a flint you can get a small fire with one cotton ball that lasts a few minutes, long enough to start kindling

[@basicbudgetbassin8563]

Safety is paramount anytime we’re on the water great stuff Gene! 👍🏼

[@BassGeek]

WOW that's a great tip! The tip about the back heating pad thing is awesome. Among the 92 other awesome tips.

[@terryclowers4433]

New to the kayak thanks for looking out for us!

[@vegasvato55]

This video has been a long time over due ... Thank you for this one

[@dustinhumbert5280]

Thanks for all of the information. Just bought a kayak and will definitely take the advice of starting with the challenges.

[@A.Blair_Fishing]

Not just spreading tips for more fish... spreading tips to be safe. You are the man, MAN!

[@JReedOutdoors]

Don’t have a kayak yet but gonna get one soon. Thanks for all the tips. This is some great stuff to think about and prepare for. Thank you!

[@BravoBassin]

Great video Gene! well done! safety is priority #1!!

[@firedawg9266]

Exact suit setup I have and very thankful. Flipped my kayak into 40 degree water, very minimal water inside the neck area but otherwise completely dry. Great videos and content as always Gene.👍

[@tjtewshews5531]

So with that same gear you can get in water and stay dry? Doesn't seem possible with a jacket. I've been planning on a dry suit but this video has me reconsidering.

[@rbrooke2379]

Less flippantly than my first comment, great video, and I really appreciate your honesty and caring for your audience.

[@TannerB73]

This is REALLY helpful for me as a new kayaker (I’m chomping at the bit to try it this spring, haha). Thanks so much!

[@MrJimmyAbbott]

Great video that WILL help someone survive entry into the 120 rule water.

[@rickeyvance3186]

Awesome video

[@nonames000]

i think the big thing is just to have high quality dry suit apparel, which are very expensive, not really any other option as to what to wear.

[@jeremyjackson1730]

This was great info Gene. I’m out a ton on cold water and wasn’t doing half of these things. We were supposed to fish and float the Ocmulgee this weekend. Thanks again for the advice 🙏

[@davidallen3939]

Great video, I am new to kayak fishing and would love to see a video on how to keep from losing all your STUFF when you flip a kayak other than manually tieing everything to your boat

[@tonebassin2571]

Great helpful Info brother thank you

[@jholl7339]

I gotta ask. Have you ever fallen in while wearing chest waders? There are a lot of us, myself included, who wear chest waders in cold weather kayaking. There are also others, more experienced than me, who have used chesy waders, as well. The one thing that's been mentioned is that they do not fill up instantly, because the wayer pressure on the outside tends to press the waders to the body, plus, it's just good practice to wear a good wading belt, to boot. The bibs that you have, there, are really no different than chest waders. Do they have a tunnel to mate up to a dry top (I'm trying to understand what sets them apart from waders). Lastly, when you are in the water, and your waders DO fill up with water, they will not weigh you down UNTIL you try to climb out of the water. Up till then, it's merely a matter of neutral buoyancy. Water inside doesn't weight more than the water outside. Please don't take me as being a jerk that wants to dispute things. There's lots of conflicting information out there, and this sibject is too important to just leave it at that. Keep up with all the great vids, and thank you for all that you do!

[@Flukemaster]

Thanks for the constructive comment man....I wore chest waders for years while flyfishing. I know they don't fill up with water instantly but they do fill up and when they do you can forget getting back into your kayak quickly. The waders in the video take 5 to 10 minutes to start getting wet inside and if I had to guess it would be at least 30 minutes or more for them to fill up to the point where I couldn't get back into my kayak.

[@fish1648]

you meant subject right I sometimes have trouble spelling words as well

[@kongvang4132]

This is how I stay alive during winter kayak fishing. Kayak stays home until spring and summer. If I have the itch to fish. I fish on shore, on boat, or stay home.

[@kathymatheny6336]

I forgot the Ike tip from one of your older winter videos. Tks for the reminder!

[@MarkPolsky]

Dude , Great info

[@SuperWildBillS]

thanks for the link to Chad Hoover demo on climbing back in..I .learnt something today...3B's..! Be safe and have fun..thank you!

