Do You Need Waders for Surf Fishing?

Whether you need waders for surf fishing or not is a decision that is specific to each angler. Personally, I’m thankful for their existence. I do have a pair of waders for surf fishing and if you need help selecting a pair, make sure to look through this list of the best waders for surf fishing.

Where you fish, when you fish, and how you fish, will all play into determining if you need waders for surf fishing. Let’s talk about your options.

What Other Options Do You Have for Surf Fishing?

• Waders
• Swim Trunks
• Wetsuit
• Always have a quality water proof fishing jacket

What are Waders and What They Do

Waders are essentially a waterproof garment that can be worn from feet up to the chest. Usually waders are worn by anglers, hunters, or anyone requiring warmth and/or waterproofing for similar outdoor activities.

Pros:

• Keep the angler, hunter, or person wearing them 100% dry
• Typically offer an easier way to stay warm as well (layering)

Cons:

• If you fall or a wave comes high on you, water will come in and you will be cold and wet
• Dangerous if you fall in moving water as waders can fill and weigh you down
• Require some post-session hose down etc.
• May require additional purchase of boots if you don’t get boot-foot waders

The two main reasons an angler wears waders are to keep dry and to keep warm when it’s cold out or when the water temp is cold. Some anglers prefer to wear waders year-round, regardless of temperature. Whatever your preference may be, it’s nice to have them as an option.

Swim Trunks

Pros:

• Zero hassle/clean up
• Easy mobility
• Basically, if water is warm and air is warm… no reason to complicate things

Cons:

• If it’s cold… you’re cold

I always prefer to just wear swim trunks and a jacket when I can, but I just can’t hold up to the cold in the winter months. Many anglers will simply stick it out and wear swim trunks, but there comes a breaking point for most of us.

Wetsuit for Surf Fishing

Pros:

• More mobility/stretch than waders
• Keeps you warm

Cons:

• More difficult on and off
• You still get wet
• Require some post-session hose down
• Likely requires booties in addition

I’ve gone back and forth between waders and wetsuits. You might be curious how I use a wetsuit for surf fishing, so I’ll briefly explain.

I wear a wetsuit over my bottom half along with booties, and wear a hoodie and a waterproof jacket over my top half (tucking these into the wetsuit to prevent water from getting into/underneath my hoodie/jacket.) Neoprene pants or “wetsuit pants” are also a really good option if you go this route. Take a look at the linked pair and consider matching them with the jacket mentioned below.

Best Waterproof Jacket for Fishing

Whether you get waders, go with the wetsuit route or stick it out and wear swim trunks year round. The best investment I’ve made is a high quality waterproof jacket for fishing. I got one with wrist seals, a neck seal, a waist seal, and of course a hood. These features have been a life-saver when splashes that typically get in my waist area or my sleeves just don’t anymore. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, take a look at my article on the best waterproof jackets for fishing.