[Mike Barrio]

Smock or jacket - which do you prefer?

I like the ones in the photo for different reasons, and I think both would make a good fishing jacket.



Example photos from Hoggs of Fife

[Mike Barrio]

Don't all answer at once 

Maybe you just prefer branded 'fishing jackets' ?

[Steven Sinclair]

Smock for me 👍

I was gifted a loop smock in exchange for a lend of an outboard and I've pretty much lived in it since 👍

Cheers,

Steven.

[Mike Barrio]

Sounds like you got a good deal Steven 

[James Laraway]

i like a smock...

[Eddie Sinclair]

I usually wear a wading jacket, however I have been looking at various smocks for boat fishing.

Eddie

[Robert MacDonald-Lewis]

I have never really explored the options available in smocks, something I will have to look into.

I do have a bit of a bugbear about cuffs on "fishing" jackets. Realy prefer to have something which does a half decent job of trying to keep water out. I haven't found anything completely water proof that isn't just about a dry suit. For this reason I tend to stay away from non fishing jackets for fishing.

[Mike Barrio]

I have ordered the smock in the photo, I had a similar one many moons ago and I remember that I really liked it.

The art of getting them on and off might prove a tad more challenging 40 years later 

But I'm looking forward to putting this one through it's paces this season .....

Cheers
Mike

[Mike Barrio]

Smock arrived today - I'm really pleased with it, superb quality 

[Eddie Sinclair]

Good call Mike, Hoggs of Fife sell quality gear👍👍

[Hamish Young]

Given the opportunity, I'd opt for a smock over a jacket on grounds of practicality - especially if I found myself fishing big lochs from boats on a frequent basis. Running back upwind in a half decent wave - especially if you're on the engine - can be a damp experience 

[Kav Ring]

I like a smock and have been wearing a Ventile Hilltrek one for work (hedgelaying) really tough and windproof but gets a bit stiff when really wet. I have been thinking about a wading jacket as a winter option as think I could carry most of what I need in the pockets but might need a few other things first.
Robert, I know what you mean I'd love to have a coat with water tight cuff

[Hamish Young]

I do have a bit of a bugbear about cuffs on "fishing" jackets. Realy prefer to have something which does a half decent job of trying to keep water out.

If you haven't already, take a look at the Orvis clearwater wading jacket, these feature the “Dolphin Skin cuff system.” This system worked well for me and in previous Orvis models of wading jackets has been adjustable for tension, essentially the cuff forms a waterproof seal when you put on the jacket.  I always found this feature bloody handy, although on my last wading jacket from Orvis the cuffs detonated after 4 seasons, which for me was too soon for the price tag - it would likely have been swapped under their guarantee system but by then I had already replaced the jacket.

[Steven Kidd]

Hello,

Smock for me, I like trying out clothing for fishing and hill walking.  The best I have is also the least expensive......Made in Finland the Varusteleka Sarma smock, £70 and is some bit of kit.  Base layer under it and your never too hot or too cold.   It is also comfortable under chest waders being a soft kind of polycotton / canvas material.

If you want to make it waterproof and still breathable, then wash it in some of the Nikwax Cotton Proof that goes in the washing machine, costs £10.

Other favourites I have are my Buffalo Systems Smock, or if it is torrential I have a posh Paramo which at the price I don't like to take fishing......in case of a wayward hook!

Steven

[James Laraway]

You got a link to that Steven? I'm intrigued...

[Mike Barrio]

Great stuff Steven

The Hoggs of Fife Struther Smock was £73.90 including shipping, so we're in the same ball park 👍

[James Laraway]

If it's that price I think I'll have to look at the Hogg's one.....
What's the sizing like Mr B?

[Mike Barrio]

Sizing is good James, I got the medium 

Got mine here, and it arrived quickly: https://hollandscountryclothing.co.uk/products/hoggs-waterproof-smock-jacket
Lots of reviews on there that include sizing feedback.

Cheers
Mike

[Steven Kidd]

James,

Sorry for the late reply:



Good review on youtube.

Here is where you get one, great quick delivery, I got mine in 2 days.

https://www.varusteleka.com/en/product/sarma-windproof-anorak/60199

Steven

[Mike Barrio]

On the topic of jackets:

I was going to throw my old black Orvis fleece jacket out, as the zip kept popping open and had become a bit annoying!

It has been a great jacket over the years and certainly doesn't owe me anything.

I tried the usual crimping with pliers and thought about getting the zip replaced, but guessed the cost would probably rule this out.

Had a lightbulb moment - could I just replace the zipper? I watched a couple of YouTube videos, got a zipper on Ebay, and managed to fix it.

It feels good to fix things (when it works) I wonder how many more years I'll get from the jacket now 

[John Wastle]

I bought the Hoggs smock a couple of years ago and am really happy with it. The front pocket appealled to me for keeping a flybox and essentials handy to avoid regular rumages in the rucksack up in the hills. It is also accessable secure storage for phone or camera in the tube.

It is quite versatile depending on what you wear under it. Cool enough with a t shirt, warmer with a thermal base layer.

It is waterproof enough to wear if the forecast is showers. And it dries fast enough. In persistant rain it tends to absorb water much more quickly than a shell jacket. If it gets wet and dried a couple of times it starts to tell you it needs a wash and I am not convinced it will stand up to too many wash cycles and stay waterproof. Time will tell, but I will be happy with it as a windproof, showerproof top layer.