Surviving Wintertime Kayak Bassin with John Myers, Page 2

Surviving Wintertime Kayak Bassin with John Myers, Page 2

Winter 2023

®

T

his time of the

year kayak

fishing can be the most dangerous

time on the water. So, if

you’re going to kayak in

the winter, be prepared

for cold water conditions.

Here are some tips

to survive wintertime

kayaking, while landing some big bass.

BUDDY SYSTEM

Always go fishing with a buddy. Having a friend that is close by can be lifesaving. Anglers flip their kayaks even in calm water conditions; so, by chance something happens, and you find yourself in the cold water, you know help is close.

Hypothermia happens really fast once your core body temperature starts dropping. A person may only have twenty minutes to start warming their body’s core before it starts to shut completely down.

THE 120 RULE

Wearing the right

clothing is just as

important as preparing

your rods for a fishing trip.

Be prepared to get wet in

the winter. Cotton holds

moisture so avoid wearing

any cotton clothing.

Layer your clothing with wicking fabrics from your socks, to under garments, and even your shirt, hoodie and jacket.

I always go by the 120 Rule, which means, if the outside air temperature plus the water temperature is less than 120, I wear a wet suit. I prefer the “Farmer John-style” so my arms are more mobile, which allows me to cast easier.

When I wear my wet suit, I layer with fabrics that have good wicking properties like polyester briefs and a long sleeve polyester top.

If the 120 rule is not an issue, I layer with the fabrics that have good wicking properties, once more polyester under garments, long Johns tops and bottoms.

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