Blackfish

What do we know about their rain gear? Is this a established company that just re-branded to a new name? Still looking for rain gear but having a very hard time spending what Cabela’s wants for their Guidewear.

Opinions?

Wondered the same thing. Then I saw John Gillespie wearing and decided I couldn’t consider Blackfish an option.

I went with the Simms Challenger suit. Very impressed with 2 times on the water. No heavy rain yet to really make a judgment.

Clam rebranded for summer.

I looked at some Blackfish items: rainwear, spf shirts, etc. It looks very well made but what I saw it was very expensive. Right up there with Guidewear, Simms, etc.
My Guidewear Rain Gear is at least 15 years old and still perfect. I only use it early spring and late fall because it is too heavy/warm for summer.

wormdunker wrote:

Clam rebranded for summer.

Is this correct? It’s Clam stuff?

mxskeeter wrote:

I looked at some Blackfish items: rainwear, spf shirts, etc. It looks very well made but what I saw it was very expensive. Right up there with Guidewear, Simms, etc.
My Guidewear Rain Gear is at least 15 years old and still perfect. I only use it early spring and late fall because it is too heavy/warm for summer.

If it’s that expensive I might as well buy Guidewear.

Pretty sure wormdunker nailed it. No idea why they thought it was a good idea to price it so high, it is much lower quality than similarly priced items from other companies.

Because the Clam name don’t fly in the Summer. It is owned by Clam. For some the Clam name is not what it once was, wise marketing to differentiate from a winter brand. Take advantage of an established dealer network. Company address is Brockton Lane, Maple Grove.

Personally I will stick to the experts/experienced mfgs, not an ice house maker distributing imported rain gear..

I actually think Guidewear might be one of the best fishing investments I have ever made. The stuff is awesome when then care of. I have a suit that is from the 1998 timeframe, maybe 2000? It is still bullet proof and dry. How many cheaper suits would a person buy in a 20 year span? The value is there.

Does anybody know if Guidewear is made here in the states or imported?

My guidewear is made in USA. Looks like new stuff is sadly, China.

Thanks. I’ll likely end up selling some blood and getting Guidewear.

I have had Guide wear for ever works great. Black fish is out of line on there price.

Not to start an argument here but I have purchased a few Blackfish items and have been very happy with them. I first got the Gale 1/4 zip hoodie and wore it on the Mississippi River fishing most of the winter. I also purchased the full zip soft shell before the rainy river this spring and like it also. I just prefer the lighter weight jacket when casting a rod in open water in the winter vs a striker coat I wear ice fishing. I have also bought the higher end endure rain suit but haven’t had the opportunity to wear it fishing yet. After inspecting it is definitely made as well as my Simms suit and better than both of my guide gear suits. My biggest frustration with the guide gear suits is not the water resistance but rather breaking components, zippers, Velcro, etc…

Marine General has 30% off and free shipping on blackfish gear right now thru May 27th. That is definitely a decent deal.

I’m not trying to say any one brand is best. Check out all your options, try it on and buy what you like best as they are all decent gear.

Like I said, mine is 20 years old, the velcro is so strong most days after 8 hours of fishing it hurts my hands to peel it open.

If the new stuff is lesser grade I would be disappointed but not surprised, another way BP kills Cabelas.