Sea Angling Clothing- Bottoms!

So fishing jackets, smocks and tops in general have been covered in depth over the years and when we come to select a new garment to combat the weather, the top half has always been our primary concern. But what about the bottom half?

Jansen Teakle takes a look at a few options when it comes to bib and brace over trousers and chest waders.

As much as a smock or jacket will keep you warm, a bib and brace beneath it will prevent any draft getting up your back and keep your bottom half dry. 

It’s certainly not a part of your attire to overlook, but it’s not always a case of one size fits all. 

Let’s take a look at some of the great items we have in stock and the time of writing.

Vass-Tex Team 700 Series Chest Wader Mega Stud Sole £109.99

Chest waders are the bombproof option for keeping the weather out from your chest down to your toes. They are hard wearing and can take some serious abuse, but the trade off is that they can be a little too much in warm weather if a longer walk to your mark is on the cards. I would personally wear chest waders on a sandy/muddy venue where I didn’t have to walk very far. The bonus with chest waders is that any mud they pick up can be sprayed off when you return home. I would opt for the studded version of these waders, just because they can then be used on a rock mark if the situation arises.

Vass-Tex 175 Breathable Lightweight Team Vass Edition Bib And Brace From £79.99

In my opinion, the perfect all rounder when it comes to a practical bib and brace. 

These are so lightweight that you’ll barley know you’re wearing them, but they are surprisingly resilient to scuffs and general wear and tear. I firmly believe that layers are the secret to dressing for fishing and these lightweight waterproof jobs are perfect for wearing over regular joggers/combats in warmer weather or with the addition of a base layer when the temperature drops. The Vass 175 is also breathable, meaning that you can walk, climb and exert yourself in general without feeling the effects. Stinking bait juices, mud and fish slime can be wiped away or if you prefer to smell of roses ahead of a trip out, these can also be machine washed without effecting their performance. The simplicity of this garment is what makes it a winner in my opinion, not to mention its feather light weight which will add very little additional bulk to your rucksack on those longer walks. 

IMAX Iconic Thermostat Bib And Brace £63.99

If you’re looking for a properly insulated bib and brace to keep you warm and dry on a budget, then look no further. This Imax model contains insulated padding and is finished with a waterproof coating rated at 8000mm (hydrostatic head) . Admittedly this is not one for those longer walks, but if you’re fishing just a short walk from the car, perhaps on a pier or similar, then this could be just the job. Fully adjustable thanks to numerous Velcro fasteners, elastic and zippers, it’s an incredibly comfortable bib at a very attractive price. Manufacturers are beginning to realise that the cut of these garments is everything to the sea angler as freedom of movement is essential to fish effectively. The IMAX Thermostat is no exception and is comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Available in five different sizes, the fleece lined hand warmer packets are also a nice touch and offer a little refuge from a chilly wind.