Living Proof that it Works
Jim Pope
Dateline 3/8/99
Saturday, February 13, 1999, my fishing buddy and I arrived at Wilson Lake (AL) bright and early. The air temperature was a cool 25°, and we both were fully prepared for the cold. As usual, I backed the boat in the water, and Phil eased up to the concrete wall located beside the ramp.
As I was preparing to step down (about 2-ft.) to the front deck of the boat, my right foot hung on a metal tie-up on the edge of the wall. You guessed it - I took an unwanted dip in the water. On my way down, I was able to straighten myself by planting my hands on the side of the boat. Luckily, I managed to hit the water feet first.
A year ago, this surely would have ended a great fishing day before it ever started, but not this year. Back in October, I purchased a Gortex 10-X Thinsulate bib overall and coat set. I also purchased a pair of Rocky Gortex boots with 800 grams of Thinsulate.I have worn these in the rain and cold while fishing this winter and it is by far the best investment I have ever made. After Saturday, this investment looks even better.
When I hit the water, I popped up like a cork. Since the Gortex is 100% waterproof, the only place the water could get in was up through the bottom of the bib legs, so the trapped air made me very buoyant. I was in the water for at least a minute or two, and my legs only got wet from my thighs down. My wallet even stayed dry. My boots did fill up with water, and I really thought that the incident would make for a miserable day.
After taking off my boots, draining them, and twisting the water out of my socks, I put them back on. My buddy thought that we should either go back home or go somewhere and buy some clothes for me to wear. I assured Phil that he didn't fully understand how good the Gortex was (at that time, I really wasn't sure either). I honestly thought that my feet and legs would become so uncomfortable that I would have to come in.
We made a 4-mile run to our first fishing spot. Phil began by running as slow as the boat would go on a plane. After a few seconds, I realized that I could not feel the wind at all. We ended up making the run at 60 mph as my wet feet and legs took the full force of the wind. Believe it or not, I never felt the wind!
We fished until dark. The temperature soared to a high of about 38°, and no part of me ever got cold. Granted, I was not as comfortable as I would have been had I been dry, but I NEVER GOT COLD!
So, my hat is off to GORTEX 10-X insulated rainwear and Rocky GORTEX boots. If you are a die-hard fisherman who fishes for any species during the winter, heed the voice of one who has experienced being wet in freezing weather. This Gortex stuff really works - even when you are wet underneath it!!!!
Oh, by-the-way, we managed to catch 7 solid bass on a day when we saw only two or three other bass boats on the water.
Fishtale One Year Ago: 03/09/98 - Fishing the Buffalo - One for the river fisherman from Jim Pope - sounds like a little bit of heaven to me.
