What to Bring Fishing in the Rain? – 11 Must-Have Things

Fishing is often an adventurous and enjoyable trip, but in such outdoor activities, especially in rainy weather, you must take special care of your safety. You need to have everything that can protect you from any unforeseen situations that might arise due to the rain. Besides safety, you go fishing to have a great experience, so there are some essential items you should have to enhance your experience even in the rain. Today, we will uncover the items we consider essential for our fishing trips and share with you what to bring for fishing in the rain.

Essential Items for Fishing in the Rain

1. High-Quality Rain Gear

When you’re out fishing in the rain, having the right rain gear in your bass boat is a must. Good rain gear hold in body heat to keep you dry and comfortable, so you can focus on catching fish rather than worrying about getting wet and cold. Investing in high-quality rain gear while fly fishing means you can stay out on the water longer and fish more effectively, no matter the weather​

Examples of Recommended Rain Gear:

• Helly Hansen Workwear Impertech: This jacket features EN 343-certified weatherproof Impertech fabric, making it highly effective against various weather conditions including rain and wind. It’s also designed to be environmentally friendly and durable.
• Grundens Men’s Herkules Bibs: Known for their durability, these bibs are 100% waterproof and stain-resistant, making them suitable for tough conditions. They have a relaxed fit that allows for comfortable movement even when layered over other clothing.
• Cabela’s Guidewear: This line offers a great balance of waterproofing, durability, and mobility, available in different thicknesses to suit various weather conditions.
• Frogg Toggs Men’s Pilot II Fishing Jacket: This versatile jacket features hand-warmer pockets, splash-resistant zippers, and is suitable for both warm and cold weather, making it ideal for various fishing conditions.
• Navis Marine Fishing Rain Gear: This rain suit is designed specifically for fishing and offers comprehensive waterproof protection with multiple pockets and adjustable features for a comfortable fit.

For those on a budget, the Watershed Poly Coated Nylon Gear is an affordable option that still provides reliable protection against rain, ensuring you remain dry and focused on your fishing activities.

We have recommended some of the best rain gear for fishing. Do give it a read!

2. Waterproof Footwear

Keeping your feet dry is essential when fishing in the rain. Here are some great options:

• Xtratuf Legacy 2.0 Boots: These boots are perfect for preventing slips and keeping your feet warm and comfortable. They offer excellent traction on wet surfaces and are made from durable, rubber-coated neoprene, making them ideal for harsh weather conditions.
• Simms Freestone Wading Boots: High-quality wading shoes like these provide extra grip and protection, ensuring you stay steady on slippery rocks and muddy banks. They feature Vibram Idrogrip outsoles for superior traction and abrasion-resistant materials for durability.
• Frogg Toggs Aransas Neoprene Surf & Sand Shoe: This option offers closed-toe protection and is designed for use in wet environments. These shoes have a rugged sole for extra grip and are made from waterproof materials to keep your feet dry and comfortable throughout your fishing trip​.

With the right waterproof footwear, you can focus on catching fish without worrying about wet, cold feet or slipping on wet surfaces. This ensures a safer, more enjoyable fishing experience, no matter the weather conditions.

3. Insulated Accessories

Staying warm is key when fishing in the rain; Insulated accessories are perfect for keeping you cozy, they prevent the cold from ruining your trip. With these accessories, you can focus on fishing without feeling cold and uncomfortable:

Insulated Hats: Wool Beanies are great for keeping your head warm in cold, wet conditions. Fleece-Lined Caps provide extra warmth and are comfortable to wear.

You should check our guide on choosing a fishing hat.

Insulated Gloves: Fingerless Gloves keep your hands warm while allowing you to handle your gear with ease. Full-finger gloves provide full coverage for maximum warmth.

Read our Guide To Choosing Fishing Gloves – 5 Things You Must Look For

Insulated Socks: Thermal Socks, made from materials like merino wool, keep your feet warm and dry. Neoprene Socks provide excellent insulation and are waterproof, perfect for wading.

Insulated Pants: Fleece Pants keep your legs warm and are comfortable to wear under rain gear. Softshell Pants provide insulation and water resistance, ideal for layering.

These insulated accessories help keep you warm and comfortable, allowing you to focus on fishing even in cold, wet conditions.

4. Quick-Drying Fabrics

Wearing quick drying shirts and pants, like those from Columbia, can make a huge difference when fishing in the rain, these clothes dry fast, so even if you get wet, you won’t stay soaked for long. This keeps you comfortable and prevents chafing. Here are some reliable fabrics:

The North Face Venture 2 Jacket: Lightweight, waterproof, and quick-drying, ideal for rainy conditions.

Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket: Quick-drying and breathable, perfect for wet weather.

Columbia Watertight II Jacket: Waterproof and quick-drying, offering reliable protection in the rain.

With quick drying fabrics, you can focus on enjoying your fishing trip without worrying about staying wet and cold

5. Sunscreen and Lip Balm

Even on rainy days, protecting your skin from UV rays is crucial. Using sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and long term skin damage, while lip balm keeps your lips from getting chapped and cracked. These small items can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable and safe.

Sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk by blocking harmful UV radiation. It prevents premature aging by protecting against wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Additionally, it maintains an even skin tone by preventing sun-induced discoloration and pigmentation.

Lip balm moisturizes, keeping lips hydrated and soft. It provides UV protection, as lip balms with SPF protect against sun damage. Moreover, it promotes healing by helping to heal and soothe existing chapped lips.

6. Insect Repellent

Fishing in the rain often brings out more bugs. A good insect repellent keeps those annoying insects away, so you can focus on fishing instead of swatting bugs. It helps prevent bites and the itching that comes with them. So, pack a reliable insect repellent and enjoy a bug-free, more pleasant fishing experience! Here are three effective types:

DEET-Based Repellents, such as OFF! Deep Woods, offer long-lasting protection against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. Similarly, Repel 100 Insect Repellent, with a high concentration of DEET, provides maximum protection.

Picaridin-Based Repellents include Sawyer Premium Insect Repellent, which offers effective and odorless protection against mosquitoes and ticks. Natrapel Insect Repellent is gentle on the skin while providing long-lasting protection.

Natural Repellents like Repel Lemon Eucalyptus use oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes and ticks. Burt’s Bees Herbal Insect Repellent is made with essential oils like citronella and rosemary.

These repellents help you focus on fishing without being bothered by bugs, ensuring a more pleasant and enjoyable experience.

7. Compact First Aid Kit

Having a small first aid kit is essential for any fishing trip, especially in the rain. It helps you handle minor emergencies like cuts, scrapes, or insect bites quickly. Being prepared with basic medical supplies ensures you can treat small injuries on the spot, keeping your fishing trip safe and worry free even in warmer temps. Below are some of the compact first aid kit that we use:

The Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit is lightweight, waterproof, and contains essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and medications, perfect for space and weight-constrained outdoor activities.

The Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit includes a 120-piece main kit and a 32-piece mini kit, with bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and basic medical tools, ideal for fishing trips and outdoor adventures.

These compact first aid kits ensure you’re prepared for minor emergencies while fishing, helping you stay safe and worry-free.

8. Travel Documents

Identification (ID)

Having proper identification, such as a Driver’s License or Passport, is crucial for verifying your identity and ensuring compliance with legal requirements. It is necessary for travel, accommodation check-ins, and verification by authorities if needed.

Fishing License

A State or Regional Fishing License is legally required to fish in most areas. This license ensures that you are following local regulations and contributes to supporting conservation efforts.

Permits

Access Permits: Some fishing spots, especially private or restricted areas, require special permits. These permits grant you legal access to specific fishing locations.

Boat Permits: If you are using a boat, you may need a permit to operate on certain waters. This ensures compliance with local boating regulations.

Being prepared with the right documents lets you focus on enjoying your fishing adventure. So, double-check your travel documents before you go and have a worry-free trip!

9. Fishing Equipment

Bringing the right fishing gear is key to a successful trip, which is mostly important in the rain; choose appropriate rods, reels, and tackle for the species you’re targeting. Here are some right gears for successful fishing during the rain:

Rods and Reels – Ensure your rods and reels are durable and can handle wet conditions. Look for corrosion-resistant materials to prevent damage.

Lures – Spinnerbaits and crankbaits are bright and flashy lures, ideal for murky, rainy water as they attract fish more effectively. Topwater lures are best used in light rain to target fish near the surface. For deeper waters when visibility is low, jigs and soft plastics are particularly useful.

Fishing Line – Braided line Offers excellent strength and sensitivity, even when wet. It also resists water absorption better than other lines.

Fishing Nets – If you fish with nets, then make sure to include them in your list. But here’s the catch, when you’re done with your fishing trip, must dry your fishing nets.

Having the right gear ensures that you can fish effectively and comfortably in the rain, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable trip.

10. Waterproof Storage

Keeping your gear dry is crucial when fishing in the rain, so use dry bags or waterproof containers to protect your bait and other essentials. A small bait umbrella can also shield your bait from getting soaked. These simple solutions keep everything dry and in good condition, making your fishing trip more successful and enjoyable. Here are types of Waterproof Storage:

Dry Bags

Roll-top dry bags are made from waterproof materials like PVC or nylon and feature a roll-top closure that seals out water. These bags are ideal for storing clothing, electronics, and other gear to keep them dry.

Waterproof Boxes

Plastic waterproof boxes are rigid, durable boxes with rubber seals, perfect for protecting fragile items like electronics, cameras, and fishing tackle from water damage.

Follow these tips to Keep Moisture Out of a Tackle Box

Waterproof Backpacks

These hiking backpacks are larger backpacks with multiple waterproof compartments, ideal for longer trips where you need to keep various items dry.

Check our recommendations on Best Fishing Backpack & Tackle Backpack (Top 10)

Waterproof Pouches

Small waterproof pouches are perfect for keeping essentials like phones, wallets, and keys dry. They often come with lanyards or clips for easy carrying.

Waterproof Tackle Boxes

Plano waterproof stowaway boxes are tackle boxes with watertight seals and customizable compartments, keeping your fishing tackle organized and dry. Using these types of waterproof storage ensures that your gear stays dry and in good condition, even in wet and rainy conditions, allowing you to focus on fishing without worrying about water damage.

