Dry Top, which one do you use?

[Tacklebox Joe]

Dry Tops are an essential part of a surfcasters gear. Which one do you use? dry/semi-dry? If you don't have one do you use a rain jacket instead?

Let's start a discussion...........

I used a rain jacket before and would get soaked everytime. I eventually bought a full dry top by Guy Cotten and have been bone dry ever since. I even swam with it and it never leaked on me 

[ped579]

I have the complete Snowbee outfit.  Waders and jacket, works for me.  If it is that bad I stay home. 

[SurfJockey]

I use my RaceFace mountain bike jacket when I'm fishing in the spray if I'm looking to stay dry and a pair of neoprene Hodgeman waders from when I was a trout fisherman.  The jacket is made of a windbreaker type material, and does the job.  Down the road, I'd like to upgrade.

[Tacklebox Joe]

JD, a well respected dry top from aquaskinz called the raptor and won't break the bank.

[SurfJockey]

Yes, a nice top, but if I'm gonna spend $250 on fishing equipment, I'd rather put it into a rod or reel.  Way down the road on something like that! 

[Tacklebox Joe]

I hear ya JD, but for the quality it is worth it....I've seen the raptor for as low as 175. The semi dry called the phantom would be  another option to consider

[Fireman Ed]

Jason remember last year we went out in that storm and it was blowing 30 to 40 out.. and the waves in the inlet were 10 footers!!! Could have used a good rain jacket that day!!

[SurfJockey]

Yeah man.  Made for a crappy walk to the sandbags!

[ChrisL]

I just order a skinz Phantom top. Found a good deal online. 
Previously, I got wet 

[Tacklebox Joe]

I just order a skinz Phantom top. Found a good deal online. 
Previously, I got wet 

Good call Chris 

[FishOn]

Dry top??? I thought it was normal to be cold and wet while fishing in pitch darkness  . Seriously, no dry top for me....yet. I am seriously considering ditching waders and rain gear altogether and getting a series of wetsuits to handle spring and fall. 

[Tacklebox Joe]

getting a series of wetsuits to handle spring and fall. 

now u are talking, we MUST get together...many guys from my club are skishers and/or use wetsuits ...I on the other hand still use waders and a drytop....for now 

edited: byw, ronnie at fisherman supply is probably the only one around with gear for the wetsuit/skisher right now...i think

[FishOn]

lol skishing??? I'm still going to be more comfortable with my feet on the sand lol. Plus I do not own a zeabas or VS yet. I have a constant fear of a rogue wave knocking me over and filling my waders on me, wading belt and all . A wet suit would be pretty warm on those cold nights and reduce the risk of drowning.  If Forest Gump and Lieutenant Dan were talking about this it would sound like this. [Dan] "You dont have to worry about drowning any more." [Forest] "Thats good, one less thing."

[Tacklebox Joe]

LOL  ...i plan on eventually getting a wetsuit to fish too....not to skish. Guys are turning to the wetsuit more and more these days not just for skishing but for reasons you stated. Plus due to its buoyancy you can get to the outer bar or rock without that fear. i think, actually i know, I'm not in shape like i used to be so skishing may not be an option for me. Unless I drop 20lbs... or so 

3-5mm wetsuit.....i hear the 7mm isn't as versatile and only good in the cold

[FishOn]

Yeh same here, I could stand to lose a bit of a beer belly.  I couldnt imagine casting all night with a 7mm. It would be a killer resistance workout though. I will see what my tax return allows me to splurge. 

[ChrisL]

I tried on a Guy Cotton yesterday.  I had heard the arms ran short.  It's confirmed. 
It's a real nice top and I'd rather have that then the Skinz.   But the arm length just don't work for tall guys. 

[SurfJockey]

I'm a little confused with these tops.  Say I had my neoprene waders on, and had a dry top over the waders.  Would I be able to be chest deep in water without getting filled up? 

[ChrisL]

Yeah pretty much. 
Joe could probably explain further

[kayak1]

Lets see if I can help you guys out with this....A good dry top is just that.....Dry on top from being splashed with water....going under water is another thing all together different...... even with a good belt is used....your still going to get wet....

Aquaskinz Dry Tops are all I will use for both the Kayak and Surf Fishing.....If you do get hit with a good wave and fall in the water....using a belt will keep most of the water out....and keep you some what dry....This will depend on how long your under water......

Kayak 1

[SurfJockey]

Thanks Dave.