Fongster's right about waders vrs suits. I vote wetsuit, but some say waders are warmer. Anyways, I'd suggest a 5mm longjohn. This is long legged, but no sleeves. That way you can wear whatever jackets, sweatshirts, shirts under and over it. This is the warmest way to go. Also, get 5 or 6mm booties.

With colder weather and water right around the corner, I'd highly recommend polar fleece for over t-shirts, and a good nylon or gortex shell to cover that with. Polar fleece stays warm when wet, the shell will also help with heat retention, and more important it'll keep the wind off you. Wear a skicap for the noggen. This is all very important if you want big sandbass. Best time for them is usually in the middle of the night, in the middle of winter. Take cold air, while sitting in cold water and you need to be smart. No sense getting too cold and cramping or locking up.

At one point last winter I was wearing my 4mm longjohn, short and longsleeve shirts, polar fleece vest and jacket, a heavy nylon shell w/ polar fleece colar lining, and polarfleece cap. I was hot by the time I hit the water, but usually within an hour I was cool. Within 3 hours I was cold, but I could last 5 or 6 when the bite was on. Plus the thermos of hot coffee was really helpful in staying warm.

As for tides, beware and be aware. Plan your trips around the tides. Learn each area you fish, the tidal movement differs based on lots of variables. Get a tide chart that shows water movement, not just highs and lows. They will cost like $2 instead of free or close too it. Water doesn't move at nice even pace with each swing. Sometimes it will smoke for an hour then die, sometimes it kinda pulses, sometimes it is nice and even. But, fish like the movement, so don't plan for days when the swing is slight.

Pay attention, and listen to your gut. Like David, I got myself into a few situations that could have been bad. For Newport, launch out on the Penninsula south of the Pavillion. Stay in that channel, that way if you do get pulled out too far, you can exit by the public pier. Basically, stay back in the bay, within the moored boats. As you learn the area you can venture further. I think bracketing the highs is best, for both fishing and safety. I've known a couple people who got sucked way too far out, because the swing was very steep at the backend, even though it wasn't an overall big swing.

Last of all, fish the light line. 6# is all you need. It'll seem too light at first, but you'll get used to it. You'll get bit way more with 6#. Baits? Well that's a whole 'nother mega post.

Hope this helps,
Amish Ed
You Can't Catch it again if
it's Dead!

Amish Ed
You can't catch it again if it's dead!