[@westr70]

Great video. Thank you.

[@sp3_outdoors]

Go Dawgs! Thanks for sending a good message bro

[@AlbaneseBaitCompany]

Great video

[@southoutmcknight3263]

I don’t go much during winter. Ready for some Spring time kayaking! But great video.

[@NUCKINFUTS4LIFE]

Sweet video. I fish Northeast and Southeast PA, put my yak away in November.

[@fglmc1052]

Great video Gene! A friend explained to me how to use your own gas engine to get back into a boat if you don't have a ladder. Never know when you are going to need these life saving tips.

[@Flukemaster]

Yep, that's something I practice too.

[@Madocthevindicator]

Oregon waters are cold, and I kayak fish year round. I finally bought a drysuit, and it makes me feel claustrophobic. I'm used to having wet feet in 38 degree air temps, so this will be a luxury. Someone commented that CA is safe year round, fall in the ocean, or a mountain lake? Even in CA, you can get hypothermia. It's no big deal until it happens to you with no one to save you but you.

[@notsure8327]

The bit about getting back in your kayak brings back memories of that Canoeing merit badge! Whooo me as a chubby 12yo had QUITE the time getting back in my canoe.

[@prouddad5184]

Hey gene instead of that belt you are talking about, hot hands make body patches as well. They have sticky side and you place that against your core with a shirt on. I use them for my son and I when we hunt and we love them! You core stays nice and toasty.

[@Flukemaster]

I've seen those. I just feel bad for those with hair on their backs.

[@Alex-jw4gf]

Good vid!

[@notsure8327]

Ski pants! I’m saying that at the start hoping you use the same solution I did lol

[@juhavuorinen6305]

I always use drysuit when cold, you can swim with it in ice water or when ice fishing sometimes you go trough the ice and it's not fun. Unless you have drysuit that will keep you warm, dry and a float for few hours, I live in Finland here coast guard helicopter will come and hoist you in less than 2h anywhere, from the time you call 911 with your waterproof phone, that you always have with you while on the water. Good 1 piece drysuit start from about 500usd, 2 piece are 1000usd and up, so less than 1 good rod.

[@greenpighunter6930]

Thanks.👍

[@hitman4u222]

Thank you

[@joemartin6439]

Thanks my rig is a huge dry Big fish120.

[@editre011774]

For years I have carried a vacuum sealed bag of charcoal with a small bottle of charcoal lighter fluid and a lighter. I vacuum seal it all together to keep it dry. Instant campfire. I keep one in my bass boat, one in my kayak gear and one in all of my vehicles. they don't take up much space, but can save your life in an emergency.

[@juhavuorinen6305]

I do exactly the same here in Finland where I live and do my boating/fishing

[@IntuitiveUniversity]

How about a pack of hand warmers they’ll warm you up pretty quick if you drop some down your pant legs etc. they will burn ya though if you let them stay in contact with your skin. Learned this ice fishing.

[@Big_Johns_Life]

I need dry wear but they forgot about us large guys and cut out right before my size trying to shrink up some where I can get some but I do care a survival kit

[@A.Blair_Fishing]

I have also seen people attach a bungie to themselves strapped to the yak. if they flip they can climb the bungie and not sink. Flip side is in rough waters they got drug under if the kayak went down stream. Pick a poison scenario I guess.

[@leroykubacki9224]

I weigh 400 lbs is there a kayak for my size. I fish a lot of pfa in south ga around the Altamaha river

[@markloedding8238]

Do you use a tether in case you go in the water your kayak wouldn't be able to float away?

[@slickydicky]

I recommend putting a box of UCO Storm matches in your fire kit. If it's cold enough outside that lighter will not work.

[@robertsutton3001]

I just ordered those plugs to keep the water out in the winter

[@jonasoutdoors]

are wet suits good, or no?

[@johncremeans969]

CANDY YOU NEED CANDY IN YOUR BAG. At mountaineering school they taught us the critical aspect of staying warm is feeding your body so you have fuel to burn. And it will cheer you up and that is critical. Also sailboats really small sailboats even that race in the winter, the sailors have a great selection of 'dry suits" you can fall in get out capsize yourself and get back in and continue the race that might be a good source for you guys. DRY SUIT

[@BigJ_88]

Does anyone have the h20 express fishing bibs if so how are they?

