Fishing has many health benefits, is a great way to relax and be with nature, as well as learn many things. Many people love to fish and camp as a form of celebration. True enough, it is one way to enjoy the company of great people. While we still think that it can be done under the scorching heat of the sun or the windy surrounding of autumn and spring, it can also be enjoyed during cold seasons! Whoever said you can’t go outdoors during winters? Ten of the basic and most important things you need to know when Fishing In Cold Weather.
People usually think that fishing is the ultimate experience and can be done in just some seasons, and not all. You might ask how it can be possible to fish in the cold winds and freezing waters. Well, there are a lot of techniques and considerations to know, like what equipment is appropriate for example. Insulated fishing gloves, for example, should be a part of your shopping list when you go fishing in cold places.
One of the worst parts about the arrival of fall is having to pack away your tackle until the Spring. New fishermen have been told for decades that it is not worth their time fishing in winter. Luckily, we have put together some tips that will help you to get a good catch in winter or cold weather.
For other tips, read on below:
Useful Tips For Fishing In Cold Weather
Choose The Best Time
Yes, before planning everything for your fishing trip, choose what specific time would you like to go fishing. The time that you’ll pick can affect the result of your activity, whether you want to have a huge catch or merely enjoy your company. Also, there is a huge difference when choosing the right time of the day because you get to adjust your schedule based on the right cold temperature your body can handle.
You can’t just decide to fish before dawn or after sunset, which usually has the coldest time of the day. Remember that you will go out during winter, highly recommended checking the forecast before jumping to your spot.
Specialize in What’s Out There
If you want to have a successful winter of fishing, then you are going to need to specialize. There are only so many fish out there to catch in the winter, which means you will have to adjust your setup.
We recommend that you pick one type of fish to focus on during each session. Find out what their favorite bait is and what lures are best for that particular species. This will drastically increase your chances of catching something.
It is better to catch a lot of one fish in the winter than to cast your line more generally and leave with nothing.
Be Equipped With The Right Fishing Tool
As they say, you can’t go to war empty-handed which is very true and not just in fishing. If you don’t have the proper and enough gear for your activity, then you can’t respond accordingly in any unwanted situations. Fishing in cold weather might be a different case doing it in other seasons, yes it has great satisfaction, but you have to keep in mind that it can be hard.
You are prone to freezing your gears, especially your reels, which has a lot of impact on your activity. Remember to keep your rod tangled free, as it may delay the ease of your recreation.
Prepare for the Elements
If you want to fish in the coldest months of the year, then you are going to need to stock up on the right equipment.
There are three essential items all winter fishermen need – a waterproof tent, waterproof boots, fishing gear, and a warm sleeping bag or blanket.
The easiest way to keep yourself safe (and comfortable) in the colder months is to be prepared for any sudden changes in weather. Try to keep yourself dry and wrapped up well.
Pay Attention to the Weather
There is nothing worse than fishing for hours on a cold and rainy day, only to catch no fish.
In the colder months, when the weather is more extreme, you will need to change the way you approach picking a fishing spot.
Once you know what type of fish you are looking for, you should research their behavior. If they like to swim in sheltered areas, then you will need to find the part of the lake that is protected by trees and fish there.
By getting a good idea of the fishes’ preferences, you can save yourself a lot of fruitless fishing hours.
Wear Your Proper Attire For Winter
Next is, you have to keep yourself warm. And when I say warm it means you got covered from head to toe, well-insulated, and with waterproof materials. If you’re planning to just wear your coat, boots, and winter gloves, you miss something important. You don’t want to experience something terrible in the middle of the lake, no one even wants that.
By what means can you feel safe with your clothes? You can try using waterproof gloves to protect your hands from the splashing water you may encounter while doing the activity. Even for a great source of insulation and of course, so that you can grip your equipment properly without fearing it might slip. Read this to know more about dressing properly for cold weather fishing.
Research For Great Location
Just like choosing the right time of the day, you better search for the best possible fishing location the US. Somewhere you can feel the vibes that you want and most importantly enjoy your activity. If you want something accessible, go to a spot that is not far enough from your house so that it would not be a hassle. If ever you want to catch specific fish, search through a reliable source online as there are many sites that can provide you with great information.
Consider Your Safety
You have to take responsibility for everything that you do, so before you relax and enjoy plan everything out one by one keep in mind your safety. If you’re a pro when it comes to fishing skills, then you don’t have to worry about this. But beginners have to know that if ever they’re planning to go out by themselves, they need to inform their guardians about their specific plan. You might encounter unwanted situations and the best way to enjoy is securing your safety first. Also, don’t try to push your activity when you know that the weather won’t cooperate.
Fish in Shorter Bursts
In the tip above, we talked about keeping yourself warm and dry. In this tip, we want to take things a step further and recommend that you keep your fishing sessions shorter when the temperature drops.
Winter fishing or fishing in the cold can be very uneventful, and it can be tempting to stay out for longer in the hope of catching more. However, you need to think about your own safety in the colder weather.
You should be fishing for less time than you do in the summer. This will prevent you from getting hypothermia, pneumonia and other health issues the cold can cause.
Learn to Make Cowboy Coffee
As well as keeping yourself warm and dry by wrapping up and not fishing for as long, you will need to find other ways to keep yourself warm and alert.
You will want to make sure that you bring a lot of drinking water with you. As well as, a healthy supply of coffee, tea, cocoa, or whatever hot drink floats your boat.
If you’re looking for a way to stay alert, then try Cowboy Coffee. Boil your coffee grounds in a sauce ban on the countertop. Then strain into your cup. Beware, this stuff will keep you awake all day.
Conclusion
It is not a secret that fishes move slower during the cold season, they usually tend to give deep down the waters. They gather around and usually in a large number to find food, which is why you can really catch a great number and varieties of fish! It is also no exception that people don’t typically go out during winter, which means you get to relax and enjoy the cold breeze alone or with few people around you. You also get to learn patience as it may take some time waiting, in this way you get to feel satisfied after your fishing experience.
