Simms Men’s ProDry Fishing Bibs

When it’s raining harder than a car wash, you’ll appreciate having these three-layer GORE-TEX fishing bibs.

Jim Hutson

October 4, 2024

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Simms | Men’s ProDry Fishing Bibs

product description

“The ProDry Bib is the ultimate performance solution for your on-deck adventures, keeping you exceedingly dry through the harshest fishing conditions.” – Simms

company ethos

“Like you, we’ve come to realize that fishing isn’t a pastime. It’s not a hobby. And it’s not a sport. Fishing is our way of life. And we firmly believe we all owe it to ourselves to make as much time as possible to do the things we truly live for. After all, you get one life. #FishItWell.” – Simms

Buy Now

I bought the Simms ProDry Fishing Bibs for a striper trip to Montauk, New York, with David DiBenedetto last September. We fished the same three days that the NYC subways flooded, and it was a wash in the ocean. We borrowed Dave’s brother’s Regulator 26, and were the only boat out the first two days. We had salt water washing over the sides and rain dumping from above, but the albies, stripers and blues were blitzing like crazy, two miles off the beach.

This trip was one of the most adventurous fishing sessions I’ve had to date, and the bite was great: topwater, jigs, spoons, bucktails and flies–everything worked, including my ProDry Fishing Bibs and jacket, also a Simms ProDry. I was the only one who didn’t get soaked, except for the crack in my rubber boot that allowed my sock to get drenched.

I’m a big fan of quality fishing gear and tools, and think you get what you pay for. I’ve also been offshore in nasty weather with the wrong gear, which isn’t all bad in the summer, but in the winter, having lousy rain gear can take you down hard. That’s why I purchased these bibs and rain jacket from Simms.

I could tell right away that they were top quality and lightweight. I liked the fact that I could unzip the sides to get into your pants pocket or your fishing pliers.

As we fished together on this trip, I noticed Dave’s Grundens didn’t let him access the pockets, pliers or anything. I also really liked the external pliers pocket on the ProDry Fishing Bibs, and the pockets on the front of each thigh. They have overlapping Velcro flaps that really keep the rain out. I often use these pockets on charters for small plastic trash items (like a PowerBar wrapper) that would normally blow out of your pocket or boat–it keeps them locked in tight. These pockets are also great spots for your phone, particularly when it’s wet or raining.

The Simms ProDry Bibs are definitely expensive, but they also have changed the way I think about foul weather gear: quality matters when the conditions fall apart.

Pros

Three-layer GORE-TEX fabric provided 100% protection in the harshest fishing conditions I’ve experienced.

Very lightweight.

Smartly engineered with good pocket and zipper placement.

Cons

They’re expensive, but last year’s model is now on sale for $519.97.

Overkill for tropical environs and hot summer conditions.

At $649.95 for the original price, that's a lot of money to pay for a pair of saltwater bibs, but the product execution lives up to the reputation. I researched a lot before purchasing and many of my saltwater peers said the same thing: they’re worth the money. After a year of wear in some pretty harsh conditions, I totally agree.

Price: $519.97
Weight: ~34 ounces
Sizes: S-3XL
Colors: Black
Fabric: Pro-durable waterproof fabric (Nylon Three-layer GORE-TEX) combined with abrasion resistant overlay panels for increased durability in the knees and rear seat
Front zipper: Full length two-way center-front zip
Leg zipper: Thigh-high two-way side zipper opening for easy on/off while wearing boots
Warranty information: Simms warranty

For help with Simms wader sizing:

Simms warranty.

“If your SIMMS product fails due to a defect in workmanship or materials, SIMMS will repair or replace your gear and get you back on the water as soon as possible. If your SIMMS product fails due to excessive wear, accidents involving barbed wire or campfires, or the natural breakdown of materials over extended time, SIMMS will make every effort to repair your gear for a reasonable fee.”

I fish the coastal, inshore and nearshore waters surrounding Charleston, South Carolina, and take pride in fishing for all species of saltwater gamefish–back in the tidal creeks, off the beach (up to 30 miles) and everything in between. As such, I think you can’t put a price on staying dry in cold, harsh conditions.

Would I purchase these if I was fishing for a living offshore in Florida? Probably not. They’re too expensive and unnecessary for a mild climate. I think Charleston is borderline too far south to need bibs like these, unless you are out on the water all the time. (Or unless you like expensive stuff!) But for the coastal striper fishermen, a pair of ProDry Fishing Bibs should be a no-brainer for staying warm, comfortable and safe when the conditions fall apart.

In my opinion, Simms Pro Dry bibs are for serious anglers. Lightweight and somewhat packable, I bring them on the water everyday. They will save your ass in a summer storm or when the cold wind and rain starts.

These fishing bibs are highly recommended, particularly for certain (harsh) environments and committed guides and anglers.

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