Getting Reel - Fishing News

Winter Fishing? Tips to Stay Warm & Safe

by Don Zaegel on January 2nd, 2008

As we bring in a new year for 2008, hopefully everyone’s holiday was as great as mine. All the while, as I enjoyed time with my family, I never once forgot to take the time to give thanks and remember our Marines and Soldiers who were unable to be with their loved ones because of their service overseas. Their sacrifices to go forward and ensure our safety so we may enjoy the many freedoms we have is both courageous and well respected. So to all of you I again say, Thanks.

            Growing up I always remember it getting cold starting in mid November. Now when I say cold, I mean bundled up cold. Today, November and December just seem like harsh fall weather. Of course that is considering I grew up in Missouri and now reside in Virginia. Far north or far south anglers deal with slightly different climate zones. As we roll into the January and February months, our chances of seeing snow, temps into the 30’s and 20’s, and water temps just above that are going to greatly increase. We are going to need to make sure we are completely ready to handle the elements before hitting the water. Here are a few tips to help you stay warm on the water.

            Bring extra layers: The cold weather months not only mean low temperatures, but it also means high winds. I can’t recall how many times I have taken off from a ramp warm and dry to only be cold and wet by the time I reached my first spot. Usually the culprit is water spray from the wind and boat kicking it up. If this happens you are probably going to want to change a layer after a couple of times running from one spot to another. Hopefully your outer layer is Gore-Tex or some other type of water resistant shelling. Another consideration for layering doesn’t have to do with water spray during your run, but it does have to do with your run. As we leave the ramp warm and dry. We forget to factor in that the run on plane can make the air temps seem 10-20 degrees lower than they actually are, so by the time you hit your destination you may be feeling like you are standing in a meat locker. I like to wear a body layer such as long johns, t-shirt over that, a thick heavy hooded pullover, and then an insulated water resistant shell on top of it all. On bottom I will usually go with a body layer of long johns, blue jeans and then a this water repellent suspender style bib that comes up to your chest. Chest high bibs will help keep wind and water from getting up under you top layers. Never forget a beanie, some good gloves, and a thick pair of socks to keep it all in. If your head, feet, and hands get cold than you will likely be cold and miserable no matter what else you have on. Keep some disposable pocket heaters on hand as well just in case.  

            Carry a Face Mask: While fishing is not a contact sport, a helmet or facemask is a must in low temp conditions. I remember the first time seeing someone run down the lake with a motorcycle helmet on their head. Without considering the mid 30 air temps that were present, I thought to myself, “that could possibly be one of the silliest things I head ever seen”. Meanwhile, I spent the rest of the day sniffling and wiping my cherry red nose and crusty cold dry eyes. A couple of years later the new trend became the Fish Headz or Save Phace masks. Not being one to miss the “Give it a try” bandwagon, I spent some money to try one out. Three words, ‘Money Well Spent’. Besides being protection from the cold air and water, it also can help protect from flying debris. For this reason you may also want to consider this for the warm weather months, especially when bugs are present. If you wear prescription glasses or contacts than you definitely stand to benefit.

            Stay Hydrated: Ensure you bring plenty of fluids. A thermos with some warm drink and a few bottles of water are never something to leave behind. Dehydration isn’t something that can only affect you in the summer or dry months. It can also hurt you in during cold weather as well. Even if you do not feel thirsty, ensure you take a few moments every hour to set the rod and reel down and hydrate. Being out in a boat in the middle of a cold body of water is no place to get dizzy or faint due to dehydration.

            Keep your life jacket on!: I know it can sometimes feel uncomfortable to fish with your life jacket on, but chances are that if your fishing in this weather, than you’re standing pretty still and fishing slowly. It shouldn’t be that uncomfortable. If high winds or some sort of unexpected accident causes you to go overboard in the summer, than your chances of getting back on board in warm water is much better than if you fall over in 40 degree  water. Because your body can seize up very easily in this situation, help your chances by keeping your life jacket on. Also take a cell phone if possible to help improve your chances of getting a hold of someone in the case of an emergency and keep a medical/emergency kit aboard with a blanket. Again if this were to happen, than your extra set of layers could be life saving!

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POSTED IN: Miscellaneous, Tips/Tactics