With the vagaries of the British weather, and the way in which things can change so quickly at sea, keeping warm and dry for boat anglers is pretty much a year round consideration. So important is it, particularly in winter, that it can play every bit as big a part in a successful outcome as bait quality and tackle. So when you find something that is truly up to the job, it's your duty to share that find with other people "in the same boat".

The market is awash with all weather one and two piece suits to the point where it must be difficult at times to know what to buy. Having tried many of them at some time or other, I have to say that there is no way you would get me into a one piece suit. Taking a leak means virtually climbing out of the thing, and the option to pack or wear just the top in the so called 'summer months' is taken away to the point that while you might take a jacket with you, a one piece suit is out of the question.

Another point I feel very strongly about is flotation suits. We've all seen picture of people bobbing around in the water wearing one and reading a magazine. I have tried it myself and as a non swimmer, I have to say that this is stretching reality to its limit. They will help you to help yourself in terms of buoyancy. But they are not life jackets and they will not keep you afloat face up when unconscious. In fairness to the manufacturers, they never said they would. Its just that anglers, particularly small boat anglers, con themselves into thinking they don't need a life jacket if they have a flotation suit, and nothing could be further from the truth.

I'm glad I've got that off my chest. And yes I have a flotation suit, though I tend only ever to wear the jacket as I also wear chest waders most of the time. The Fladen Rescue System jacket I am currently using is one of the best in terms of warmth and comfort I have trialled so far. So warm in fact that you would boil in the bag if you left it on in the car while waiting for the heater to get going after a particularly cold day afloat. It comes with all the usual design features such as storm flaps on the pockets, cuffs and zip. Points I particularly like are the warmth and fit of the hood, the small pocket on the lower left sleeve for a hankie to mop up nasal drips, and the fact that it has a belt which I always find makes me feel so much warmer. Mine is high vis orange and blue which would be easy to spot during a rescue, and looks pleasing to the eye in front of the camera.

The Fladen jacket combines well with my Mustad neoprene chest waders. I always thought that Mustad only made hooks and have been amazed by the quality and range of other gear in their catalogue. I have been wearing neoprene chesties for year for launching the boat. Previous pairs however have been a pain to get on and off when wearing plenty of warm gear underneath, particularly again when a call of nature comes along, as it so often does in winter. This is not the case with the Mustad version which are exceptionally wide at the top and can be zipped down at the front to make life even easier if you are a little on the portly side. You still have to roll them down a bit for a leak. But without doubt, the best thought out chest waders I have so far come across.

Chest waders are fine if you fish from a small boat, but non starters for charter work where wellies or wet feet are a common sight, particularly on scuppered boats with a self draining deck area. Moon boots are one option for keeping warm and dry, particularly in winter. But again, Mustad have come to the rescue with a cracking alternative which are far more functional, comfortable, and practical over the entire fishing year. These are their waterproof rubber molded Seafarer boots. Good ankle support and plenty of sole grip combines well with a thermal thinsulate lining guaranteeing comfort. Not so much of a lining to be uncomfortably warm in the summer. And if you choose a big enough size, you have the option of extra socks for those winter trips.