Winter Fishing is Incredible if you Dress Correctly
by Tom Branch, Jr.
In 1996 I bought my first Gore-Tex rain suit and can honestly say
it was the best fishing/winter gear I have every paid for or owned.
That may seem unusual if you every get a chance to look in my closet
at all my winter clothes. The weather where I live is usually pretty
nasty for about a month in the winter. One of my best days fishing
a few years a go was a cold/wet day in February with my fishing bud,
but we were dressed for success that day.
Once I started bass fishing seriously over 15 years ago I realized
I was going to have to buy something to keep me warm and dry other
than my Camouflage hunting clothing I use for deer and duck
hunting. My hunting clothes that have always kept me warm in a deer
stand or in the duck blind were to heavy, bulky and way to thick to
wear in my bass boat. I need something comfortable and warm.
Let’s talk about the best choice for winter clothing for us fishermen
and fishing ladies. You can use the latest Bass Pro Shops catalog for a reference
if needed. Bass Pro Shops' Pro Qualifier rain gear is the most advanced raingear
ever built for fishermen! Pro Qualifier rainwear is the finest in fishing outerwear
I have ever worn. It features a revolutionary 2-layer gore-tex performance
shell created in collaboration with W.L. Gore & Associates; they have developed
the ultimate fishing outerwear system. This system is designed to handle anything
you can dish out, without the weight or bulk you will find in other suits.
This suit is guarenteered to keep you dry. Bass Pro Shops promises that no
liquid from the outside will get to you on the inside of this clothing. Water
from a driving rain you're caught in, a damp bench that you happen to sit on
or grass that you kneel in can't penetrate gore-tex fabric. To be totally waterproof,
a fabric must be able to withstand water entry in all active conditions and
that means screaming down the lake in a bass boat at 70 mph. The Pro Qualifier
Parka and pants have all the protection and features you could ask for and
more! This suit is Heavy-duty, tear-resistant high-tenacity nylon; it comes
with 2 fleece-lined chest pockets with waterproof zippers, 2 front bellows
pockets with rear fleece-lined hand warmer pockets, adjustable cuffs, adjustable
extended rain hood and drawstring waist. There is also a zip in liner that
you can buy separately. I would highly recommend getting the liner.
My choice for boots when fishing in the winter is the Pro Line® Woo
Daves chukka: these boots were designed to provide top performance for fishing
enthusiasts of any level. The boots are packed with features designed to enhance
your experience and improve your performance. The chukka boot has water-resistant
nubuck leather uppers with Breathable mesh inlays. A removable, cushioned orthotic
supports and EVA midsoles soak up shocks. The soles have a Slip-resistant,
heavy-duty vibram rubber outsoles. I always get my boots one size bigger so
I can wear a high quality sock. You will not go wrong with the Bass Pro Shops – Redhead
Lifetime Guarantee Hunting Socks for Men and if they ever wear out on you,
just return them for a free replacement! Yep, that’s right take them
back and they will replace them with no questions ask and they only cost $9.99.
To say they are made tough is an understatement. They have a double reinforcement
to all stress zones ensure a lifetime of faithful service. Fine grade merino
wool makes these socks makes them softer than many other socks for outdoorsmen.
Each pair comes with a flat toe seam for comfort; elastic arch support zone;
elastic top with stretch from top to toe, for a snug fit; full merino lamb's
wool cushioning throughout; double-reinforced heel, ball, and toe for long
wear. Each sock has 88% merino lamb's wool. You can not go wrong with this
sock.
To keep warm you need more than just a good pair of boots, good socks
and a nice Gore-tex rain suit. I always wear a knit or wool skull cap to keep
my ears warm and the top of my head dry. The face, head and chest are more
sensitive to changes in temperature than the rest of the body, making it feel
as if covering them up does more to prevent heat loss. In fact, covering one
part of the body has as much effect as covering any other. I added a hooded
sweat shirt to my winter attire when going fishing. That hood pulled over my
skull cap will keep my head and neck warm. That combo is great for keeping
head, ears and neck warm.
Now let’s talk long underwear, not the kind your Grandpa wore in
the 50’s. I wear the Redhead Base-layer type which combines a frictionless
poly-spandex blend for fast efficient moisture. This pulls the moisture away
from your skin allow you to stay warmer longer. The soft spun yarn rapidly
channels moisture away from the skin to reduce drying time and speeds vapor
transmission. This type of clothing is ideal as a stand alone garment in cool
weather or as a layering garment in cold weather. It is very lightweight and
soft, yet durable poly/spandex blend allows freedom of movement. Look for a
top that has a mock turtle neck to add warmth. A good set will cost you in
the neighborhood of $40. What a small amount of money to stay nice and warm.
The number #1 most important thing I do not go to the lake without is
a good life jacket. I must admit I will never go on the water without wearing
it; I love my family to much. Remember if you every fall in with all the above
on, you must be able to swim. A live vest should be worn on top of everything
else is really hardly noticeable, and it could save your life. I would
recommend looking at the Mustang Survival Competition Inflatable PFD Vest;
this vest cost $289. This type of life jacket inflates only under hydrostatic
pressure. Only buy an automatic inflatable type vest, there is no substitute.
This inflatable vest is stylish in the competition version. It features a secure
zip closure that can withstand rigorous activity, heavy duty coated nylon for
increased durability, and is very lightweight, comfortable, and compact. It
will keep you on top of the water long enough to allow yourself to get back
in the boat. Attach your kill switch to your life vest any time your gas motor
is running.
Winter time fishing can be an incredible experience if you dress for
success. It not rocket science folks! Have you ever seen the fisherman
or group of fishermen back at the ramp that had a miserable day because
they did not catch them and they are cold? Just think if that was you;
you might consider another sport if that was you. Not me I will be
on the lake this winter catching me some nice ones and all warm and
dry.
About
the author:
Tom Branch, Jr. is a freelance outdoor writer and a full time Lieutenant/Paramedic
with over 25 years of service with the Gwinnett County Fire Service
in Georgia. He has been working in the Outdoor Industry for over
15 years and has done everything from successfully managing and developing
a pro fishing team, developing new products, designing packaging,
participated in different radio and television shows and developing
Writer’s Conferences. He and his wife Kim live north of Atlanta
in Braselton, GA with there 2 labs Jake and Scout.
Check out my blog at - http://outonalimbwithtombranchjr.blogspot.com
Follow us on www.facebook.com/tombranchjr and http://twitter.com/tombranchjr
