Surviving the Cold While Catching Monster Bass
Bruce Callis Jr
The weather is cold and so is the water, but fishing is in our blood and we just have to go. But how do you survive a day on the water and still be able to fish. We are so lucky to have some amazing gear to keep us warm, if you are willing to spend the money. But before you go breaking the bank, let’s talk about what you need.
The head is easy, because the same thing we have had for years still works great. A simple stocking hat is all you need. It helps hold the heat in just like it did as a kid. And they are cheap. Now, you can find a lot of other great products and be as stylish as you want. But function is the main thing, keep the heat from escaping your body through the top of your head.
Socks to keep your feet warm is next. I don’t know about you, but if my feet get cold, I’m done. And here you need to find what works for you. I like a good wool sock that traps the heat in. With today’s blends, the old scratchy wool is gone. It is all about comfort and the Merino Wool is a great choice. Of course, there are a wide variety of options, so look for the type that works best for you, and don’t skimp on paying a little extra.
The hands are next. A lot of people can do fine without gloves, but not me. I love the Fish Monkey Wooly gloves, and especially the fingerless model. But the tips of your fingers will get cold and I may have to opt for the full finger. But you can have the fingerless and another pair of gloves you can slide over them if it gets too cold, or you just want to warm them up for a few minutes. I like fingerless so I can still feel my rod and line, depending on what bait you are using, and for handling the big girls I catch during the cold days of winter.
Now that we have the extremities covered, it is time to think about the legs, arms, and torso. I like to have a good base layer to help give me comfort and warmth while allowing my body to breathe. Next, you need to trap the heat in. The old thermals will still work, but those old white ones we use to buy have changed. Today you can buy them made to work in different conditions. Light weight for the crisp days to the heavy duty extreme cold. This works great and allows so many options. Layers is the most important thing.
For pants, I like the RedHead flannel-lined pants. It gives an extra layer of protection from the cold. And a good flannel shirt is a must, at least for me. So many different blends of material makes it a personal choice. Make sure it is a good heavy fabric. Walmart shirts are cheap, but they aren’t as warm as say a RedHead flannel shirt. You get what you pay for is so true.
Now that we have the basic protection, it is time to talk about the last layers. I have to have a hooded sweatshirt, which is a personal choice. It gives me a tighter seal over the shirt and the added protection to cover the head and ears. I like to wear a good pair of lined outerwear pants or bibs. These I can slide on and off when I get done fishing. And the market is flooded with some really great options. I actually love the bibs better as it helps seal up the area where the shirt rides up out of the pants. Find a pair of pants or bibs that you can slide on and off easily, but still give that extra layer to protect you from the cold and wind. And actually, a good pair of rain bibs will also work. I provides a good barrier and will keep the cold out. Yes, I found out because I forgot my other one time.
The last layer is the coat. You don’t want a big bulky coat, something that will restrict your movement. It needs to fit well, but not too tight. This is the barrier to keep the wind off of you and provide extra warmth. And it must have pockets to slide your hand in if needed. Easy on and off as needed during the day.
You don’t have to be so bulky you can’t fish, but you do need to be warm. Simple steps to surviving the day and still have a great time. And always carry a complete change of clothing in a dry bag. Nothing tight, loose fitting sweat pants and sweat shirt are perfect. And a dry pair of socks. I also have a towel to dry off with should the worse happen and I fall in. I don’t care who sees what, surviving is the most important thing. The heater in the truck is great, but it won’t dry your clothes. Be smart, think safety first, have fun, and live to fish another day.