Smallmouth Bass Fishing

by Juan Veruete, Kayak Fish PA, LLC

I try to avoid writing product reviews unless I’ve spent some time putting an item through the paces. Recently I was headed to Virginia to do three full days of  flat water paddling and spend some time paddling the Potomac River. The forecasted air temperatures were expected to be about 55 degrees even though the water temperatures where in the mid to high 60’s. Given the unseasonably low air temperatures, I knew I was going to need something to keep the chill off and protect me from the splashing water. I took a quick look over on the Columbia website and found the Backpaddle jacket so I picked one up.

I think kayak fisherman often overlook the necessity of paddling apparel. We often make due with the clothing we wear on the boat or our wading apparel.  Much of this gear doesn’t have the water proof seals and breathable materials that outer wear made specifically for the paddler offers.

The Back paddle jacket makes use of Omni-Tech® material which is waterproof-breathable and fully seam sealed. The jacket will keep you safe from cold water splashing and overspray. Waterproof neoprene cuff and collar gusseting provides added reinforcements against the chill. The jacket certainly kept me warm and dry while paddling.

A small detail that I really appreciated was the  extended rear lower hem which guarded againt “drafts” going up the back of the jacket. I also found the jacket to have ample room for underlayers and the polyester mesh lining helps it slide over those underlayers easily.

The jacket is also cut in a way that provides great mobility which is important when paddling and fishing. Lots of casts, hook sets,and reaching to land that trophy smallmouth is always on a fishermans agenda!

Overall the jacket performed well. It isn’t a dry top nor is it true “cold weather gear” but for those unseasonably cold spring/summer days or early mornings it definitely gets the nod from me.