What to wear while fishing from a personal watercraft?

Fishing from a personal watercraft presents a set of unique challenges that can impact your clothing choices. PWCs are smaller and more exposed to the elements than traditional fishing boats. They also offer limited storage space for gear and clothing, so you need to be selective and strategic with what you bring along.

Exposure to the Elements 

On a fishing personal watercraft, you're likely to get wet, whether from splashes, spray, or the occasional wave. You're also directly exposed to the sun and wind, which can be both refreshing and harsh. Your clothing should, therefore, offer protection from the sun's UV rays, be wind-resistant, and help you maintain a comfortable body temperature.

Movement and Comfort

The compact size of a PWC means you'll be in closer quarters with your fishing accessories. Your clothing should not restrict your movement and should allow you to handle your fishing equipment with ease. Comfort is key, as you'll be seated or standing in the same spot for extended periods.

Staying comfortable, dry and protected from the sun is another critical element of Sea-Doo fishing clothes. When fishing from a PWC, you want to prioritize clothing that is waterproof or quick-drying, UV-protective, and breathable. Here are some of the essential items you should consider:

Life Jacket

When we talk about personal watercraft fishing gear, the number-one item is your personal flotation device (PFD). And you want it to have some functionality to it as well: a place to keep items like pliers, extra tackles and other easily accessible gear goes a long way. The Sea-Doo Explorer PFD takes all this into account to create the perfect fishing life jacket. It provides excellent comfort and range of motion for casting, jigging, trolling and more.

Base Layers

Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that can keep you dry and comfortable. Materials like polyester or merino wool are excellent choices as they wick away sweat and dry quickly.

Mid Layers

For cooler days, add a mid-layer such as a fleece jacket. It provides warmth without bulk and continues to insulate even if it gets wet.

Outer Layers

A lightweight, waterproof jacket is essential to protect against wind and water. Look for one with a hood and sealed seams for maximum protection.

Pants or Shorts

Depending on the weather, you'll want to choose between long pants or shorts. Quick-dry materials are ideal, and some fishing pants come with built-in UV protection, which is a bonus.

Footwear

Water shoes give you that extra grip you need to feel confident while moving about your personal watercraft or running across the waves. They’ll also keep your feet protected when riding, beaching and docking or even help you navigate those slippery boat ramps with confidence.

Gloves

A pair of riding gloves will help you keep a good grip on the handlebars — especially in wet conditions — and protect the back of your hands from wind and sunburn. They’ve got great dexterity for operating fishing rods, reels and buttons on your Sea-Doo.

Hats and Sunglasses

A wide-brimmed hat will protect your face and neck from the sun, while quality sunglasses with polarized lenses will reduce glare and protect your eyes.

Beyond the essentials, there are additional clothing items and accessories that can enhance your PWC fishing experience.

Rash Guards

Wearing something like a Sea-Doo UV 50 Rashguard shirt is the ideal solution. It’s lightweight, keeps your skin out of the sun and won’t leave you having to repeatedly lather on sunscreen. It also keeps you protected from wind and saltwater spray when you’re moving from spot to spot.

Buff or Neck Gaiter

A buff or neck gaiter can be used in various ways to protect your neck, face, and head from sun exposure.

Waterproof Bags

With limited storage space, a small, waterproof bag or pouch can keep your essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys dry.

The time of year you're fishing will greatly influence what you wear. Here's a seasonal breakdown:

Spring and Fall

Layering is crucial during these transitional seasons. Temperatures can fluctuate, and you may encounter rain or chilly winds. A good waterproof and windproof jacket is essential, along with layers that you can add or remove as needed.

Summer

Lightweight, breathable, and UV-protective clothing is a must. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun, and you may want to opt for a ventilated life jacket for additional airflow.

Winter

If you're brave enough to fish from a PWC in the winter, you'll need insulated, waterproof clothing and possibly a wetsuit or drysuit. Always be mindful of the risks of cold-water immersion and dress accordingly.

When choosing your fishing attire, keep these tips in mind:

Fit and Flexibility

Ensure your clothing fits well but isn't too tight. You'll need flexibility for casting and reeling in fish.

Durability

Fishing can be tough on clothes, so look for durable materials that can withstand abrasion and frequent washing.

Practicality

Pockets, loops, and hooks can be incredibly useful for keeping small tools and gear within easy reach.

Color

While not the most critical factor, the color of your clothing can affect your visibility on the water. Bright colors can help you be seen by other watercraft users.