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Foul weather gear for fishing in America

Foul weather gear for fishing in America – a guide to the essentials

All crews need high-performance foul weather gear for fishing in America, no matter what the climate. From squalls, storms, rain and wind to salt spray and the challenges of handling fish, there’s a lot that your gear needs to withstand. It’s important to shop carefully and always opt for quality, unless you want to be replacing your equipment in just a couple of months.

In North America’s commercial fishing hotspots of Maine, Massachusetts, Alaska and California, there are additional challenges to face, and the needs of fishermen and crews in these areas are all very different. Whether you’re battling the extreme cold, snow and ice or working in some of the hottest climates faced by commercial fishing crews, you need to be confident that you have the right gear that will protect you and your team from whatever mother nature has to throw at you.

At Stormline, we’ve been helping to equip fishing crews with gear that is functional, comfortable, practical and durable for more than 50 years, so you can be confident that we know exactly what you need from your gear. You and your crew will be safe and protected for years when you buy our gear, and when you try our products, you’ll never want to scrimp on costs or quality ever again.


Want great gear at a lower cost? Check out our trade and wholesale offers.


Fishing in Maine and Massachusetts

The climate in Maine, the nation’s top lobster-producing state, is humid and warm in summer, but with extremely cold and snowy winters, making it more important than ever to have the right gear for the season. For fishing crews in Maine’s main commercial ports of Portland, Rockland, Stonington, Port Clyde and Vinalhaven, it’s important to choose gear that can be adaptable for the conditions.

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The same goes for Massachusetts fishing crews working out of New Bedford, Gloucester, Provincetown-Chatham, Boston, and Fairhaven where the climate and the challenges out at sea are similar.

Staying warm and dry on deck is essential, but breathability and ventilation are just as crucial when it comes to hot, sunny afternoons. Fishing crews need to be able to move freely in their foul weather gear, but it also needs to be able to withstand a sudden, violent storm. As the climate in these areas can change so quickly, during these conditions, you’ll be extremely glad of 100% waterproof, high performance and highly durable gear.

The challenges of the Alaskan climate

Alaskan fishermen and women face extremes in temperatures when they head out to sea, especially in areas known for their hot summers and freezing winters. Commercial fishing is an enormous industry in Alaska, and the state is famous for its salmon and king crab. To land this lucrative catch, fishing crews in Alaska must face high winds, freezing cold waters and temperatures and seasonal darkness, as well as isolated fishing grounds.

The number one priority for foul weather gear for fishing in America’s coldest state has to be warmth. Fishermen need super insulated, high performing gear from the base layer to the waterproof outer shell. It’s not simply a matter of comfort, as wearing poor quality gear in the extreme Alaskan conditions can be dangerous. It can even put lives at risk.

Foul weather gear for fishing in California

Unlike some of the other fishing hotspots in the U.S., California is known for its Mediterranean-like climate. The essentials needed for fishing in these waters, from Monterey and Santa Barbara to San Diego, are very different. Coastal upwelling and the natural currents of the California area make it one of the most productive fishing areas in the US, and the warmer waters – compared to other US fishing hubs – creates a naturally rich marine ecosystem. Sun protection and staying cool in the warmer California climates are crucial, but this doesn’t mean that rain cover isn’t also an incredibly important requirement. For protection from salt spray and to stay dry while handling the catch, lightweight yet robust foul weather gear is an essential. With over 120,000 jobs in this area supported by the fishing industry, it’s more important than ever to make sure that you and your team have the right gear to make sure you’re all safe and productive!

The main fishing season in California is very different from the more northern hotspots in the US fishing industry, due to the naturally warmer climate. In areas where the seas are too cold in the winter months and early in the year the industry naturally slows, while in California, late winter and early spring can be vital months for fishermen in the area. Crab, lobster and sea bass all have high populations and fishing activity in the winter months, when the activity is considerably lower in more northern areas. 

However, even within California, the level of biodiversity and variety of different weather conditions are extensive, so it’s important to know exactly what you’re likely to be facing. 

If you’re new to the industry, the best way to find out what kind of products you should be looking for and the things that are important to you, is to ask other crewmembers and the people you work with. The knowledge and experience of more senior people you work with will be invaluable, especially when choosing equipment and gear that will protect you from the elements in a climate as variable as coastal California. Lightweight gear that is durable, breathable and waterproof is vital for fishing crews in this area. Products like the Nelson 248G PVC Rain Gear Jacket are fantastic for commercial fishing in the warmer California climate when you need durable, waterproof protection that is ideal for warmer weather and stops you from feeling weighed down.

For bulk buy discounts on a fantastic range of high performance foul weather gear for fishing in America, please see the Trade and Wholesale section of our website. Stormline is a proud supplier of exceptional gear to fishing crews and commercial fishing companies across the U.S, and our wholesale service means that you can make sure your entire crew has everything they need to stay safe and do their jobs well. .

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