Check our recommendations on What is the Best Material For a Tackle Box? 10 Major Considerations

You can also use other options such as tackle box; check our recommendations on tackle box alternatives.

11. Layering Clothing

Layering your clothing under rain gear is key for staying warm in colder weather. Wearing fleece pants and jackets provides excellent insulation, keeping you cozy while you fish. Layering lets you adjust your warmth as needed, ensuring comfort throughout your trip. So, dress in layers and stay warm and comfortable while enjoying your rainy day fishing!

Choose lightweight, moisture-wicking materials like polyester or merino wool for your base layer. These fabrics pull sweat away from your skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. Examples include Under Armour ColdGear and Smartwool Merino 150.

Follow Our Tips For Fishing Trip In the Rain

Embrace the Weather

Don’t let the rain discourage you! Rain can actually make fishing better by reducing light and getting the fish more active. Use this to your advantage and enjoy the unique experience. So, gear up and make the most of the rainy weather for a great fishing trip.

Target Lower Light Conditions

Rain brings lower light, which is great for fish like bass that are more active hunters in these conditions. Use lures that look like their natural prey to attract them. So, take advantage of the dim light and increase your chances of a big catch.

Use Moving Lures

Rainy conditions make fish more aggressive. To attract more bites, use moving lures like spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatterbaits, and wake baits. These lures will catch their attention and increase your chances of success. So, get your moving lures ready and make the most of the rainy weather.

Stay Visible

In murky, rainy waters, using flashy and loud lures is key. These lures help fish see and hear your bait, making it easier for them to find and bite. This increases your chances of catching more fish. So, bring some bright and noisy lures to stay visible and successful in the rain!

Adjust Techniques

Different rain conditions call for different fishing techniques. In light rain, topwater lures can be very effective, making for exciting catches. In heavier rain, switch to sub-surface lures like crankbaits or spinnerbaits, which fish can find more easily underwater. Adjusting your techniques to the rain helps you stay successful and enjoy a productive fishing trip, no matter the weather.

Stay Comfortable

Wearing high-quality, waterproof, and layered clothing is key to staying warm and dry while fishing in the rain. This helps you stay comfortable and allows you to fish for longer periods without feeling cold or wet. By staying comfortable, you can focus more on fishing and less on the weather, making your trip more enjoyable and productive. So, dress right and make the most of your time on the water!

Safety First

Always prioritize safety while fishing. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid fishing in severe weather, like thunderstorms. Staying safe ensures you can enjoy your fishing trip without risking injury. By putting safety first, you can have a fun and worry-free experience on the water. So, keep an eye on the weather and stay safe out there!

Additional Insights from Our Experiences

When it rains, I adjust my fishing techniques based on the weather. If it’s a cold front, I use finesse tactics like smaller baits and fish slowly in deeper water. Light rain is great because it washes insects into the water, attracting baitfish and bass, especially near creeks and culverts.

Heavy rain muddies the water, so I target mud lines with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Rising water levels push bass into shallow areas, while dropping levels send them deeper. Paying attention to currents and water temperature helps me find the best spots. Understanding these changes has led to some of my best catches, even in challenging conditions.

Fishing in the rain can be rewarding, look for feeder creeks as rain brings fresh water that attracts fish. In muddy water, target mud lines with flashy lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits.

Rising water pushes bass into shallow areas, ideal for frogs and flipping baits, while dropping water moves them deeper. Warm spring rain heats up shallow spots, making fish more active.

Use loud lures in muddy water and finesse baits in clear water. Stay safe and comfortable with waterproof clothing and good gear. These tips can turn a rainy day into a successful fishing trip.

FAQs

What type of line should I use for fishing in the rain?

In rainy conditions, braided line is often recommended because it has less stretch and is more sensitive, helping you feel bites even in rough weather. Additionally, it doesn’t absorb water, so it remains strong and reliable.

How can I prevent my tackle from rusting after fishing in the rain?

To prevent rust, make sure to thoroughly dry your tackle after your trip. You can wipe down your gear with a dry cloth and leave it out to air dry before storing it. Using silica gel packets in your tackle box can also help absorb moisture. Don’t forget that in your next fishing trip.

What are the best colors for lures when fishing in the rain?

Bright and flashy colors like chartreuse, white, and fire tiger are effective in rainy and murky water conditions. These colors stand out and attract fish more effectively than duller colors.

How do I stay safe from lightning while fishing in the rain?

If you hear thunder or see lightning, get off the water immediately and seek shelter from the cold wind. Avoid holding or being near metal objects like fishing rods or boat masts. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared to cut your trip short if a thunderstorm is approaching.

Can I fish from a boat during heavy rain?

Yes, you can fish from a boat during heavy rain, but ensure your boat is equipped with proper drainage to handle excess water. Wear a life jacket at all times and also rain jackets or rain suit to keep yourself warm under cold weather, keep an eye on the weather, and be aware of your surroundings to avoid hazards like submerged objects or strong currents.