Welcome to kayak fishing - are your feet feeling a bit cold? Or wet? Too warm? Maybe the ramp’s slippery underfoot? As seasons change we face weather conditions that dictate what footwear works best while out on the water. In the summer we wear clothing to protect our skin from the sun, like long sleeved shirts and pants with or without zip-off legs. A ball cap and buff provide additional sun protection. But what about those feet?
In the fall we step it up on the layers, and as autumn progresses, jeans instead of the convertible pant. Again, what about the feet? Then winter comes. Okay, some anglers will sit winter out, but believe me a fish must eat and I love when they eat my baits—so even at this time of year I’ll layer up, and then cover it all with a dry suit. But ugh, what about the feet?!
For protecting your feet while out and about on the water and casting off the kayak your choices are vast. First, you need to accept that your feet will most likely get wet while launching or landing your kayak. That could be on a sandy beach, a muddy bottom shoreline, a slippery boat ramp, or a grassy soft launch. And be prepared to possibly step on sharp objects, too, like broken-off reed grass or oyster shells. When I get ready for my day I take all these factors into consideration: the season, the weather, and where I’ll be fishing for the day.
Warm Weather Kayak Fishing Footwear
Most days of the year I wear a flip flop with a hard sole. Over the years I have stepped on glass, wire, thorns, and more, and with a foam-soled flip flop I find that I end up getting poked or cut on the sole of my foot far too often. While out fishing I stow them away, while covering my feet with a good sunscreen. Simms makes a nice flip flop for the occasion. I also own water shoes that work out well on cooler spring or fall days.
Some of my friends wear neoprene booties like those made by NRS. You can find them with or without a lining, from ankle height to over the calf. Then there are standard water shoes, slip-ons or those that have laces. Today you can get high quality water shoes that will drain out water and protect your feet as well.
Good options include:
- Chaco Rapid Pro flip flops (around $100)
- Korkers flip flop (around $70)
- NRS Boundary neoprene boot (around $130)
- Simms flip flops (around $70)
- Xtratuf Riptide sandals and slides (around $60)
Cool Weather Kayak Fishing Footwear
When there’s a chill in the air I usually wear a calf-high waterproof boot with a pair of heavy cotton or wool socks. I wear these with my dry suit as well. They allow me to wade in to ready my kayak before I head out. Muck Boot Company makes a nice Chore Boot that serves well. I might also wear them on warmer days if I know my feet will be exposed to tough conditions such as a marsh, muck, or a bottom that has sharp rock. Several of my friends wear the same boot, or they wear an over-the-calf insulated neoprene boot.
Good options include:
- Muck Boot Company Chore Boots (around $120)
- Palm Nova Kayak Boots (around $170)
- NRS (around $75 to $150)
These are only a few of the options that will give you the protection you need. Do your research, pick footwear that meets your needs, and hopefully, you’ll have the traction to move forward and make the next cast.
-By Eric Packard