Wet Suits?

Here at least we can find suits in pawn shops. they are not too bad, Just a thought. I already had two and found them when there to buy some tools.

My buddies and I who fish the ocean all use the Farmer John (Stolquist or NRS) 3 mm suit.  The relief zipper is must have for obvious reasons and has kept me comfortable in long hours in the water. 
Another important factor to consider is keeping your feet warm.  I use Neoprene booties and Seal Skinz submersible waterproof socks.
I just got an Angler Drysuit and only used it once.  The upside with the drysuit is you stay dry but if you misjudge the weather and it gets warm it gets uncomfortable because you need to head in to remove layers.

When I fish freshwater I love using Kokatat Tempest Pants.  It has a  loose cut that allows for layering as needed.

My buddies and I who fish the ocean all use the Farmer John (Stolquist or NRS) 3 mm suit.

+1    IMHO one of the best options out there for someone starting out.  Not just any FJ, these Stolquist and NRS are well suited for kayak fishing, especiall with a relief zipper!    But you still need more layers to keep warm, such as a polar fleece and splash jacket.  Add in some rain pants for cold and windy days and you have a pretty good immersion setup.  Please remember to never wear cotton though as a layer!  Even a t-shirt when it gets wet will cling to you and wont dry quickly causing your core temp to go down. 

Great advice...Thanks guys!

Saving my pennies for a FJ suit to start, seems to be the best value for the safety offered. I'm 5'9" 210Lbs, any idea what size I should look into?

Both companies have sizing charts on their websites.  And FYI for the Big Guys out there like me, the NRS Grizzly is the best fitting one I've found out there    I would also go to a kayaking shop and check them out in person.  Many of the shops give a 10% discount for NCKA members, so make sure to let them know!

Both companies have sizing charts on their websites.  And FYI for the Big Guys out there like me, the NRS Grizzly is the best fitting one I've found out there    I would also go to a kayaking shop and check them out in person.  Many of the shops give a 10% discount for NCKA members, so make sure to let them know!

Got it! Thanks

Some local REI stores carry NRS FJ and booties even in the winter months.  Good place to get started.

Yeah, I don't know what these other guys are talking about. But a 3mil FJ wetsuit (I like NRS) is the way to go. You need to wear a splash jacket & booties too. Then if you can score some splash pants to wear over the FJ, you'll be set! Because you'll be warm, dry, and safe. I also like this setup because it's versatile--in case you want to fish warm freshwater, just wear the splash pants w/swim trunks underneath.
You s/b able to find a FJ for $60, booties for $20, splash jacket for $50, and splash pants for $50.

CA Canoe and Kayak in Oakland has good inventory.  They are good people there.

Yeah, I don't know what these other guys are talking about. But a 3mil FJ wetsuit (I like NRS) is the way to go. You need to wear a splash jacket & booties too. Then if you can score some splash pants to wear over the FJ, you'll be set! Because you'll be warm, dry, and safe. I also like this setup because it's versatile--in case you want to fish warm freshwater, just wear the splash pants w/swim trunks underneath.
You s/b able to find a FJ for $60, booties for $20, splash jacket for $50, and splash pants for $50.

LIKE 

Yeah, I don't know what these other guys are talking about. But a 3mil FJ wetsuit (I like NRS) is the way to go. You need to wear a splash jacket & booties too. Then if you can score some splash pants to wear over the FJ, you'll be set! Because you'll be warm, dry, and safe. I also like this setup because it's versatile--in case you want to fish warm freshwater, just wear the splash pants w/swim trunks underneath.
You s/b able to find a FJ for $60, booties for $20, splash jacket for $50, and splash pants for $50.

The only thing here I disagree with is the 3mil versus something like a 5 - 7 mil.  The 3 would be just fine for a quick dump and a few munites to get back on, but if the stuff really hits the fan and you have to spend some extended period in waters arond 52-55f then that 3mil will just not be enough to keep you safe and functioning (IMHO).  It's a very slim chance that you'd find yourself in such a situation but it does (and has) happen. 

The rest of the recommendation is right on.

I was crabbing with Dune 12 last month in HMB, he wore a 5 Mil or thicker wetsuit.
I had my 3 mil.  He was over heating while pedaling and setting his pots.
We headed back in the harbor and took the suit off and wore shorts when it came time to get the pots back. It was a mild day.
I was comfortable all day.  I am only talking about SOT fishing and not diving.  I have fished with AlsHobieOutback and SinCoast thats why are agree and on the same page.

I wear a NRS 3 mil FJ , I also wear a splash jacket, I now wear a rash guard under  my jacket.
In Albion this year when I went down I was wearing a fleece under my jacket when the fleece got wet it felt like a had 30 lbs on top of me and made it difficult to get out of the water I am thankful that I was around many NCKA brothers that help me get back on top.
another thing that you want is a good fitting life jacket and wear it all the time.
There is going to be a self rescue class the day before crabfest at Doran beach. you should try to make it.
 

I wear a NRS 3 mil FJ , I also wear a splash jacket, I now wear a rash guard under  my jacket.
In Albion this year when I went down I was wearing a fleece under my jacket when the fleece got wet it felt like a had 30 lbs on top of me and made it difficult to get out of the water I am thankful that I was around many NCKA brothers that help me get back on top.
another thing that you want is a good fitting life jacket and wear it all the time.
There is going to be a self rescue class the day before crabfest at Doran beach. you should try to make it.

Thanks! I'm planning to go to the event, but don't think I can participate in the class, I have no equipment yet...but I'll be watching 

Where can I get some of those $20 booties?  That is what I should look into as well....

Has anyone tried Frogg Toggs as an outer layer that is semi waterproof, such as over a wet suit? They run about $16.95 for pants at a well known (national) hunting/fishing supply store, so they are affordable.

-Cherie