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

So what if I wore a dry top over a pair of stocking foot waders? Would the dry top be able to form a good seal or do I have to purchase the bib and dry top? I don’t want to skimp on safety. I’m just wondering if I already have sufficient gear.

[@juhavuorinen6305]

Answer is no, seal is not going to be good enough, however for about 500usd you can get certified drysuit designed for kayaking, dinghy sailing..., that will keep you dry, warm and afloat for few hours, but it won't turn you facings upwards, that's why in addition you need pfd on top of it that will turn you if you are unconscious in the water for whatever reason.

[@rpb1961]

This is my first time winter fishing. I bought an eight hundred dollar dry suit. Money well spent. I stay warm and dry.

[@austinhernandez2716]

That's twice as much as my kayak costed

[@juhavuorinen6305]

Certified drysuit is the only suitable cloathing for cold water activities, I have been using them now for about 15years here in Finland where I live. Remember to have your suit pressure tested every 2 or 3 years by professional testing place, to see if there are any micro leaks developing, at that point repair will only cost about 50usd because the leaks is so small.

[@jakeolson4266]

I fell in two years ago in my bass boat while fishing a tournament. 38 degree water temps and rainy 34 degree air temps. I had the spare set of clothing, dry gloves and stocking cap but the one thing I forgot, and will never forget again...socks!! My feet have never been so cold. On a positive note, we got 2nd place, lol!

[@Flukemaster]

Oh man. You are lucky. Nothing beats a dry set of clothes.

[@davidshoemaker4437]

I think someone else has mentioned that waders do not become anchors. Maybe if you are talking about the old full rubber waders but if you are using neoprene waders they will not fill up with water and sink. They will actually be buoyant for a while, and if you have a pdf along with a belt you have nothing to fear. I have fished from belly boats wearing chest waders in 20-degree temps and have been dry and warm all day long. A good pair of neoprene waders is a good choice to stay warm and dry for winter fishing.

[@Flukemaster]

They make it next to impossible to climb back into the kayak when in open water

[@davidshoemaker4437]

@@Flukemaster I can see that it might add to the difficulty of climbing back on a kayak, as I have never tried it. I fish using float tubes and inflatable pontoon boats, and have never had a problem with waders, and mostly wanted to point out they will not make you sink.

[@davidguthrie5941]

Natural selection.

[@CreativeZofficial]

My two cousins are currently being searched for at a lake in Missouri, they found the girlfriend of one of them and the two kayaks on shore, she sadly passed from hypothermia.

[@theantfarm8668]

Like the video even 10 months later. Where did you hear the 120 rule? You should check out the USCG 1-10-1 rule for cold water immersion survival. 1 min to control breathing 10 mins of use of , and 1 hour before losing consciousness. I also used to believe that what you were wearing would weigh you down like an anchor, but i recently read an article that talks about buoyancy of our bodies in the water even with clothing and waders on what matters at that point is having the correct PDF and not one that is underrated for what you are wearing and your body weight combined. The article was written by a Physics professor. I will look for it and link it in the future. All that said I do really like your Dry Gear. It aint cheap you are right about that and I bet it lasts quite a while.

[@mechengineer4894]

Debating whether to get another float tube or one of those inflatable kayaks. Biggest LM bass and muskie I ever caught was in a float tube in parts of a lake inaccessible to a boat or kayak. The musike pulled me around for 4 to 5 min before I reeled it in. Float tube was destroyed in a house fire. Float tube is also when the scariest moment while night fishing occurred. I always flick on my flashlight when the lure is getting close to see if anything is following it. I did this on one of the inlets on lake Ontario and I was greeted by a massive sturgeon looking up at me. The 2 of us gave each other heart attacks. The first thing that pops into your head is shark and I jolted and that scared the sturgeon as it bolted away. I've float tube fished into mid November where I almost got frost bite in my fingers, but the neoprene waders kept me warm. Waders were also lost the fire. Probably going to get a 5" thick neoprene wetsuit that could be used for float tube and kayak fishing.

