Are YOU Ready for Winter?
It’s that time again, rain is starting up and it’s cooling off! Over the years of fishing I learned a few things about being out in the elements, the most important is being SAFE, but a close second is being comfortable. One aspect of comfort, is knowing your gear is in good working order. I don’t want to be fighting a leaky rain jacket with cold water dripping down my neck, or the wrong gloves that ain’t keeping my hands warm! That’s the kind of stuff that can mentally take one right out of the game.
Below is my defense against the wet weather.
Lesson learned, buy some quality rain gear. I’ve tried to skimp, in the long run I would of spent less if I spent more up front! There are some quality products made with fishing in mind to wear.
At the beginning of the season I wash all my stuff. Coming out of the wash I use a waterproofing spray to make sure I’m good for the winter. Again, there are lots of different products, the one pictured has worked very well for me. Follow the directions which are easy and the results are water beading off your material. It works great on the hat pictured which is made out of duck canvas.
I prefer wool mittens with a folding flap. I can expose my fingers when needed and then close them up. I cut the tip of the thumb off to cast with a bait casting reel. I’m not sure you really have to do this. I was wearing a backup pair once, and casting was not a problem with my skin not exposed on my thumb. Wool gets WET, but my hands stay warmer and I don’t lose much agility.
The headgear is for those really cold days with the wind howling. It’s easily removed, but really nice! This brings me to layering your clothes. Being cold is not comfortable, but being hot and sweaty is just as bad. My rain jacket is not insulated for that reason. It’s easier for me to shed a layer or two of clothes to find comfort.
My socks aren’t pictured, depending on the weather will determine what I have on my feet. I prefer waterproof socks with tennis shoes, but if it’s really cold and possibly gonna snow, I’m wearing heavy socks and waterproof boots.
The smallest item in the pic are my ear plugs. I hate getting an earache. I also think that’s how many of us get sick. Running down the lake at 65 in 30° weather even with my hood drawn tight, that ice cold air gets in my ears. The ear plugs don’t let that happen!
I hope this will help you out this winter. Check out monsterfishingtackle.com for some great gear and see you out there, rain or shine!
