Having your best selection of fishing gear suitable for a wet day out can save you a world of misery and frustration.
While some heavy rain makes your lure a lot less conspicuous to the fish you are after, it can also spoil any gadgets you might have.
Equipping yourself with fishing gear that can withstand the rain test will make your day’s work as a fisherman a lot less precarious and more fun.
And so we have compiled a list of accessories that you would usually need at some point on your expedition.
But of course, all of them are thoroughly resistant to any threats that water might pose and remain highly effective during a heavy down pour.
Choosing the best rain gear for fishing
The ideal time to go fishing is usually in clear calm weather.
However, with the right kind of preparation, even a rainy day can become beneficial to a fishing trip. The challenge is to keep your gear safe and running obviously.
Choosing the best fishing gear to cope with the rain is a matter of how well it has been proven to endure harsh and wet weather conditions.
Even on a perfectly dry day, you will find yourself wishing some of the gear would not be hindered by water.
As you are shopping around for some rainproof fishing gear, there are some essential features they should have to be considered valid options worth investing in. Some of them may already overlap with the more traditional requirements of fishing gear but nevertheless, keep an eye out for them.
Let’s take a look at the features that should be present in your fishing gear in order to repel the difficulties of rainy weather.
Check Waterproofing
Of course, it is a no brainer.
You want to make sure your gear is designed to withstand being ruined by hundreds of little drops being pelted down on it. This is especially true if you are using a device that has electronic functions that help with the fishing. A lot of this rides on the material and how it is used.
Some materials have added finishes or coatings that resist water but that is a more fragile solution.
Should Have Plenty Of Storage Space
This is a feature you should expect even on non-specific fishing gear.
Rainy weather can make for rough going out on the water and you will have more to do with your hands than grasp you’re your valuables. Look for plenty of pocket space, especially pockets that can be sealed with a zip or Velcro piece. That would be a valuable feature to have as certain items like your mobile phone which may not be waterproof can be stored and kept dry.
You might also want those pockets to warm up your hands after being exposed to the cold for too long.
Must Be Lightweight And Highly Resistant Material
The materials that go into making your clothing, as well as your gadgets, have big challenges coming at them. But it is important that they hold up against all of them.
First off, they need to be able to keep moisture away from where it is not needed. But at the same time, they have to remain practical and easy to use. With clothing, for instance, an improper balance of materials can make them waterproof but extremely cumbersome and heavy to wear, ultimately trading one bane for another.
So make sure the materials that go into making your gear are light and practical but just as capable at repelling rain.
Properly Done Seams
Having the best materials is pointless without if there is nothing to hold it all together.
Seams are always a weak spot for water to creep in. Try not to settle for cheap sealing options like glued seams as these can give way with prolonged exposure to water.
A really good option would be seams that are sewn and are reinforced by tape to avoid leakage in even the tiniest holes.
Include A Safety Feature
Know that in a downpour, even with all the right gear at your disposal, you are still the one who is least in control. And things can still go wrong despite your best efforts.
As an added precaution, it could be lifesaving to wear a suit that enables you to float and insulates you from water and cold temperatures.
Another important feature to have is reflective fabric on visible areas of your suit so you can be easily spotted and rescued in case of an emergency.
Best Rain Gear For Fishing We Reviewed
Having considered the crucial features to look out for, we have come up with a list of our top recommendations for you to choose from.
These devices are all reputed for being tough against the elements and easy to live with for fishermen. So let’s get right into them.
Helly Hansen Workwear Men's Impertech Deluxe Rain and Fishing Jacket
- FULLY WATERPROOF RAIN COATS FOR MEN made from EN 343 certified weatherproof Impertech fabric to...
- DURABLE POLYURETHANE WITH KNIT BACKING sturdy, full stretch fabric rain poncho protects from the...
- ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS phthalate-free fabrics in this rain coat mean low environmental impact...
- COMFORTABLE ACTIVE FIT with adjustable sleeves, waterproof pockets, attached hood and back cape, zip...
- ENGINEERED FOR SAFETY AND RELIABILITY using the highest quality materials and design mean that...
The Helly Hansen Workwear Men’s Impertech Deluxe Rain and Fishing Jacket is equally designed for comfort as well as toughness.
It is made of a polyester base fabric and coated with stretched polyurethane which is the go-to material for achieving easy mobility and full waterproofing.
