Each year, the transition from fall to winter can bring some adverse weather conditions that call for gearing up for anything Mother Nature has in store for the day.
Veteran angler Shaw Grigsby has seen it all during his long career and appreciates good quality clothing that keeps him comfortable, especially when it comes to staying dry with rain gear.
Rain Gear: ProDry vs. Challenger
There are many different sets of raingear with bibs and jackets on the market. Simms makes several other models, and while Grigsby has multiple sets, he favors the ProDry since he believes it is the most versatile option and he says it fits his needs the best.
The ProDry is a premium GORE-TEX suit with a breathable fabric that keeps anglers dry and comfortable in a variety of different temperatures.
"I have a Challenger Insulated set, but I am almost always wearing the ProDry," he said. "It's very light and durable and will last years and years. I like it because it is a lighter suit and works well for all seasons. If it gets cold, just layer up beneath it."
Since he resides in Florida, this time of year is not as cold as other climates and he doesn't need the warmer Challenger Insulated set often. It's built for the cold and is a waterproof nylon jacket with PrimaLoft insulation, zippered handwarmer pockets, and an adjustable storm hood that is fully insulated.
"I bring it with me when I am up north or if we get some freezing temperatures around home," he said. "I'll wear it anytime that I know it's going to be cold. It keeps you very warm."
Grigsby is a believer in the technology packed into the suits to keep him dry and has put the gear to the test in a variety of situations on the water.
"Everything that Simms makes is number one and they do plenty of testing before something comes out to see how it is going to be used," he said. "They make sure that whatever they come out with is the best on the market. They have a rain suit or piece of clothing for everyone, no matter where you live."
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Layering
Grigsby likes to layer with the Simms base layers and chooses the weight simply based on how cold it is to keep himself warm. There are lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight options available and each is designed to fit comfortably under your rain pants or bibs.
"I layer with the mid and heavyweight options most of the time," he said. "They have every size and thickness you need. In cold weather, just pick the right layers and you are good."
When cold temperatures are not the issue, he goes with the Simms Guide Pant. He believes they are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing that he owns.
"These are fantastic and super light too, they've been around for years, and I love them," he said. "They keep you comfortable and have pockets everywhere to keep all of your stuff organized. I wear them as a layer under my ProDry when it is raining and they are great by themselves, even when it is smoking hot out. They also have a stretchy waistband which is great for us older guys; it's not too tight and stretches with you."
Another layering piece that Grigsby uses is the same SolarFlex series of shirts that he loves for hot summer conditions. He'll wear it as a layering piece or solo when fishing in the warmer months.
"They have one model with a built-in neck gaiter and hood called the SolarFlex UltraCool Sunshield Shirt, which is great for those hot, sunny days," he said. "I like how comfortable the material is and wear in during the extreme heat in Florida and also under my jersey when competing. It's a well-built shirt that you can wear all year long."
Finally, he believes that keeping your feet comfortable is essential during this time of year.
"Simms is known for waders and their merino wool socks that guys wear under them are also great for bass fishermen when it is cold," he said. "They keep me warm all day and it's such a blessing that they make an item of clothing for every aspect of fishing there is."
Staying comfortable on the water when the temperatures change as fall to turns to winter is a must. It will extend trips and give you a chance to fish as long as you would like to. Longtime professional bass angler Shaw Grigsby has learned to be prepared for anything to make his time on the water more enjoyable.