Posted by Steven on 2/13/2014
Winter fishing can give you a unique fishing experience and access to some kinds of fish you might not be able to enjoy at other times of the year. However, you'll need special gear for winter fishing, depending on where you live and what kind of fishing you want to do, such as ice fishing.
No matter what kind of fishing you choose, there are a few things you need to make your outing more comfortable and more successful:
All-Weather Gear
During the winter, you might be dealing with snow or ice. At the very least, you’ll be out in very cold temperatures – perhaps even below zero. You’ll need a heavy, weatherproof jacket, gloves, hat, scarf and long underwear. Look for items that are water resistant, including all your apparel and your foot wear. If any of them retain moisture, it will lower your temperature even more, putting you at risk.
Tools for Dealing with Ice
In very low temperature, ice and condensation can build up on your boat or your equipment, which can cause problems. Bring along chemical de-icers, salt, scrapers and any other tools that can help you keep ice off your boat’s instruments or get you out of a tight spot if you get stuck out in the ice.
Emergency Kit
Any emergency during the colder months can be especially dangerous. If you get stuck out in the cold, you can’t just wait for help to arrive. You risk hypothermia and other dangers because of the extreme cold. You need an emergency kit to help you through if anything bad happens. Your kit should include items like flares, extra batteries, a flash light, medical supplies and more. Keep a radio or other way to communicate on board, as well.
