Even if the idea of roughing it to you means getting dirty and being happy no matter what is thrown your way, there’s no point in tolerating bad weather without being properly prepared for it. How can you expect to have a good time fishing if you’re dripping wet and freezing cold? You can take some time to prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws your way and be comfortable while you fish.
Those who live in the Northeast know the saying if you don’t like the weather wait a minute and it will change. While this might be a catchy phrase, if it does change dramatically (and even the most seasoned outdoor lover will admit 30 degrees is dramatic) you want to be prepared. Whether you are venturing out on what appears to be a relatively comfortable spring or summer morning or a relatively warm fall or winter morning, change happens fast. The best thing you can do to stay comfortable regardless of the weather is to dress in layers. Layers allow you to add or remove clothing depending on the time of day and other factors.
Summer mornings can be cool, even when the early morning news is predicting temperatures reaching ninety. Many fishermen dress in a comfortable flannel shirt layered over a flimsy t-shirt when they leave at 5AM, anticipating these warmer temperatures. However, when they are on the water cruising along, they will quickly chill. Stash a windbreaker or light jacket to the mix and you will be comfortably warm. Those who fish at night face the opposite problem. It’s nice and warm when they leave the dock, but temperatures quickly drop and that t-shirt becomes less comfortable by the minute.
The best advantage of light jackets and windbreakers is that they are so compact and lightweight. They can be stowed when you are not using them, since they take up little room. You will be grateful for them as temperatures drop and they begin to retain your body heat and seal out wind. Many rain jackets serve two purposes, breaking the wind and offering protection from water (whether rain or spray from the boat). It’s best to get a rain jacket with a zipper that is waterproof or a combination of a zipper and buttons or snaps, since zippers often leak when wet. Keep your zipper dry, and you will stay comfortable.
You cannot stay healthy if you don’t stay warm during the winter. That said, anyone who has ever worked outside during the winter understands the need for layering. As you work, you begin to sweat, and the cool air plus the sweat equal the opposite of comfort. Expend as little energy as you can, and dress in layers so that you can add or remove one to stay warm (or not) as needed. In the cold, take off a layer when you start feeling too warm. Add that layer back as you cool off to stay very comfortable with little hassle.
Use layers to stay comfortable during the freezing winter months. Make sure that you create a layering system that works for you in your fishing conditions. When a fisherman is comfortable, he or she will fish longer, increasing the likelihood of catching bigger fish and more of them. Making better decisions is much simpler when you are comfy, and any fisherman knows the importance of using any advantage possible. After all, why would you choose to be cold and miserable?
Clothing is not the only important thing to consider, you should also consider your fishing supplies. Some of the most popular fishing equipment is Penn Fishing Reels including Penn International 965, Penn 360 Slammer, and Penn 975 LD.
