When it’s cold and wet the urge to say indoors and watch the telly is tempting. But you could be missing out on some great fishing.
No one really likes getting cold, so here are a few suggestions on how you can keep the heat in your bones and your mind on the job…
Headwear:
You can buy all the warm stuff you want, but without a hat, you may as well not bother. I have personal experience of this. I passed out due to heat loss during a session on a snowy River Ouse. Fortunately, I fell backwards rather than forwards and hit snow rather than the freezing depths of the river.
A thermal beanie will keep the heat inside and keep you nice and warm. A cap is ok, but thermals are better.
Layers:
The key to staying warm is to make like an onion and layer up. Modern fabrics allow you to put on quite a few layers without making it hard to move around. Bulking out like a Michelin man makes it hard to pick up a maggot, let alone cast out a rod.
Thin micro fibre layers will help you to regulate your temperature as you move about, and as you sit and wait for a bite.
When you walk to your peg, you will get hot. You will sweat, and sweat is the enemy of comfortable fishing. Layer up and down as you need it and don’t be afraid to get a little cold because the layers you put back on will feel great.
Drafts:
Elasticated cuffs and neck warmers will help to keep out those niggling little drafts that chill you to the bone. Lycra neck warmers make the world of difference when it’s cold.
Waterproofs:
No point in staying dry inside if you don’t stay dry outside. A good set of waterproofs is essential when fishing in Britain, whether it’s winter or not. You can buy waterproofs with thermal properties but, personally I prefer to layer up beneath a thinner waterproof layer. When you purchase waterproofs, make sure the ones you get can breathe. Breathability will prevent you from sweating and getting cold.
In an ideal world, adjustable cuffs, waistband, and hem will keep out the cold. A draw string hood will stop it from blowing off, and legs would be covered in a bib and brace or salopettes to keep your back and belly nice and warm.
Sadly, fishing tackle companies see fit not to produce waterproofs for anyone shorter than five feet tall. Juniors will need to seek elsewhere before tackle branding gets on their Christmas lists.
Boots:
Like waterproofs, a pair of boots is an item that I refuse to compromise on. I have sat out a match because I had forgotten my boots. Choosing instead to keep warm by walking around. A good set of thermal waterproof boots is essential to staying warm and dry. Thought needs to be given to how much your feet will sweat during the day, and you will need to dry your boots thoroughly after each session too.
Gloves:
Gloves are a tricky one to nail down. You need warm hands to fish, but you need free hands too. Like layered clothing, hands have been given the micro fibre treatment with the latest fingerless gloves made from spandex or Lycra. These will help you to stay warm and give your fingers the space to attach new bait. But any exposed skin will get cold after a while.
Heated clothing:
Anything that keeps you warm has got to be an advantage, right? A lot of people swear by these coats and gilets, so there must be something in it. I might draw the line at heated seat box cushion though!
Umbrella:
Placing an umbrella to shield you from the wind will help you greatly if you can bear to fish beneath an umbrella. Personally, I hate them, but even I have felt the benefit of its shelter from time to time. Wind chill is a big factor in staying warm and if you can get out of it, all the better.
Get on your feet:
If all the measures we have mentioned so far do not work and you get cold, the best thing to do is to reel in, store your rods, and go for a walk. Movement will get warm blood circulating around your body, and you should warm up quickly. If you start to shiver despite moving around, go home. Even fishing is not worth getting sick over.
It is blindingly obvious to say that staying warm leads to a more comfortable experience during your day. But being warm helps you to concentrate harder on your fishing, particularly during a match.
Old school ways still have their place. A rough dry towel can help to bring back the circulation by using it to rub your cold hands vigorously.
Pocket warmers are an old-fashioned way of keeping fingers warm. But they work and the age of an idea won’t change that.
Layer up, stay dry, stay sheltered, stay warm, and wear a hat!
Juniors Sec…
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