Monday is sunny. Tuesday it rains. Wednesday the wind blows and Thursday it snows. Must be spring time. If the weather is the only thing keeping you off the water, it’s time to change your clothes. These 6 pros have suffered it all and put together the best systems for shoulder season fishing.
1. Matt Charette; Maine
Vibe Kayaks Pro, Pro Guide
Target: Bass and native trout
Outwear: Columbia Outdry Extreme—inherently breathable material stays bone-dry.
Innerwear: Columbia PFG Blood and Guts pants and shirt are stain-resistant.
Underwear: Merino wool and Smartwool socks hold the heat even when they are wet.
2. Bobby Clark; Texas
Bonafide Kayaks, Tournament Winner
Target: Bass
Outwear: Onyx Outdoors Thunder Ridge bib and jacket shield me from the wind.
Innerwear: Dri-fit, long-sleeve performance hoodie. Take off layers to prevent sweating.
Underwear: Under Armour medium weight thermal pants and top.
3. Brad Hole; Washington
Ram Mounts
Target: Trout and salmon
Outwear: Kokatat SuperNova Semi-Dry Suit, paddling pants and drytop connect to make a drysuit.
Innerwear: Heat Holder Thermal Socks and Fox River Outdoor Wick Liners draw moisture away from my feet.
Underwear: Exofficio Give-n-Go.
4. Mike Basnight; Southside, Virginia
NuCanoe Kayaks Pro
Target: Redfish and cobia
Outwear: Grundens Storm Surge jacket and Simms waders are dry and breathable. Fully taped seals won’t split or leak.
Innerwear: Boardshorts and long sleeve Under Armour.
Underwear: Under Armour baselayer stays warm when wet and combines breathability with heat retention.
5. Annie Nagel; Northern California
Ocean Kayak Pro
Target: Salmon and ling
Outerwear: Mustang Survival ARC two-piece drysuit for complete immersion in 50-degree ocean water.
Innerwear: AFTCO Mirage softshell jacket to block the wind over Horizon weatherproof fleece to capture heat.
Underwear: Mustang Survival Regulate baselayer controls heat and moisture.
6. Robert Field; Florida
Producer, YakFish TV
Target: Redfish
Outwear: NRS Boundary Shoes keep my feet dry. They are high enough to wade when launching and landing.
Innerwear: NRS Guide Pants and lightweight hoodie.
Underwear: Two pairs of wool socks when it gets really cold.
