wetsuit questions

I'm thinking of purchasing a wetsuit for rock fishing and crabbing.  I've heard several opinions regarding thickness, where to buy and other features such as relief zippers.  I've noticed many on this board fish salt a lot so I was hoping some of you could provide some helpful tips.  Thanks.

I'm in the market for one as well. Please share any info you have with me also. 

with that being said my friend who dive has a 7mm suit and that is what i am going to get. i might join the diving club so if i get a 3mm for rockfishing now i might have to get another one for diving. maybe i get 2 i dunno.

I don't dive, but from what I hear 5-7mil is common for divers in NorCal to be warm enough under the water.  But I can tell you that a 3mil is plenty for me being on top of the water and going for the occasional swim.  I use the NRS Grizzly farmer john style myself, which has a double zipper that lets us use it as a relief zipper as well.  Spent the first year marinating in my own fluids, and that will get you to buy one with a relieve zipper 

I have used a 7mm for diving and fishing, but prefer the Kokatat dry suit for ocean fishing. 

You are gonna die in a wetsuit of that thickness .if your using it for kayak fishing I wouldn't go any higher than 3mil.i tried it in a 5mil and I was burning up.so now I have 2.one 7mil for diving and a 3mil for kayak fishing

any place selling good deals?

I only have experience with a wetsuit and I can tell you I will be buying a drysuit. Wetsuits are Ok but get damp inside. I agree with 7mm being too thick. Mine is a 3mm and I get hot on all but the coolest days. The worst part is putting it on the next day if it's not totally dry.  You are clammy all day.  Since i come from fresno,  I tend to camp and fish multiple days at a time instead of heading out once a week so it stays damp.  A drysuit will be next up for me.  Cost is also a factor as dry suits are about 4-5 times as much as wet suits. 

I use a 7 mil farmer John. I only wear them like pants and secure the shoulder straps if it gets cold or the weather turns snotty. Have no problem urinating without a zipper. Kinda like wearing sweat pants just pull em down and.....you know the rest.

I also have two that I alternate on multiday trips.

Occasionally you can find a good deal.  If you are a big one here is a sweet price for new.  I have seen other sizes for the same price. 

 http://m.ebay.com/itm/Kokatat-Drysuit-Super-Nova-Semi-Dry-Paddling-Suit-Mens-Blue-XXL-/121725677109?nav=SEARCH

I wear a Neo Sport 1.5 neop pants and for top I wear a polypoalene top covered with a light wind breaker.
If I do spill by chance I am ok and will dry and warm fast.
I would like a dry suit but to much $$$$$

If you fish saltwater occasionally a 3 mil Farmer John would work fine.  The relief zip is must have for long hours OTW.

If your budget allows check out the Kokatat Angler drysuit.  The biggest feature of the drysuit that I like is the cordura fabric that covers the high wear areas that protects your investment for years to come.

For me it's about how much I want to gamble with the worst case scenario happening, that being (barring shark attack, yet still viable because a wetsuit tends to hold a severed hamstring in position): I'm alone and separated from my kayak on a windy and rough ocean.

I feel that a basic diving kit (7mil all the way around), plus pfd is the best option. That being said, I will stay ashore if I'm uncomfortable with the wind and conditions. I don't go in the salt by myself. I can easily right my boat and hop back in the seat.

I opted for a 3mil custom farmer John (Harvey's) with relief zipper and 5mil boots. I'm not soggy in it because I wear waterproof bibs and a storm jacket or light rain jacket based on conditions. If I happen to be a little uncomfortable from it being a scorching 65 degrees that day, I deal with it.

There is plenty of back and forth about wetsuit vs drysuit here, but there is also plenty of real life personal accounts of guys taking a swim and finding out that their drysuit is not watertight and they've got gallons of saltwater to deal with when trying to get back onto their boat, their clothing underneath is saturated and now they need to get back to shore before hypothermia sets in.

If you're more into comfort, the drysuit may fit your needs better. If you lean more towards safety, the wetsuit may fit your needs better. The bottom line however is, find something you can take a leak out of.

Another question I have is do you wear dive boots with the wetsuit.  Maybe a dumb question but not having yakked in the salt I fear I'm a noob in this regard.  Thanks.

Sam

Sam,

   You want to keep your feet warm & some protection when walking to/from the launch.  Wetsuit boots make a good choice or some form of waterproof socks with sandal-type shoes over them.

Sam, when I used a FJ I wore some thin neo socks with low booties with a good sole.
A few times during warm spells no socks and booties or keene's