Tips For Fishing In Cold Weather
The days are cold and short, but that doesn’t mean the fish have stopped biting. If you’re a dedicated angler, you likely have or will fish in cold weather at some point. However, there are a few extra steps for cold weather fishing you should take to make sure you stay warm, dry, and safe. If you play your cards right, you can fish in any season!
To help you stay as safe and comfortable as possible on your fishing trips, we here at The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales) have put together a few tips for cold weather fishing. If you want more advice, or you’re looking for a fishing boat for sale, contact our store in Branson, Missouri! Our friendly and experienced staff will find you what you need at the prices you want.
Find The Right Waters
The Missouri Department of Conservation’s website has a handy list of excellent fishing spots across the state, as well as advice on when they’re at their best. Check their site for up-to-date information about what types of fish are swimming when, as well as the best places to go during the present time of year. Remember to check information on rivers and lakes—swift currents are more dangerous in cold weather thanks to the threat of hypothermia.
Equip Yourself Properly
Once you know where you’re heading and what the conditions are like, you’re going to want to gear up properly in order to handle the cold. Missouri has had its share of cold winters, and the water will always be several degrees colder than temperatures on dry land. That means that even if you’re comfortable standing outside your door, you’re going to want extra layers once you head out on the water.
Dress in layers to keep yourself warm while still ensuring you can add or remove layers as you feel the need. Wicking fabrics are ideal inner layers, including materials like wool or polyester. Leggings under a pair of jeans or cargo pants are great for insulation, and tall waterproof boots and wool socks will keep your feet warm and dry. A shirt under a sweater and topped with a waterproof jacket can keep your core temperature up. Then a wool cap and gloves or fingerless gloves, paired with a gaiter or scarf, should have you prepped and ready for some chilly fishing. Bring along extra socks and sweaters in a dry bag, just in case.
Stock Up Your Boat
You’re going to need more than just the clothes on your back in order to make the most of your fishing trip! Obviously you’ll want your tackle box and rods, but you should also make sure your boat has:
- Thermoses of hot coffee and/or soup
- High-energy snacks like granola bars, beef jerky, cheese, nuts, and sandwiches
- A first-aid kit stocked with bandages, ointments, painkillers, gauze, tweezers, and sunscreen
- A multi-tool or pocket knife
- A GPS unit (not on your phone)
- A compass and laminated map
- A solar phone charger or battery pack
- Life jackets for all passengers/crew
- A dry bag to store valuables and clothing in
Weather The Weather
It’s always wise to check the forecast long before you head out to your preferred body of water. Figure out what the weather will be like at your destination a few days in advance and the day of to make sure you’re prepared for the conditions. If a storm seems likely, we recommend delaying or canceling the trip. The fish don’t mind high winds—you and your boat might.
The best times to fish in winter are between 10 AM and 4 PM, when there’s enough light for you to see and enough warmth for fish to be swimming.
Play It Safe
As a general boating rule, making sure someone back home or on shore knows where you’re going, how long you’ll be out, and when you plan to return. Check in with them periodically to let them know whether you’re okay and on schedule. If you fail to check in, they’ll know you might be in danger and should have a general idea about where to look for you.
Never, ever go out fishing on your own in the winter. Even if you have decades of angling experience under your belt, you should always bring at least one other person. You never know when you might get sick or injured, or even fall into the water, and it’s always good to have someone with you to pick up the slack and keep you safe.
If you’re ready to head out on your next voyage, or you’re looking for a good fishing boat to try this in, contact us at The Harbor (Boat & Yacht Sales). We proudly serve the people of Springfield and Kansas City, Missouri—let us serve you today!