In the booming world of kayak bass fishing tournaments, Kristine Fischer is one of the brightest stars in the game. She is fishing over 20 events a year across Bassmaster Kayak Series, Kayak Bass Fishing, and the Hobie Bass Open Series. She's built a huge following on social media and has the skills to back it up, with many top finishes and wins.
She is one of the most successful anglers fishing the kayak circuits right now and fishes often and across the country, both in a boat but primarily in a kayak. She knows that your clothing is essential for both situations and keeping dry and warm is vital. There are plenty of similarities between the two types of watercraft, but also some things that make kayak fishing a little different when it comes to gear.
Fischer shares some of her must-have clothing pieces for kayak fishing and the reason why she likes each piece.
The right raingear
No matter what you are fishing from, staying dry and warm is critical if you want to spend a long day on the water. That's why Fischer stays covered with the AFTCO Hydronaut or Barricade suit, depending on the weather.
"The Hydronaut is what I wear when it's really cold because it's thicker, and I like the Barricade for warmer conditions because it's so lightweight," she said. "For heavy rain, I also like the Barricade because it's completely sealed. I also like the Barricade because it's so light and breathable. Many of the tournaments I have are human propulsion only, so no motors, and you want something that won't get too hot, or you will sweat like crazy."
Kayak anglers like Fischer fish both sitting down and standing up, but when sitting, water can pool on your lap with some suits when it's raining. "Having a good set of raingear is very important for kayak fishing. For that reason, you have to stay dry," she added. "It's one of the most important pieces of gear you own."
Another reason rain gear is essential is because of how low you sit in a kayak. When targeting big fish especially, getting splashed is just part of the game when you are that close to the water. Fischer is also a muskie fanatic and spends plenty of time each year targeting them.
"When I'm muskie fishing or targeting any big predator, I like to wear my rain gear when it's cold and not just when it's raining," she said. "They are going to jump and splash when they get close. Good rain gear will keep you dry in those situations."
Women's specific gear
Most clothing companies have realized that women also fish and need the same great gear as men to withstand the elements. AFTCO has many options, and Fischer wears most of them, including the Reaper sweatshirt and Samurai and Yurei Air-O Mesh hooded shirts. They each have fits designed just for women.
"Being on the road all the time, I can't bring everything, but always have a Reaper sweatshirt because it can do so much," she said. "It's warm and comfy and also makes a great layering piece. The women's fit for the Reaper, and all of their clothing, is the perfect fit. The other cool thing is that it's stain-resistant, so you can wear it several days in a row in a multi-day tournament."
For sun-protecting shirts, she's a fan of both the Samurai Yurei Air-O hooded shirts. "There are both really good, but the Yurei Air-O is even lighter than the Samurai and will keep you nice and cool, even in the sun," she shared. "But both are comfortable and help protect you from the sun."
For pants, she prefers the Women's Field Fishing Pants instead of shorts. "I hardly ever wear shorts anymore because, after long 12-hour days in a row on the water, there's never enough sunscreen," she said. "The field pants are great and designed to fit women specifically."
Keeping with the sun protection theme, Fischer also likes to protect as much exposed skin as possible. "I'd rather just completely cover up with pants, a pair of Solago sun gloves, and an AFTCO Sun Mask," he said. This is a great way to protect the skin on my face and hands without needing to keep reapplying sunscreen."
Fishing from a kayak or boat requires the right gear to keep fishing hard during long days on the water. Staying comfortable will allow you to fish longer, whether in the cold, sun, or rain. It's something that Fischer takes to heart as she packs something for every situation as she travels the country fishing kayak tournaments.
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