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Let's fish warmer this winter
December 8, 2006 - Here
are some tips for keeping warmer while you're doing that winter
fishing courtesy of the Beaver Dam Store crew!
WINTER LAYERING
WHILE fly fishing in many of the USA's finest trout waters
are now shut down and/or covered in a whole bunch of snow and
ice, here on the White we are lucky enough to continue fishing
year round _ and some great fishing is to be had, if your properly
prepared. We spend plenty of time yakking about rods, reels and
flies but for winter fishing there is nothing more important
that what is under your waders. If your warm, dry and comfy there
isn't any problem about fishing in the winter months. If your
not then your day on the water can be pretty unpleasant.
The trick to keeping warm, is staying dry, whether its from the
river, or the perspiration from hiking into your fishing spot
in all those warm clothes. Good breathable waders and a breathable
wading jacket cover both elements. We still have a lot of faithful
neoprene wearers, but to our mind breathables, with the proper
underlayering are actually warmer than neoprenes, offer a lot
more comfort and are significantly lighter.
TIP: If you have been wearing your breathables all year,
you probably have some pinhole leaks, from thorns, flies and
other misadventures on the river. Now is the time to use that
wader repair kit to patch those holes, or we have several styles
available. If your leaks are too bad, check out our range of
Simms waders and bargain priced Hodgman closeouts.
There is one simple rule for under your waders. NO Cotton. Jeans
or cotton t-shirts are worse than useless. We use the modern
wicking synthetic fibres which actually transfer moisture from
the inner surface to the outer surface _ always away from your
body. Plus they feel so nice. In winter we will start with a
thin next to the skin layer, more for wicking than warmth, like
the Simms Rivertek Tops.
TIP: Don't wear your fishing socks on the drive to the
store. You car heater may make your feet perspire a little, enough
so your feet will be affected when you start standing in cold
water. Instead change into a fresh pair for wading, and then
you have another pair to come home in.
Next goes our warm layer, usually our Pacific Fly fleece tops
and pants. If its really cold we may add a third fleece layer,
like a windstopper fleece, which can also be your outer layer
on clear days. Very windy or wet days we add a breathable waterproof
outer layer Simms Freestone or G3 Jacket. Warm headgear is also
essential, as one of the highest areas of heat loss on the human
body is via the head. On moderate days it might be a ball cap,
or you might need a fleece or wool stocking cap, toasty Simms
wool tanker hat.
TIP: If you feel these cold days more than
most one easy way to keep warm is the addition of a neck gaiter,
and they are pretty simple to make at home, just a simple open
ended tube of fleece to insulate the neck and throat. This can
make a BIG difference.
Finally, the one other essential for your winter fishing kit
is a bag full of dry clothing kept in your vehicle or even boat.
It doesn't need to be pretty but if you take a spill and end
up with waders full of water, you need to get dry and warm fast.
Hypothermia can set in pretty quickly. Have a dry towel, some
fleece pants and top, gloves and socks. Some chemical hand/foot
warmer packs can really help.
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