®
Winter 2024
A
s anglers make late season trips to any
remaining open water, or more likely begin to
plan for their first open water fishing trip of the new year, it is vital to have the critical warm weather gear
to keep you safe and warm, resulting in a hopeful enjoyable
day on the water!
It is quite possible that the sun will be shining and on
shore the temperatures may not feel that chilly, but the
combination of a small breeze and moisture from the water
below can make it feel much colder. Here is the breakdown
out my cold weather clothing kit.
BASE LAYER
Beginning with a high-quality base layer is important, as this shirt and pant will do two things, the first it will aid in pulling the moisture off your body when you do get warm, and second the base layer garments will keep your core temperature warm. In my opinion, you need to try out as many base layer garments as possible, as each brand fits differently, and since bass fishing is a very movement- based activity, you don’t want to be wearing a base layer that moves or becomes uncomfortable after a few hours of making casts.
INSULATION LAYER
On top of your base layer, is when you will throw on your favorite pair of fishing pants and tournament jersey,
or fishing shirt. Depending on how cold the temperature is going to be, you may not need an insulation layer of garments and can just throw on a hoody, followed by your rain gear. If it is going to be extremely cold and you need more warmth, insulation garments are needed. These garments are like a blanket covering your body and will add heat to your body.
Layering on your upper body can help maintain your core temperature. One of my favorite ways to do that is to wear a high-quality sweatshirt, followed by a vest overtop of it. This is an easy way to provide warmth and depending on the day’s forecast can be taken off if it gets warm. And since it is a vest, it keeps an angler’s arms uninhibited when casting.
OUTER LAYER
As you get to the outer layer, you have several options from rain gear manufacturers. Some companies offer two or three options for rain gear, with one of these options usually offering some form of insulation to it. These types of suits are great for fishing in colder weather, as you don’t need to keep adding additional insulation elements below the out layer. This will keep the bulk on your body down and allow you to keep making casts.
FROM HEAD TO TOES
Keeping your fingers warm and dry is important to keeping the sense of feel and ability to tie knots, but also
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