Like I’ve mentioned in previous posts winter time can be a great time, a virtual gold mine, when it comes to bass fishing. During the middle of winter on a sunny day the bite can be exceptional. I have seen more than once that even though the water and air temperature are down right cold the bass action has turned on thus making the cold weather seem not as cold and considerably more enjoyable. But as a fisherman there are precautions that we as fisher people must take to assure a safe trip.
During the winter it is a wise ideal to be sure to take along a fishing partner, not only to have someone to talk to but to assist you in various things throughout the day and to help you should an emergency arise.
Before we even set off to the lake there are a few steps we must take. First, remember to take along enough clothing to be able to dress in layers. You want to stay warm through out the day but at the same time you don’t want to get so hot that you start sweating, remove too much clothing and in turn the wet sweat chills you to the bone. I personally figure there is no reason to dress heavy to stay warm before you leave, that’s what the heater in your vehicle is for. Just be sure to put on the layers before you exit the vehicle. I have found from personal experience that if you get out, get cold and then put on the warm jacket you tend to stay cold.
You arrive at the lake, get dressed appropriately and now its time to prep the boat in the parking lot. First, mare sure you didn’t forget to put the plug into the boat. The water is going to be way too cold to jump in and put it in place. Don’t forget your gloves, head and ears warmth protection, something like a beanie, and some kind of face protection for when your running across the water. I like to wear a full head neoprene barcalave with a beanie on top of that followed up with a set of full face ski goggles. Yes it may seem a little extreme but I stay warm going across the water and it only takes a few seconds to remove it all upon arrival to that first spot.
The following advice I cannot stress to much, make sure you have a personal flotation device for everyone in the boat and make sure you wear them at all times, especially when under power. It could save your life. Trust me, it does not matter how good of a swimmer you are, the cold water alone will take its toll on you but due to the fact that you have layers of clothing on if you do happen to fall into the drink the wet clothing will restrict your movement as well as add extra weight, especially when they absorb water.
Nothing could spoil the day worse than having to call your fishing partners family and telling them that their loved one is in the hospital for hypothermia or worse yet that they drowned. The technology of today’s personal flotation devices, PFD, are light years beyond the old fashioned orange vests of yester-year. They are not nearly as obtrusive and they are actually fashionable.
So now your prepared to launch the boat. You notice that the ramp appears wet from the previous fisherman launching. Pending on how cold it is that water could have frozen over and really be ice so watch your step because you don’t want to slip, fall and hurt yourself. Also if it is ice you will not be able to get traction in your launch vehicle. I found that if there is a dock and its in the middle of the ramp try launching on the other side of the dock.
Launching and recovering are 2 times when its nice to have a fishing partner during the winter time because you can back the boat down to the water’s edge, disconnect the winch strap, hop in and have your partner splash you into the water and pull the truck up into the parking lot versus having to do it yourself. During the warmer months if you happen to get a little wet its no big deal but during the winter getting wet can make for a down right miserable day.
Make an attempt to get out and do some fishing during the colder winter months, you just might be surprised at the results. Have fun, enjoy yourself and be sure to be safe.
Thanks for visiting my site. Be sure to tell all of your fishing buddies and come back soon!
Until Next Time, Good Luck and Tight Lines To Ya!
