Clothing

Being new to fishing out of a kayak, but have a lot of experience fishing, I am having trouble figuring out what clothing to wear. I look at safety, warmth, easy of movement, and comfort. I understand laying and fabric, but what would be the best choice? I have everything for fly, surf, and deep sea, but the chance of getting wet are marginal. Fishing from Kayak will have its challenges. So what is the best way to dress in cold weather. Summer seems like a no brainer.

Thanks Chris

Im relatively new too. I wear sweatpants or thermals under a set of lite weight breathable stocking foot style waders. Warm thick socks and if water is real cold then hand warmers in socks. I also wear wet suit booties 3 sizes larger over them so i dont tear the feet..some guys wear sandals or tennis shoes.

In the spring or fall when not so cold I have a splash pants with a wetsuit cuff and wetsuit booties.

I wear a layered top system, a non cotton shirt next to the body -like under armor or similar. Then layer away depending upon conditions. I just got a breathable splash jacket with wetsuit seals at neck, wrists and waist and wore it fir the first time, It was just right for a wind and water breaker. Stocking cap for head warmth.

Relieving yourself is not so easy with all this stuff on. I fish fresh water so i go to shore to do that.

There are tons of threads on this topic that I'm sure you'll find.  Short answer is dress for immersion.

Wetsuit booties with neophrene socks, farmer john wetsuit with rashguard/mysterioso top underneath, with a semi-dry top over that is the typical ensemble.  Add fleece top underneath dry top as needed.

Waders in the saltwater are generally frowned upon, but more or less acceptable on freshwater.

Those with the means buy drysuits and swear by them.

Staying away from cotton is a priority. For the delta I have been wearing long johns under my hiking pants. Four shirt layers and a heavy coat. Then a rain coat and pants to keep the wind and water splashes out. Add to that water proof skiing gloves and a full face hat. My one weak spot is my feet. I started with dive boots but they let water in and my feet got cold. Next I got some knee high muk Luks. I can wear socks with them but they are defective and leak a little. Hopefully the replacement pair will keep my feet warm and dry. I got a farmer John wet suit and plan to work that into my layers.

It really depends on where you are fishing and the outer wear you are using.
summer freshwater, light weight synthetics with sun protection
fall/winter/spring freshwater, same as summer saltwater
coastal saltwater, dress for immersion as said.  I like a drysuit with light synthetic fleece underneath but wetsuit works as well.  fall and winter make the fleece warmer.
Delta, same as freshwater but keep in mind it gets colder
bay, dress for immersion as above.

Staying away from cotton is a priority. For the delta I have been wearing long johns under my hiking pants. Four shirt layers and a heavy coat. Then a rain coat and pants to keep the wind and water splashes out. Add to that water proof skiing gloves and a full face hat. My one weak spot is my feet. I started with dive boots but they let water in and my feet got cold. Next I got some knee high muk Luks. I can wear socks with them but they are defective and leak a little. Hopefully the replacement pair will keep my feet warm and dry. I got a farmer John wet suit and plan to work that into my layers.

four shirts and a heavy coat.... that is a asking  for a disaster if you are in salt water. but then again that is my opinion and i could be wrong.
it is not if you are going in the water but when you go in the water. remember that you have to climb back on your kayak and wearing all of that and it will make it difficult. at least for my fat ass it will be and has been difficult. I went in the drink at Albion in 2003 and if it wasn't for the help from all the guys around me i would probably still be there trying to get back on top.
now i wear a farmer john wetsuit, rash guard , semi dry top with splash pant, wet suit booties and good fitting PFD.

Staying away from cotton is a priority. For the delta I have been wearing long johns under my hiking pants. Four shirt layers and a heavy coat. Then a rain coat and pants to keep the wind and water splashes out. Add to that water proof skiing gloves and a full face hat. My one weak spot is my feet. I started with dive boots but they let water in and my feet got cold. Next I got some knee high muk Luks. I can wear socks with them but they are defective and leak a little. Hopefully the replacement pair will keep my feet warm and dry. I got a farmer John wet suit and plan to work that into my layers.

four shirts and a heavy coat.... that is a asking  for a disaster if you are in salt water. but then again that is my opinion and i could be wrong.
it is not if you are going in the water but when you go in the water. remember that you have to climb back on your kayak and wearing all of that and it will make it difficult. at least for my fat ass it will be and has been difficult. I went in the drink at Albion in 2003 and if it wasn't for the help from all the guys around m,e i would probably still be there trying to get back on top.
now i wear a farmer john wetsuit, rash guard , semi dry top with splash pant, wet suit booties and good fitting PFD.

Well as you might notice I have a wetsuit that I am working into my layers. I will use it for the first time at Crabfest. That will also be the first time in the salt for me as well. In the delta I have never been far from shore so it is different than the ocean. As far as self rescue goes, I have found that for me it is more about the lower body than upper body. I use several strong kicks to propel me up and out of the water. I do think it would be a good idea to practice self rescue wearing all my winter layers. Just not in 45 degree water!