Fishing for some is strictly a warm weather sport. When autumn begins its push into the states, most winterize thier boats and begin packing backpacks, sighting in rifles, and brushing duckblinds in anticipation of another successful hunting season.
However, there are a few hearty souls who anticipate the coming north winds for another reason. While it is true that fishing during the winter months can be down right miserable, some have mastered the art of staying comfortable and relish the solitude and scenery while catching trophy sized fish.
The biggest factor that discourages most sportsman from persuing their favorite fish during the winter is the bitter cold feeling you get from sitting in a boat while that brisk north wind blows through every single layer of clothing that you have worn within thirty minutes. If you are from an area that has low humidity then don't scoff at southerners when they say that it gets nail bitting cold in the south. I have been out west, Salt Lake City to be exact, in the winter and it was supposed to be cold. Cold in these areas has a very different meaning than that of the south. Put on a small parka out west and your fine under normal circumstances. Wear that same jacket in Tennessee and you freeze you're back side off!
In the past a cold water fisherman had to put on so many layers that kids at the local gas station would stop and ask mommy why Santa needed to stop for gas. In todays hi-tech world there is no longer a need for all those layers or the aching feeling in your stomach that reminds you of how cold you will be by the end of the day. The clothing industry has made great strides in providing sportsman with clothing that works. My cold weather hunting and fishing apparel has been reduced significantly in the last five years.
The first significant thing you will notice with quality gear is a reduction in weight. You simply don't have to lug twenty-five pounds of clothes into the field anymore. Another benefit is that under garmets have the ability to reduce moisture build up that keeps a thin layer of moisture in contact with your skin. This causes your body to rapidly lose heat and as a result you become cold well before you are ready to leave the field. Although there are plenty of positive aspects to this new equipment there is one downside...Cost!
The old saying, "You get what you pay for", is about as true as "bears live in the woods". If you want to be comfortable when old man winter blows in hard, you have to be willing to at least bend the wallet a little.
Part 2
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