Sufficient ventilation is also provided via its back cape design so that you can stay as comfortable and relaxed as possible while working. To ward off an active assault by water, the seams are micro welded. There are also a pair of pockets which are waterproof with a flap over the front zipper.
At the back, there is a hood which is usually folded away into the collar but can be deployed for keeping your head dry in the rain. This jacket is also blood-borne pathogen tested.
With so much of proper thought put into the design, we reckon it will take the water an eternity to fathom how to get inside. It truly is a wonder how this jacket manages to stay absolutely watertight but amply ventilated and comfortable.
As ever, the seams are key to maintaining water resistance. But we have noticed some that have come with weakly bonded seams that allow leakage inside and that is not a good thing to deal with.
Sizing has been an issue as well. It seems the categories have been based on larger than average measurements and can be confounding to try on.
- Waterproof
- Materials allow ventilation
- blood-borne pathogen tested
- Plenty of creature comforts included
- Can contain weak seams which compromise water resistance
- Sizing is a bit off
DuffelSak Waterproof Duffel Bag
- Keeps Gear Dry: Zipper-top duffels can't seal out driving rain. That's why we designed our DuffelSak...
- Built To Withstand Hard Wear: DuffelSak Dry Bag comes in heavy duty 500D PVC with watertight...
- Lots Of Room: Never fear! This spacious duffel fits everything from clothes & swimsuits to phones,...
- 3 Ways To Tote: Just grab the padded double handles & go. Or sling the cushioned strap over your...
- Money-Back Guarantee: We're a leader in waterproof bags and we are sure you'll love your DuffelSak...
The DuffelSak Waterproof Duffel Bag will keep whatever items you put in it clean thanks to a tight roll-down top.
It has proven to be a lot more effective at sealing out the rain than a conventional zipper top. All you have to do is roll it 3-4 times and then clip it shut.
Safe as houses.
Durability is a big consideration with this bag too. It comes in 500D PVC with watertight welded seams. This enables it to take the hardest punishment the weather will put it through live to fight it endure it another day. It is pretty generous with interior space. You can chuck in things like clothes, swimwear, cameras and personal computers without a fuss.
The design features 1 interior zip-pocket and 2 outer zip splash-proof pockets.
There are even multiple ways to tote this thing around. You can take it by a pair of padded handles, you could sling it over your shoulder with a cushy strap or you can use the 4 attached D-rings to latch it on to luggage.
In fact, the manufacturers are so confident this bag will impress customers, that everyone is entitled to a full refund within 90 days if the bag turns out to be disappointing.
- Waterproof
- High-level endurance
- Generous amount of interior space
- Practical to use and carry around
- Refund available for a limited period
- Defects in stitching can cause leakage
Frabill F2 Surge Rainsuit Jacket
- 10,000 mm Two Layer Waterproof, windproof, breathable shell with liner
- 100% seam sealed
- External adjustable sleeve cuffs
- Dual external storm flaps with rain gutter over main zipper
- Two - way adjustable, waterproof hood with reinforced brim/sun visor
The Frabill F2 Surge Rainsuit Jacket has been beefed up to be even more resistant to threats from rain and wind than ever before.
It makes for an altogether more ergonomic fishing experience thanks to a three-way adjustable hood and visor. It has dual layers of a waterproof, windproof and breathable shell made of 330 denier nylon and a membrane that is 100% seam sealed and resistant to the elements.
The external sleeve cuffs are adjustable and there are two external storm flaps with a rain gutter over the main zipper. The hood is also waterproof and adjustable to two ways and includes a reinforced brim/sun visor.
Pockets at the chest are waterproof as well. There are also sizeable hand pockets with that have zip seals reinforced by storm flaps.
Also, there are important safety features such as 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material on the back.
The Frabill F2 is exceptional value for money, easily delivering at a standard that would suit more expensive and fancy gear.
The trouble that has gone into making it resistant to the elements certainly pays off. Even after being completely submerged in water, it keeps the water at bay surprisingly well.
However, after an hour or so spent under a constant pelting drops of water, leakage can become a problem. Also, the Velcro straps and zippers can be a handful to do up sometimes.
