Fishing in the Cold? Stay Warm with the Right Fishing Gear
Autumn seems to have started earlier this year. While the leaves are just beginning to turn colour, we're already feeling the first chill. For many anglers, this means that the fishing season is still in full swing, but with a different challenge: braving the cold at the water's edge. Even if the fish aren't complaining about the weather, it's important that you're well prepared to withstand the elements. With the right fishing clothes, you can stay comfortable even when the temperatures drop and the wind blows across the water.
In this blog, you'll find out how best to protect yourself from the cold so you can continue to enjoy your fishing adventures without worry, even during the coldest months.
THERMAL SUITS: THE ULTIMATE PROTECTION AGAINST THE COLD
When temperatures drop and the cold becomes palpable on the water, a thermal suit is your best friend. Thermal suits are specially designed to keep anglers warm and dry, even in the harshest weather conditions. Whether you're in a boat on an early autumn morning or on the cold banks of a river, a good thermal suit will keep you comfortable without the cold spoiling your fishing experience.
What makes a thermal suit ideal for fishing in the cold? A good thermal suit offers several layers of protection. Not only is it waterproof, which protects you from rain or splashes, but it's also breathable. This means it wicks sweat and moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable even when you're exerting yourself casting your rod or reeling in a catch. What's more, a thermal suit is insulated, which is essential for maintaining your body temperature even when you're sitting still for hours on end.
Choose quality and durability When choosing a thermal suit, it's important to pay attention to the quality of the materials. Look for thermal suits with a high water column index (at least 5,000 mm), which indicates how waterproof the material is. In addition, it's a good idea to choose a suit with reinforcements at the knees and elbows so that it lasts longer and resists the wear and tear that can result from intensive use while fishing.
Adjustable for optimum fit Another great advantage of wetsuits is that they are often adjustable, with straps and Velcro around the waist, wrists and ankles. This allows you to tailor the suit exactly to your body, for added comfort and insulation. After all, you don't want cold air getting into your suit while you're fishing.
With a thermal suit, you can face the cold with confidence and concentrate fully on fishing, without worrying about the temperature.
WINDPROOF JACKETS: ESSENTIAL AT THE WATER'S EDGE
While wetsuits are essential in extreme cold, a good windproof jacket can help you stay warm on cool, windy autumn days. Autumn often brings more wind, especially in open water, and a cold wind can cause a rapid drop in body temperature. That's why a windproof jacket is an essential addition to your fishing gear.
Why choose a windproof jacket for fishing? Wind can be dangerous, especially if you stand still for long periods while fishing. Even when temperatures are mild, a brisk breeze can add to the feeling of cold and, without the right protection, you'll quickly feel the chill through your clothes. A windproof jacket acts as a barrier between you and the elements, leaving no chance for the wind to dissipate your heat.
Features of a good windproof jacket As well as keeping the wind out, a windproof jacket often offers other benefits. Many windproof jackets are water-repellent, so they also protect you from light rain or splashes. They're also made from breathable materials, so you won't get too hot when you're active. So they're perfect for long days out fishing, where comfort and functionality go hand in hand.
Practical details for anglers For anglers, extra features such as adjustable cuffs and a securely closed hood are useful. They ensure that the jacket fits snugly and that cold air and water don't get inside. Pocket space is also important: roomy, waterproof pockets can hold gloves, bait or other accessories that you want to have quickly to hand when you're fishing.
By investing in a high-quality windproof jacket, you can enjoy fishing even when the autumn winds are fierce. Not only will it keep you warm, it will also protect you from unpredictable weather conditions.
WARM LAYERS: THERMAL CLOTHING AND BASE LAYERS
When it comes to fishing in the cold, it's all about cleverly combining several layers of clothing. While a thermal suit or windproof jacket offers good protection, it's just as important to wear warm base layers to keep your body optimally insulated. These layers work together to keep you warm even when the temperature drops further or the wind picks up.
Why are base layers so important? Wearing thermal clothing and other base layers is the foundation of your equipment. Thermal clothing is designed to lie next to your skin and retain your body heat, while wicking moisture away from your skin. This will prevent you from shivering with sweat, which is particularly important if you sit for hours on end while fishing. Without the right base layers, even the best outer layer can't prevent your body from getting cold.
Choosing the right materials When choosing thermal clothing and base layers, it's important to pay attention to the materials used. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics such as polyester are popular choices because they insulate and wick away moisture. Merino wool also has the advantage of being naturally odour-resistant, which can be useful on long fishing days. Synthetic fabrics, on the other hand, often dry more quickly and offer excellent performance for active anglers.
Wear layers for maximum warmth The idea of wearing layers is simple: each layer adds extra warmth without restricting your freedom of movement. A good base layer keeps you dry, an insulating mid-layer (such as a fleece) provides extra warmth and a windproof or waterproof outer layer protects you from the elements. By intelligently choosing which layers to wear, you can easily adapt your clothing to the weather conditions.
The layering principle is particularly useful because it allows you to remain flexible. If it's warmer or you're more active, you can easily remove a layer to avoid overheating.
ACCESSORIES: HATS, GLOVES AND SCARVES TO KEEP YOU WARM
When temperatures drop, it's often the little things that make the biggest difference. Accessories such as hats, gloves and scarves can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your body warm while fishing. After all, the head, hands and neck are the places where you lose heat most quickly, especially on cold, windy autumn days at the water's edge.
Why are these accessories so important? The head loses a lot of heat, especially if it's not sufficiently protected from the cold. A good insulating hat prevents the heat produced by the body from escaping. For fishermen, hats with ear flaps or fleece lining are ideal, as they also protect the ears from cold winds.
Hands are another vulnerable point when fishing. Although it's tempting to take off your gloves for better grip or precision, your hands can quickly get cold. Fortunately, there are gloves specially designed for anglers that offer warmth as well as sufficient grip and freedom of movement to handle your rod properly. Some gloves even have removable fingertips, so you can grab your bait or tie on a line without worry.
Finally, a scarf or neck warmer can protect you from the cold air that often penetrates under your jacket. This small but effective piece of clothing will help keep your neck and chest warm, which is essential for maintaining your overall body heat.
Practical tips for choosing the right accessories When choosing accessories for fishing in the cold, it's important to pay attention to materials. Choose fleece, wool or other insulating fabrics that retain heat while being breathable. It's also useful to have water-repellent properties so that your accessories don't get soaked when you come into contact with water.
With the right hat, gloves and scarf, you'll be perfectly prepared to face the cold autumn and winter days, while staying comfortable while fishing.
Fishing in the cold doesn't have to be a challenge if you're well prepared. By investing in the right fishing gear and accessories, such as wetsuits, windproof jackets, warm layers and essentials like gloves and hats, you'll stay comfortable and warm even on the coldest autumn days. Whether you're along a calm river or fishing on a windy lake, the right equipment makes the difference between a pleasant day's fishing and a cold, uncomfortable experience.
Don't be surprised by the weather and be well prepared. With the right fishing equipment, you'll be able to concentrate on what really matters: the perfect catch.
