By Weston BarrettWhy Carry Rain Gear When Fishing
Rain can arrive without warning, and a sudden downpour can turn a comfortable day on the water into a cold, wet ordeal. The New York State DEC’s beginner fishing guide lists rain gear as an essential item, noting that even if the sun is shining when you leave the house, you cannot always count on that to last. The Minnesota DNR’s fishing safety lesson treats weather as part of trip planning, from rain to thunderstorms. Staying dry helps you stay warm, focused and safe, whether you are casting from shore or running a boat. Rain gear works alongside the rest of your on-water clothing, from sun protection clothing to waders and gloves.
How Waterproof-Breathable Rainwear Works
According to REI’s guide on how rain gear works, waterproof-breathable (WPB) fabrics are built around a membrane or coating that blocks liquid water but allows water vapor from sweat to pass through. The key is that a raindrop is thousands of times larger than a molecule of sweat vapor, so microscopic pores in the membrane let vapor escape while keeping rain out. REI explains that as you perspire, the air inside the jacket becomes hotter and more humid than the air outside, and that moist air migrates through the micropores into the cooler, less humid air around you.
REI notes that all waterproof-breathable rainwear uses either a laminate or a coating. Because a membrane is relatively delicate, it is bonded to a protective fabric to create a laminate. REI describes three constructions: 2-layer, 2.5-layer (lightweight, packable and generally more affordable) and 3-layer (generally the most durable and breathable). All of them rely on a durable water repellent (DWR) finish on the outer fabric to make water bead up and roll off, which is critical for maintaining breathability.
DWR and Why It Matters for Anglers
REI says most outerwear, including all waterproof/breathable rainwear, has a DWR finish that makes precipitation bead up and roll off. When the DWR wears off, the surface fabric can soak through and you feel cold, wet and clammy; the membrane still keeps water out, but the soaked fabric slows the movement of sweat vapor. REI lists smoke, dirt, sweat, oils, sunscreen and lotions as things that compromise the DWR over time, several of which anglers carry on their hands all day.
You can check your DWR by sprinkling water on the jacket. If it beads up and rolls off, the finish is working. If the fabric darkens and absorbs water, it is time to revive it. REI recommends washing the garment with a technical fabric cleaner, drying it, and then applying heat in a dryer on low or medium for about 20 minutes to reactivate the original DWR. If that is not enough, you can apply a new DWR treatment with a wash-in or spray-on product, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Jacket and Pant Features That Matter on the Water
REI’s rainwear buying guide highlights several construction details that directly affect comfort while fishing. A fully seam-taped jacket is essential for true waterproofness; without taped seams, water can seep through the stitching. A hood with brim and adjustments at the sides and back lets you fine-tune the opening so rain does not drip down your neck while you watch a bobber or tie on a new hook.
Adjustable cuffs and a drawcord at the hem help seal out wind and spray, which is especially useful when you are reaching over the gunwale or handling a wet line. Pit zips (underarm vents) allow you to dump heat quickly when paddling or fighting a fish. REI also notes that some jackets have hand pockets placed above the hipbelt and away from the shoulder straps, so you can reach them with a pack on. A jacket designated “packable” stows in its own pocket or stuff sack, which saves space in a tackle bag.
The table below summarizes key features and why they matter when you are on the water, based on REI’s descriptions.
| Feature | Why It Matters on the Water |
|---|---|
| Waterproof-breathable fabric | Keeps rain out while allowing sweat vapor to escape, reducing clamminess during active fishing. |
| DWR finish | Prevents the outer fabric from soaking through, which maintains breathability and prevents a cold, wet feeling. |
| Fully taped seams | Stops water from entering through stitch holes, a must for staying dry in steady rain or spray. |
| Adjustable hood with brim | Lets you cinch the opening so rain does not run down your face or neck while you focus on the water. |
| Adjustable cuffs and hem | Seals out wind and water when you reach, cast or handle fish, and can be loosened to vent heat. |
| Pit zips (underarm vents) | Provide quick ventilation when paddling, wading or fighting a fish in warm, humid conditions. |
| Packable design | Stows easily in a tackle bag or boat compartment so you always have rain protection ready. |
Layering for Changing Conditions
REI’s rainwear how-it-works article suggests managing layers to stay comfortable. A light insulating layer can be added during a rest stop if you feel cold, and you can shed an underneath layer if you start to overheat. Because waterproof-breathable jackets are not insulated, your warmth comes from base and mid layers.
Caring for and Restoring DWR
REI’s DWR care guide outlines a simple routine to keep rainwear performing. First, wash the garment with a cleaner made for technical fabrics, because standard laundry detergents can leave additives that interfere with performance. REI recommends using a front-loading washer or hand-washing, closing all zippers and turning the garment inside out. After washing, dry the jacket on low or medium heat to reactivate the DWR. If water still soaks into the fabric, apply a new DWR treatment. REI suggests making a DWR treatment part of your regular rainwear maintenance.
Lightning and Storm Safety: Leave the Water Early
The National Weather Service’s inland boating tips stress that boaters and anglers should stop all activities when lightning is present or when weather looks threatening. The first lightning strike can come from a clear sky many miles ahead of a storm. If you cannot reach shore, the NWS advises staying low in the boat, keeping arms and legs inside the water, and disconnecting electronic equipment. The New York State DEC guide is direct: leave the water when you hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning.
The Minnesota DNR explains the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a warning. A watch means severe thunderstorms are possible in the area; a warning means one is occurring. The DNR also warns that carbon fiber rods, lead-cored lines and all wet tackle conduct electricity. Before any fishing trip, check the forecast and have a plan to get off the water quickly. If you fish from a kayak, our kayak fishing gear checklist covers the other safety items to bring. Fishing rules, including license requirements, gear restrictions, and size and bag limits, vary by state and water body. Always check the regulations from your state wildlife agency before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need waterproof pants for fishing, or is a jacket enough?
A jacket keeps your core dry, but rain pants protect your legs when you are sitting in a wet boat or kneeling on a wet bank. REI’s buying guide covers rain jackets and rain pants together, and the same fabric terms (waterproof, breathable, DWR, seam taping) apply to both.
How do I know if my rain jacket’s DWR needs to be reapplied?
REI suggests sprinkling or spraying water on the jacket. If the water beads up and rolls off, the DWR is still working. If the fabric darkens and absorbs water, it is time to clean the jacket and apply heat to revive the original finish. If that does not restore beading, apply a new DWR treatment with a wash-in or spray-on product.
Can I wear my fishing rain gear in warm weather?
Yes, but even the most breathable rainwear can feel clammy in hot, humid conditions. REI explains that a profusely sweating person can overwhelm any waterproof-breathable fabric. Use pit zips and the front zipper to increase airflow, and slow your pace if you start to overheat. REI describes 2.5-layer jackets as lightweight, packable and generally more affordable, though some wearers think they feel clammy.
For more on staying comfortable and protected on the water, see our apparel and protection guide.
Sources
- REI Expert Advice: How to Choose Rainwear
- REI Expert Advice: How Does Waterproof Rain Gear Work?
- REI Expert Advice: Durable Water Repellent (DWR) Care
- National Weather Service: Inland Boating Tips
- Minnesota DNR MinnAqua: Safety and Fishing at the Water’s Edge
- New York State DEC: I FISH NY Beginners’ Guide to Freshwater Fishing
About Weston Barrett
Weston researches and writes buying guides and how-to articles on beginner & family fishing. Picks are based on product specifications, brand reputation and patterns in owner feedback, and are updated as new models come out.
