Author: Sam McDowell – Tournament Director

Photos: Greg Greene – Club Photographer

Sam McDowell

SUBJECT: COLD WEATHER GEAR

Fall has finally arrived with seasonal air temperatures hovering around the 60s during the day. This time of year as most of us read about is special with big bass roaming the shallows looking for their fall feed-up.

For some of us it means great bass fishing with less crowds and heavier bag weights. However it can be a dangerous time to be on the water due to low water temperatures. Many of us the last few years have stayed on the water during the wintertime but we are also conscious of the elements. Late fall and winter fishing requires a different approach to the water.

In this tips article I will try to educate some of our newest members who are thinking about fishing with us during the winter, as to winter attire.

Winter Hats – As for winter hats, I have tried many different ones and I prefer the fleece hats. I have tried wool and other types but the fleece is the most comfortable and does not itch like other styles. Remember your head and feet must stay warm because that is where you lose your most heat. Galyans has winter fleece hats that are made for skiing. The cost of a fleece hat is around $13

Gloves - Are important; however they can be difficult to fish with if you use a bulky type. I have found that I use two (2) types of gloves while fishing. The first type, on right, when running and fishing moving baits, i.e., Silver Buddy or crankbaits, is a waterproof neoprene fishing glove that has a wrist strap and does not snag treble hooks. Do not use wool gloves near treble hooks because they will snag. The neoprene allows you to handle fish and is waterproof. The second type, far left, is a wool insert glove for military style leather gloves. The wool glove is form fitting and when I am fishing grubs or a jig-n-pig they allow for sensitivity. However, in extreme cold, your hands will get cold. The waterproof gloves can be bought at Bass Pro Shop or Galyans. Wool inserts from Army surplus stores. The inserts are also referred to as glove liners.

Facemask - Keeping your face warm is a must. Running in a bass boat for even the briefest time can be brutally cold. Like me, I don’t have windshields. There are many different forms of face protection such face shields and motorcycle helmets. I prefer the neoprene facemask. It is comfortable and at 60+ mph my face doesn’t get cold. These can be bought at any ski shop for $15 - $20.

Goggles- Are important; when running in cold weather your eyes will tear-up and that can make driving difficult. I like ski goggles. They allow some air flow and you can get clear for low light running and amber for bright sunny days. They can be purchased at ski shops and even some of the discount retail stores even cheaper. They range from $20 - $30.

Coveralls & Bibs – Another important item for keeping your body warm is a coveralls or bib suit. These are two (2) distinct different clothing items. Insulated Coveralls are one piece suits that you wear over your clothes. They provide warmth and waterproof protection during running, however they are one piece and when your not running and you want to remove some clothing you lose the whole suit. Bib suits are two (2) piece suits with a separate jacket and pants. They can be purchased separately or together. I purchased just the pants because during the warmer days I can remove more upper layers when I get too warm. Coveralls & Bibs range in price from $50 - $190.

Jackets - need to be warm and waterproof. Rain suits will work but if the temperature gets really cold then I will layer with a fleece pullover. You will find that the more weight you wear the heavier and more tired you will feel as the day goes on.

Knapsack - I learned a few years back from Jeff that a knapsack is an excellent way to carry your winter items. You get a cheap knapsack at Galyans for $14 and carry all these items every time you go out. You would not believe how many pairs of gloves and hats have been left in my boat by others at the end of the day.

Life Jackets - are the most important item of all. During the winter we wear life jackets during all running. They will also keep you warm due to their snug fit. The water during this time of year is extremely cold and it doesn’t take long to get hypothermia.

We have a saying on the water during winter and that is, “ You can take off layers, but you can’t put on what you don’t have.”

Good Luck and Good Fishing <*<<<><

Sam