As the days get colder and darker, some anglers use this opportunity to hang up their rods, pop their feet up and wait for the spring. However, winter offers quieter banks and a chance to catch a wide range of stunning fish at their heaviest weight. A fantastic time to try and beat your PB! Cold weather can be unpredictable, so it's important to be careful during winter fishing trips. We’ve collated some tips and a list of our best accessories, suits and boots to ensure you’re geared up and ready to brave the cold.
Pack Your Bag and Gear Up
We’re all aware of how fickle the British weather can be, and wintertime is certainly no exception. During this time, anglers don’t have the luxury of hours of daylight so shorter sessions are beneficial. Fish are less active and less hungry in the cold so bites may seem few and far between. It’s likely you’ll be sat on your bed chair waiting for a nibble, so it’s worth bringing extra gear in preparation for a chilly day on the bank.
Things like a portable heater, a hot water bottle and a thermos of tea, coffee or soup will keep you warm and toasty. Protecting your head, hands and feet with insulating beanie hats, gloves and thermal socks is recommended.
Keep an eye on the forecast. If it seems like the weather is going to take a turn for the worse then it may be worth postponing your visit to another day. Your safety comes first, and the lake isn’t going anywhere!
Hats and Gloves
Hats are a winter wardrobe staple for keeping the chill out. Most of our body heat is lost through our heads, so wearing a hat is a fantastic way to retain heat. If you don’t wear a hat, there’s a good chance you’ll start feeling frosty even if you’re wearing a coat! Our recommended choice is the Textured Lined Beanie from Trakker. It’s a comfortable, knitted beanie hat with a snug fur lining for extra warmth. The rolled edge prevents the hat slipping over the eyes creating the perfect fit.
Most people don their winter coats when temperatures drop but forget about their hands. Our hands are one of the parts most susceptible to cold weather; frostbite can occur when hands are exposed to the cold for too long. Wearing gloves can help to trap heat and keep hands warm. This is ideal for when you need to setup your gear or reel in a big one! Look for fingerless gloves or 2-in-1 gloves as these provide full coverage when needed but make no compromises on dexterity. The Polar Foldback Gloves from Trakker are lightweight, durable and will provide you with the warmth you need on a freezing day.
Suits
Fishing suits typically consist of a jacket and trousers, or a bib and brace. Thermal suits are also a great choice as they are designed with a fleece lining to improve their insulating properties. Look for fishing outerwear with waterproof fabrics and insulation. Fishing suits are ideal for wintertime as they’ll keep you warm, dry and comfortable when you most need it.
The Core 3 Piece Suit from Trakker is engineered for improved movement to ensure your performance isn’t hindered. It includes a jacket, zip-out integrated fleece and a bib and brace bottom with reinforced knee panels and fully taped seams. It’s sure to keep the elements at bay so you can concentrate on catching a bite. Another decent option is the DF Competition Suit from Preston which features extremely hard-wearing waterproof material. It’s not just practical, it’s also handsome! Layer up underneath for extra warmth if required.
Boots
It’s important to wear sturdy, comfortable and dependable footwear during any outdoor activity. There’s nothing worse than wet socks! Winter fishing trips can be met with mud and drizzles so it’s ideal to look out for footwear with waterproof, breathable membranes. Whether that be a hiking boot or a pair of wellies, preventing water from trickling into your shoes is the goal.
The Field Boot from Klobba is a top choice. These boots provide maximum protection for your feet and can withstand any terrain. They’re easy to maintain; kick them off once you’re home and give them a quick wipe so they’re ready for your next trip. The Men's Summit Waterproof Hiking Boot by Hi-Tec is another all-rounder which provides unbeatable traction and support. The supportive cushioning and waterproof membrane guarantee comfort and shielding from drizzles and splashes. They are the type of boot that can be used all year round.
If you’re looking for a pair of wellies, then there’s the Mud Boot from Klobba. Perfect for muddy situations, these boots are fully waterproof and feature deep lugs for extra grip on muddy banks. They will ensure your feet are well-grounded when reeling in your next catch.
Now we’ve given you a few options to add to your winter wardrobe, it’s time to gear up and try your hand at cold weather fishing. As long as you’re prepared with the right gear, you’ll have no problem staying warm. Make sure to check out Fishing Republic online and in store for all of your thermal needs.
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