Your Winter Fishing Guide

While some folks may prefer to go fishing when it’s warm and sunny outside, there are plenty of us who prefer to go out and snag our big catches on a brisk winter morning. Winter fishing is a fun and exhilarating way to spend your weekend out on the water, but you do need to be prepared. Here are our tips on how to stay safe when on your fishing boat in the winter months.

Check the Weather

Before you head out on a cold winter morning, it’s a good idea to check the forecast to make sure there isn’t a storm on the horizon. You don’t want to be out on your fishing boat in the middle of the lake when a blizzard crops up, or in high winds. You also probably can’t go out fishing if the temperature is too far below freezing.

Layer Up

When you’re going out in the cold, especially out on the water, your best strategy for staying warm is to wear lots of layers. Start with an insulating layer of thermal underwear in wool or polyester, then add on your normal pants and a light sweater. A fleece pullover and your overcoat can be worn on top, and you can always add or remove layers as needed. Don’t forget to wear insulating socks under your waterproof boots, along with fingerless gloves, a watch cap, and a scarf.

Stock Emergency Gear

Finally, you’ll want to ensure that your fishing boat has all the gear you need in case of an emergency. It’s a good idea to let someone back on shore know where you’re going so that they can alert rescue crews to your location if you fail to check in. You should pack an emergency radio, your phone and charger, signal flares, an anchor, flashlights, a tool kit, a first-aid kit, and extra food and water.

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