[@seanlavery8660]

do the boundary boots go over the bottom or the bibs or just under the lip? I just got a drysuit and I'm looking for boots to get... thanks for the info!

[@Flukemaster]

They are slip on neoprene boots with zipper sides. They go over the bottom

[@seanlavery8660]

thanks Fluke! might have to give them a try!

[@daviddickerson8037]

What are your thoughts on a dry suit?

[@Flukemaster]

If you can afford it, that would be the absolute best option.

[@backlashbassin3968]

I bought my first yak last year for my birthday in mid January. Waited till march to get on the water cause i knew i had never been in one before and had no business in 45 degree water.

[@OldLadyAngler]

We lost a kayaker at Fellsmere last week. Not due to cold weather.... but he was found dead under his overturned kayak. About a mile south of the launch... just past the Indian Mound.

[@wendybrown2701]

So sorry for your loss

[@Flukemaster]

I saw that. That was very strange.

[@slvrlightning00]

Great title. People just don't know!

[@rbrooke2379]

Gotta tell you man, it's 16 degrees out there, and I am absolutely not going kayaking. Weak, I know, but I'm ok with that.

[@Flukemaster]

That's why I wasn't on the water in this video. I hate being cold.

[@opinionatedviewer7730]

I got a pair of palmyth fishing gloves with a sleeve for hot hands in the wrist. With that hot hands pressed up against my wrist I was able to keep my finger tips exposed for 3 hours in 36° weather

[@Flukemaster]

Those sound awesome

[@opinionatedviewer7730]

@@Flukemaster check them out they cost around $30 off Amazon.

[@jjohn8989]

Scuba wet suit is a viable option. Minimal water comes in, and they float.

[@steveeichelberger806]

I’m heading out on the kayak tomorrow and I put together a dry bag with enough clothes so I could strip down naked like you say and cover my entire body if needed. Including gloves and a balaclava. Thanks to you and Chad for covering these important topics.

[@user-el4fe8lt3c]

You definitely do not become an anchor when your waders fill up with water. If you’re wearing a pfd you will be fine. Me typing this is proof. That being said, I don’t disagree that a bib is the way to go though. Warmer and more comfortable. I have some friends that won’t go out without a dry-suit in winter even if just on a lake or in the harbour. To each his own, just do what gets you out there SAFELY. Always practice re-entry in cold water with all your gear on, and practice wet weather fire starting. Carry spare clothes, a towel, a lighter and some dry fire starter in a dunk proof dry bag.

[@rosiecotton8343]

Wear a wading belt so your regular waders don't fill up with water.

[@IntuitiveUniversity]

Another suggestion is cutting the boots off an old pair of waders

[@flonkas]

Luckily for me I’m from California and it’s never cold here

[@worldcitizenproductions7611]

Put a Dry sute on that will keep you dry you did not say anything about that.

[@Rustico62]

stabilizers

[@Flukemaster]

No need for them in this kayak.

[@Rustico62]

@@Flukemaster 6'5 ' 70 year old angler, 120 rule is smashed on the low side, who still wants to stand and throw swimbaits, has dementia and can't remember where his shoulders should be, and doesn't have your kayak? No stabilizer? Try to think of other people than yourself , it can save lives. I bet even on your kayak stabilizers would be good for some. Also, neoprene wetsuits and rain pants and a splash jacket, zippers so the old guy can pee all the time.

[@Flukemaster]

The reason you don't need a stabilizer is because they only prevent the boat from flipping. This boat is designed in such a way that you will fall out way before the boat flips. Even if you put a stabilizer on this boat you still can't 100% prevent yourself from falling out. I completely understand what you are saying but let me suggest that you go test some of the newer kayaks on the market and you will then understand what I'm saying.

[@Treeline88]

Yes it's dangerous. Just be careful out there.

[@chads3308]

All amped up got a kayak for Christmas! lol freaking hilarious. Hey that's what happens to stupid people, they don't make it... Get a wet suit or neoprene waders all synthetic clothes and a dry bag with dry clothes go out and catch some fish! Oh practice your re-entry on kayak before ever going out..

[@alandrismedia1258]

First