• Tips For Winter Fishing - by Jarad Roper



    It’s that time of the year when most people put up the poles and stay in to watch the football games and make lures. But just because it’s 40 degrees and below outside doesn’t mean the fish have stopped biting. Most people get cabin fever because they want to. Now, for the people that live up north who lakes freeze over, then I understand. Personally ice fishing is not my cup of Joe. Even though the weather outside is frightful, there are things you can do to make your winter fishing trip delightful.

    1) Hand Warmers – Hand warmers are the number one things on our list when it comes to winter fishing. They can be purchased at you local hardware stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Walmart and more. They are very inexpensive and work for 6-8 hours.

    2) Dress in Layers – Put on several light layers so if it warms up or the sun is shining bright you can take off a layer with out getting cold. Most of the time people put on 3 layers or more of thick clothing and start sweating. When they remove one layer they begin to get cold as if they didn't have on any layers.

    3) A Spare of Dry Clothes – I know a lot of guys that put out cover and drive stake beds during this time of the year. Just in case something goes wrong and you go overboard or get splashed bring a spare of dry clothes. Hyperthermia is no JOKE!

    4) Wear Black Clothing – Black fabrics absorb light rather than reflect it. If the sun is shining the day you go fishing and you have on black clothing, you will be a lot warmer. This happens because the fabric absorbs the light that then turns into heat.

    5) Keep Head, Neck, Hand, Ears and Feet Warm – Your extremities release the most heat from your body. That’s why it’s important to make sure you have gloves, beanies, thick wool socks and other things that help keep them warm.

    6) Adjust your mindset – If you believe and think “Man I’m going to freeze half to death” then you are. Go fishing with a positive attitude and not just in the winter but every time you go.

    7) Eat & Drink – Now, I’m not talking about eating pretzels and drinking alcohol! Your body needs water to keep the blood pumping. People don’t think of this but you still can get dehydrated in the winter. It’s been said that people get dehydrated in the winter with out knowing it. A hungry and malnourished body will get colder quicker than a body that had something to eat and drink.

    I hope some of these tips will help you on your next fishing trip. Remember it’s our duty to Keep The Great Outdoors Great.

    Article by: Jarad Roper - Owner of Roper Outdoors, LLC
    "Keeping The Great Outdoors Great" - LIVE, LEARN, FISH - www.CRAPPIEACADEMY.com - Coming To A City Near You!
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    Comments 13 Comments
    1. gabowman's Avatar
      gabowman -
      Those are some great tips...something everyone that gets out fishing during the winter monbths should think about. I'll add one more to the list if you have it...carry along a propane heater to warm your hands with when they get wet from handling bait or fish. That heater doesnt have to be a big one. Just a handwarmer (that can take a breeze without going out) and it'll keep you fishing longer.Thumbs Up Good post. Thanks for sharing.
    1. crappie4me2's Avatar
      crappie4me2 -
      Great tips there from both of you.
    1. yankee doodler's Avatar
      yankee doodler -
      Great tips and very well put. Coming from up here in MI, I know well how important it is to follow those tips! A solid fuel handwarmer is a good bet for keeping your hands warm when you have to work without gloves for a spell. Thanks.
    1. Little Skeeter's Avatar
      Little Skeeter -
      Tips like these come from other programs as well such as a Hunters Education program. Even for those who didnt have to get one the class is loaded with good information, and life saving information such as that stated in this blog. Lots of people will say that most of this stuff is common sense, and I agree, howerver there are lots of folks every year that have major accidents or even die from such things, take your time and think before you do anything, we want you all to return safely.
    1. hollidas's Avatar
      hollidas -
      Thanks for posting and sharing good information.
    1. bee's Avatar
      bee -
      Mount a Ice Flasher to the bow with xducer on trolling motor. Get a SHORT ROD 4 1/2- 5 FT. 4lb.test line some tunsten jigs and plastic bait.
    1. x2c's Avatar
      x2c -
      Don't forget to check your boat for winter fishing. check all the normal things you would before leaving the house to go fishing also check to make sure your throttle and steering cables are not frozen. Rock your boat while it is on the trailer to see if it is frozen to your trailer bunks. Take a couple bags of ice to put down on the boat ramp for loading and unloading. Take a cell phone just in case!!!
    1. joenailer's Avatar
      joenailer -
      what is the make/manufacture of head gear you have on in picture?
    1. Roper Outdoors's Avatar
      Roper Outdoors -
      joenailer the manufacture is K&B Ethos K&B Trading - K&B Trading Corp.
    1. joenailer's Avatar
      joenailer -
      Quote Originally Posted by Roper Outdoors View Post
      joenailer the manufacture is K&B Ethos K&B Trading - K&B Trading Corp.
      thank you. looks warm and has visor. tried many but hadnt found right one yet. maybe this is it-
    1. joenailer's Avatar
      joenailer -
      Quote Originally Posted by joenailer View Post
      thank you. looks warm and has visor. tried many but hadnt found right one yet. maybe this is it-
      Jarad
      Have not been able to find on 'net (believe it or not). Any suggestions where to get?
      Thanks
    1. Roper Outdoors's Avatar
      Roper Outdoors -
      Quote Originally Posted by joenailer View Post
      Jarad
      Have not been able to find on 'net (believe it or not). Any suggestions where to get?
      Thanks
      joenailer click this link K&B Trading Corp. - Catalog - K&B Trading and go to page 18 and you should see them. They are called KBH 07 call them also is you really want to buy it. The number is 212-967-0974. And if you call tell them where you saw it. Thanks.
    1. joenailer's Avatar
      joenailer -
      Quote Originally Posted by Roper Outdoors View Post
      joenailer click this link K&B Trading Corp. - Catalog - K&B Trading and go to page 18 and you should see them. They are called KBH 07 call them also is you really want to buy it. The number is 212-967-0974. And if you call tell them where you saw it. Thanks.
      Thanks Jarad. Tried that first thing but person on other end very unhelpful. Wouldnt sell direct and couldnt refer me to a retailer. Will keep trying. Thanks again-
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