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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