Tough winter

[253Caster]

Layer up and fish a species that gets you so excited it doesnt matter if you cant feel your fingers. Or toes!

[G-Man]

How do you fish the winter weather? Winter for me, is the hardest season.

In a boat with full canvas and a Buddy Heater. If I'm fishing from shore, I'll go on days where the wind is minimal. Get some felt insoles for your boots, they make a big difference or just wear waders if you have them. I also use a hand muff and will place a chemical hand warmer inside it when it is really cold. I find that latex/nitrile gloves help keep the hands more comfortable and prevent wind/cold chapping. When crabbing this time of year I use sandblasting gloves, get the cotton lined versions or find ones that will fit your hands with a pair of fleece gloves underneath. If it is wet, good rain gear is a must. You aren't going hiking so don't worry about breathability too much. Also, forget jackets with pit zips, they just let in water, which will run down your arm and into your gloves.

One thing you should never fish without during the winter, even if shore fishing, is a personal flotation device. Cold water shock is a real phenomena and right now, all Washington rivers, lakes and streams have water temps well below what the National Center for Cold Water Safety considers very dangerous and pain inducing.

There are always some nice, clear, cold days during the winter season. Be sure to get out and enjoy them!

[TMBob]

I target later starting times, or basically the warmest periods of the day..... 2 to 3 Hours Out the. Some bugs hatch during the warmest time of the day also which can’t hurt. I fish from a pontoon with stocking foot waders. I try to have me feet in the water as little as possible so they stay warmer longer. I also Dry out my boots and waders after my day of fishing in case I Fish the next day.

Though I Fish smaller lakes which tend to be quite calm, I still check on the wind and try to fish the days with less wind. 3 layers on top and 3 on the bottom. I also bought a fake fur lined cap that has ear covers....Keeping your head warm is a must out there. I double up with the hood from my Simms jacket also.

[Larry3215]

I do my winter fishing in front of my computer, in my jammies, with my extra warm bath robe, wool socks and fuzzy slippers on my feet, with the heat turned up nice and toasty while I sip a beverage of one type or another :D

[Amx]

Ha, and here I am in my skivvies in 61 degrees inside temps.


Ok, ok I just got up. Shave and shower time, then build up the layers. And something hot for breakfast.

[Amx]

and it's 65 degrees inside, just checked.

[The Quadfather]

Just bought a Zippo catalytic hand warmer.

[G-Man]

Just bought a Zippo catalytic hand warmer.

I still have a couple of the old charcoal/solid fuel hand warmers. I can't believe they still sell those and the catalytic warmers. I always thought it odd to light something on fire and then stick it in my pocket, but they work like a charm.