HOW TO STAY WARM WHEN FISHING THIS WINTER
As the winter approaches, we know the lakes are emptier - and generally less crowded, but that doesn’t stop us anglers from heading out for a nice chilly session. Infact, some days can be reasonably comfortable and actually better than summer days! In this short blog, we’re going to give our 5 best bits of advice on how to stay safe and warm during these glacial months, and make the most out of your crisp lake trip.
1. Layer up- Select your clothing choices wisely, wearing multiple layers is essential in the frosty weather, to ensure you don’t get ill. Our ultimate recommendation for a winter outfit on the bank would be:
1st layer, T-Shirt
2nd layer, Hoodie/Jumper - Our Godman Angling Hoodie is perfect for winter months especially, as an underlayer, get one here!
3rd layer, jacket/coat (waterproof is ideal)
Pair with some thick, warm trousers, thermal socks & gloves, and remember to wear a hat (we recommend a beanie!) to keep those ears warm!
2. Hot food & drinks- Indulge in hot meals or snacks to stay cosy on the bank, indulge in cooked meals like a delicious full English, a simple warming soup, toasties, burritos, you name it, or, you can simply just snack as you would normally. Here's why: Did you know that when you snack, you are engaging stomach muscles and when your core is warm, more blood gets pumped to your feet and hands!
We’re also a huge fan of hot drinks here at Godman HQ, so of course we’re recommending a nice cup of tea or coffee or even hot chocolate on your trip out. P.S , drink plenty of water too to regulate your body temp.
3. Staying Dry- Not only does using waterproof clothing and accessories come in handy when it comes to staying dry, but a simple towel can do the trick too. Drying your hands with a towel straight after getting them wet is an essential way to keep warm. When handling the carp, be sure to take off gloves before putting your hands in the water. A catch and release style tool is also a great solution, as you don’t have to get your hands wet or touch the carp. Oh, also, if you’re staying in a bivvy overnight, make sure it has no holes so no leaks can ruin your time.
4. Prepare before going out- One of the most useful tips we’d like to share involves doing a bit of prep before heading out to the lake. The cold can really bite, especially when it comes to fingers! I’m sure everyone is aware of the horrible numbness you can experience in your hands when the weather is cold, so that’s why we recommend tying bags, strings, mesh, etc inside somewhere, beforehand. This will ensure you can prepare your gear efficiently with no messing around or difficulty. Make sure you’re using our Sou-Ties for the easiest way to tie your bags up!
5. Take a break- Definitely the most important thing on the list is knowing your limits. Disregarding all of the steps above, if you’re feeling too cold, call it quits for now. It’s so important to stay safe, as winter weather isn’t only miserable, but can be dangerous too. Take a break now and again, have a warm drink, go back to the car, whatever you need to do to stay healthy and happy!