Winter Fishing Clothes Suggestions Needed

In anticipation of fishing Hugo Lake in February, 2015 I need to decide what Winter fishing clothes I need. Any suggestions? I know that several of our members fish all Winter and I would like to know what they suggest.

I've mostly adapted my winter fishing clothing from older Elk and bird hunting clothing I have. Layering is very important because wintertime Oklahoma weather can vary greatly. I've bird hunted in a tee shirt in January and about frozen when bowhunting earlier in the year. I keep a winter gear bag so I can go from cool to extra cold weather. I rely heavily upon layering. That said, I do have a couple of favorites. Those used to be down and nothing comes close to down to keep you warm. But....down can also get you killed if it gets wet. I no longer use any down gear in a boat. In fact, down is getting difficult to buy now with regulations that are in place. You used to be able to get some good down clothing from Cabelas but they no longer sell it. Some of the lighter weight performance gear comes close to the warmth of down. I don't rely on brand names but on things that work for me. My favorite, when it's really cold is lw performance type long johns (being retired army I use the ones from the army clothing store on base.) The next layer is a lw fly fishing wader liner followed by a older set of ArcticShield bibs. ArcticShield is pricey but worth it. My bibs are several years old but still very warm. Top layer is usually just a heavyweight hoodie over the performance long john top. If it's really cold I may add another layer under the hoodie. I then wear a good winter rainsuit top over all this to block the wind and spray. I rarely wear the rainsuit bibs as the ArticShield are water repellant and warm enough. Then, because I usually fish by myself I wear a life preserver all the time. I have two made by Mustang Survival. One is a heavy winter one with extra flotation and the other is my self inflating summer vest. One or the other will be on me in the winter. All that sounds bulky but is really not. I also carry a survival bag in the wintertime in case I could fall in. Never had to use it but one could save your life. We talked some about this when we hijacked Fishers Sardis thread. I almost always have some zippo handwarmers going in the winter. Although I don't do it now many folks used to use a motorcycle helmet with full face shield when fishing out of high performance bass boats in the winter tournaments. They work great for heavy spray.

Wool will keep you warm even when it is wet.

Dave I fish in Cabelas Down Coveralls. Very warm and light. Layer under them and I never get cold. Huge hood sealed cuffs, full leg zippers, and a great suit......Ranger

Keeping your feet warm is very important. The best boots I have found are Bass Pro Redhead 16 inch 800 thinsulate, side zipper boots. The online reviews are really bad (dry rot), but mine have seen a lot of use and have been totally waterproof, with no dry rot, for two years.

I use a base layer of silk long handles, next polypropylene long handles if really cold. Turtle neck followed by wool Pendleton shirt. Regular bib overalls over everything. Finally, snow mobile suit, extra long neck gaiter that I have had custom made, wool hat, polypropylene insert gloves with fleece outer gloves if necessary. I do not get cold and can move around nicely. If it is really cold and I am ice fishing then I may substitute polypros for a complete set of fleece top and bottom long handles. This has kept me warm to -20 degs hunting elk in January in New Mexico.

I like my arctic armor suit, it cuts the wind nicely.

I wear a thick pajama bottom under overalls or an oversized pair of blue jeans, a long sleeve cotton pullover shirt under a hoody. Top layer are Carhardt coveralls. I stay warm but the coveralls are bulky. A beanie for the head and fingerless wool gloves when fishing. Pocket warmers also. Looking at buying Frogg Toggs to replace coveralls.

I am a huge fan of the Bass Pro Shops "Bone Dry" line. I have their rain gear, and also their insulated overalls and coat. I have fished in single digits with the overalls and coat and have not got cold at all and a bonus is, it is 100% waterproof so that makes it nice when raining or snowing. The cost is not bad and if they rip, tear, zippers fail, Bass Pro will stand behind their products!

Dave the #1 thing is not to wear anything cotton as a first layer. When you sweat and you will even in single digit temps it collects in the cotton and will not evaporate. Wear a wicking garnet like under armor or something similar to remove the moisture. That the #1 thing to remember. Cutting the wind is another huge factor to remember. So if you are thinking about purchasing a suit of clothing make sure it's a wind stopper garment. As far as feet I never wear my boots from home to the water. Always wear a light shoe and change into my boot when I arrive. This cuts down on sweating feet and will keep you more comfortable on the water. You can always get some Toasty Toes at Wally World and they do work and I have used them deer hunting where I sit for long periods of time in very cold temps. Hands well I also wear light gloves. What I have found to work the best is winter golf gloves I have tried many different gloves and most are just to bulky or you can't feel with them. Golf Gloves work great and you can even use spinning reels with them as well. Remember layering and no cotton against the skin and that will make for a more enjoyable trip.......Ranger