5 Tips to Stay Warm on Fishing Trips
The fall season is here and with it comes fishing trips! One hurdle of fishing in the fall tends to be a chill in the air. Sitting still in the cold for long periods of time isn’t the most comfortable! Fortunately, there are ways to stay warm while fishing. Whether you’re planning an annual trip with friends or are a regular fisher, these tips will help you stay warm so you can make the most of your time on the water.
1. Heated Clothing
We would be remiss if we didn’t mention the easiest way to stay warm on cold fishing days. Heated clothing is a surefire way to stay warm and enjoy the stillness of fishing. Simply charge up your gear and go! For reference, our ORORO products have up to 10 hours of cozy warmth.
In terms of which areas of the body are most important to keep warm, pay attention to your hands, ears, and feet since they take most of the cold. Heated gloves and socks are great options for keeping your extremities warm and eliminate the need to keep putting new hand warmers in your standard gloves and socks!
BONUS: Consider well-insulated materials like fleece. Heated fleece is great because it’s a double whammy of both continuous heat and self-insulation.
2. Stay Dry
A staple precaution when it comes to fishing in the fall and winter is staying dry. Staying dry means you’ll stay warm. That’s why it’s always a good idea to pack an extra set of dry clothes just in case.
It’s typical for your hands to get a little wet when releasing trout back into the water, for example. Try keeping a dry towel at the ready so you can dry your hands off immediately.
3. Stay Hydrated
This is one that often goes overlooked. It’s not quite as easy to notice thirst when it’s cold out as opposed to when it’s hot. However, your body needs water just as much when it’s cold. That doesn’t mean you have to drink ice cold water on an equally cold day.
You can drink warm, water-based beverages like tea and coffee, although be aware that these are also diuretics, so you may have to use the bathroom more frequently. Although hot alcoholic beverages may sound like a good idea, they’re best avoided during outdoor fishing trips in the cold. Alcohol lowers the core temperature of your body; not something you want to do when it’s already cold out!
4. Layer Up
While heated apparel is one component, layering is another. When temperatures are really low, just one layer won’t cut it. Try layering a heated vest over a flannel or underneath a heavier jacket for extra warmth and insulation. You can even layer a fleece jacket underneath your overcoat.
No matter the temperature, it’s always best to be prepared with layers. Remember, if you get too warm by chance, it’s always easier to remove layers than it would be to not have enough layers and suffer the cold.
5. Know How to Make a Fire
While this sounds like advice you’d only need in a Castaway situation rather than a simple fishing trip, it’s important nonetheless. Even experienced fishers should have the tools and knowledge ready to build a fire at a moment’s notice.
If you or your friend accidentally takes a plunge into chilly water, a fire could be life-saving. This is especially true if you happen to be a ways away from your vehicle and need to get a fire going on the nearest bank.
Fishing season is here and with it the fall and winter chill. Stay warm while fishing with these key tips and you’re sure to have a successful and safe fishing trip!