What to wear?

Noobie here, still firing away questions as I can think of them (and THANKS to this great community for being so helpful)! Bought my first sit-on-top (Hobie Outback) and picking it up this weekend!

Now that I got the yak, safety is on the brain. It looks like from preliminary research that theres largely three outfits people wear when out in the ocean on their kayak:
* Drysuit
* Wetsuit
* Bib and dry top

Hoping to be comfortable and dry. Do most people go with the drysuit? These things are expensive!
Are there any good wetsuits for kayak fishing?

Is there any particular model of drysuit / wetsuit that are ideal for occasional accidental immersion and comfortably that NCKA is particularly fond of? I'll be on the water mostly in the bay / HMB / Pacifica.

Thanks for the help.

If you can afford a dry suit go for it.  It worths every pennies for me.  Otherwise get a farmer john wet suit.

NRS Farmer John 3/2 is pretty popular.  It's what I use and it works year round in the areas you describe.

I personally prefer wetsuit over dry suit.  Many prefer the other way around.  Either one ones works and each has their pros and cons.

If you are going the dry suit route make sure to understand that if you fall in the water without adequate clothing insulation or if you fall in while it's unzipped (such as if you open it up to get some air) you can end up in a seriously bad situation.  There are videos and write ups both here and online that show how fast this can happen.  This is why I prefer a wetsuit. 

I wear a paddle jacket over my 3/2 farmer john.  I would not recommend the NRS High Tide Jacket as that's what I have and the velcro on the wrist section is horrible and annoys me constantly by coming undone.  I'm looking for a better jacket or to just fix/replace the stupid velcro. 

I'm also a fan of drysuits (actually, paddling suit). Kokatat is my brand, and they're an outstanding company.

I used a wetsuit for several years, and that'll definitely work too, and it's a lot cheaper option.

I love the 3mm NRS FJ Ultra...for me, it's worth every penny.

im mainly a wetsuit guy because it feels like im taking less drag in the wind/surf...but drysuits have big advantages too.

I rock a 3mm farmer john. I find I can still cool down on the warmer days. You can find them pretty affordable. Just get one with relief zipper. I have the Stolquist now and so far working great. Well crafted and got it for a lil over $100

NRS Farmer John 3/2 is pretty popular.  It's what I use and it works year round in the areas you describe.

I personally prefer wetsuit over dry suit.  Many prefer the other way around.  Either one ones works and each has their pros and cons.

If you are going the dry suit route make sure to understand that if you fall in the water without adequate clothing insulation or if you fall in while it's unzipped (such as if you open it up to get some air) you can end up in a seriously bad situation.  There are videos and write ups both here and online that show how fast this can happen.  This is why I prefer a wetsuit. 

I wear a paddle jacket over my 3/2 farmer john.  I would not recommend the NRS High Tide Jacket as that's what I have and the velcro on the wrist section is horrible and annoys me constantly by coming undone.  I'm looking for a better jacket or to just fix/replace the stupid velcro.

Interesting, I own a NRS Hightide Jacket and enjoy wearing mine.  I use it for Bay Area lakes. But different strokes for different folks.

IMO a drysuit is the way to go especially in the ocean because you stay dry.  The Kokatat Angler Semi drysuits are the most popular.  Here's a first hand report when the rescuee was in 56 degree water wearing a Kokatat Meridian (3rd page) suit with proper layering. Raydon was in the water for over an hour and came out OK. http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=85449.0

two words concerning a wet suit : RELIEF ZIPPER

Truth.

Thanks guys. I went with the NRS farmer johns from REI. Seemed like a good deal, I think they're clearing them out at $75 online. And the best part, it has a relief zipper.

Thanks guys. I went with the NRS farmer johns from REI. Seemed like a good deal, I think they're clearing them out at $75 online. And the best part, it has a relief zipper.

That's a great deal!

Interesting, I own a NRS Hightide Jacket and enjoy wearing mine.  I use it for Bay Area lakes. But different strokes for different folks.

I like it a lot except for the velcro at the wrists.  It comes undone constantly, barely sticks together.  Yours stays stuck together?  I wonder if mine is defective or somehow the velcro got messed up. 

Thanks guys. I went with the NRS farmer johns from REI. Seemed like a good deal, I think they're clearing them out at $75 online. And the best part, it has a relief zipper.

Thanks for the heads up.  I've been thinking of getting the same one.  After seeing your message, I ordered it also.

Thanks guys. I went with the NRS farmer johns from REI. Seemed like a good deal, I think they're clearing them out at $75 online. And the best part, it has a relief zipper.

you're going to enjoy it.  if you tend to get cold look into wetsuit gloves and socks. it makes a huge difference in the winter.

Interesting, I own a NRS Hightide Jacket and enjoy wearing mine.  I use it for Bay Area lakes. But different strokes for different folks.

I like it a lot except for the velcro at the wrists.  It comes undone constantly, barely sticks together.  Yours stays stuck together?  I wonder if mine is defective or somehow the velcro got messed up.

I dont have that issue with mine.  I pedal not paddle to be clear.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=90433.0

Interesting, I own a NRS Hightide Jacket and enjoy wearing mine.  I use it for Bay Area lakes. But different strokes for different folks.

I like it a lot except for the velcro at the wrists.  It comes undone constantly, barely sticks together.  Yours stays stuck together?  I wonder if mine is defective or somehow the velcro got messed up.

I dont have that issue with mine.  I pedal not paddle to be clear.
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=90433.0

Yes, awesome waterproof latex wrist gasket, but I too have problem coming undone. I think catches on the extra flips/catches to get open. I usually wear gloves over them to prevent them, but if I don't wear gloves kinda pain...
Still really like the jacket though.