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Good value for money
- Ergonomic features included
- May not endure well in the rain for prolonged periods
- Straps and zippers can be difficult to do up
Coleman PVC/Nylon Rain Suit
- 100% waterproof, durable, . 20mm PVC/Nylon
- Heat-welded seams and a covered zipper prevent leaks
- Drawstring-adjustable hood for the perfect fit
- Snap-adjustable arm and leg cuffs
- Designed to fit men and women
The Coleman PVC/Nylon Rain Suit is made of durable materials; 20mm PVC that comes with a nylon lining and is waterproof.
The suit is composed of a jacket and pants.
On the jacket, there is a drawstring adjustable hood and hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs. An interior drawstring on the waist ensures a cozy fit that will not allow any moisture to penetrate inward.
There a storm flap over the front zipper at the center for better insulation from the rain. There are vents situated at the front and the back to maintain a decent level of ventilation.
You also get 2 big bellow pockets for added convenience.
The pants have a drawstring running through the waist to make the fit adjustable to different waist sizes. There are also openings at the legs which are sealed with zippers, 2 slit pockets and articulated knees for easy mobility.
Safety features include reflective tape on the front and back. The whole suit is easy to fold away and store in a bag.
- Waterproof
- Adequately adjustable
- Creature comforts included
- Practical for use and storage
- Ample ventilation
- Choosing the right size can be tricky
Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack
- FISH AT ALL HOURS: This lighted fishing tackle backpack features an integrated LED light system so...
- PROTECT YOUR GLASSES: This fishing tackle backpack has a mounted molded sunglass holder to help keep...
- REMOVABLE PLIER HOLDER: This fishing tackle backpack has a removable plier holder so your pliers go...
- PROTECTION FROM THE ELEMENTS: This fishing backpack features a protective rain cover that can be...
- CONVENIENT WORK SURFACE: The front pocket cover on this fishing tackle backpack folds down to...
The Wild River by CLC WT3604 Tackle Tek Nomad Lighted Backpack integrated LED light system to make help with fishing in low light conditions.
The lower tray compartment has enough storage space for up to 4 medium #3600-style trays. There is also a sizeable area for upper storage featuring a removable divider so it can be transformed into a proper backpack capable of storing larger things.
You can have it with a protective rain cover can be deployed swiftly and easily the contents dry. There are some actual creature comforts as well like a permanently mounted molded sunglass holder to provide safe storage for your sunglasses.
And to hold everything steady behind your back are two large adjustable padded shoulder straps that will only let you feel a fraction of the weight of things you will be carrying
This bag is a simply phenomenal piece of kit for any fishing trip. It has mesh pockets which can easily be seen through and base pads increase overall durability and resistance to the elements. It is a serious buy for a serious angler.
However, it has not been exempt from incurring minor damages while being delivered.
- Plenty of storage space and options
- Durable build quality
- Resistant to wet conditions
- Many practical features
- Organized layout
- Sometimes delivered with minor damages
Frogg Toggs Breathable Boonie Hat
- Waterproof and breathable Boonie hat provides weather and UV protection
- Crushable and packable for easy traveling
- Features a short, round brim
- 1 inch internal band
- Shock cord tension adjustment
The Frogg Toggs Breathable Boonie Hat is a neat little accessory to have on your fishing trip.
But in addition to being a fashion statement, it can also boast some impressive features and functions. It is entirely waterproof and breathable so it is beneficial in both wet and dry conditions.
It is practical as well when not in use, easily crushable and occupies little space in your luggage.
The main material used to make it is pure polypropylene. You would have to admit the angler’s look would not be quite complete without it.
If you have got one of these, you will not have to worry about your head taking a battering in a storm. The wind could not defeat it either. It will stay hugging your scalp for dear life thanks to a strong chin strap.
On hot days, it keeps your head nice and cool with plenty of ventilation. And the wide round brim keeps blocks your eyes from the sun for the most part.
This hat is not ideal for use in very cold temperatures. You had better stick to more traditional head gear then.
Unfortunately, the build quality also comes across as rather cheap.
- Waterproof
- Windproof
- Breathable
- Good value for money
- Not well insulated from colder temperatures
- Cheap build quality
Conclusion
That concludes our list of recommendations for the best fishing gear to use in the rain.
Hopefully, some of them peaked your interest and gave you a clear idea as to what standards you should be expecting and which items will suit you best.
This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI