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.
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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
X2 what Ranger said.
the artic armor is the single warmest clothing I have worn. not bulky and above all will float you with no PFD on. not saying it is a PFD replacment, but i am saying if you get caught without PFD it will float you. I have tried mine!Quote:
Originally Posted by BAMA S
Ledge
Where is best place to buy a.a.
Hat55, Arctic Armor: i.d.i gear - outdoor apparel - hunting, ice fishing, swimwear. Mine will be shipped today.
Got one headed my way.
I wear merino wool base layer and my outer layer is Cabelas Outfiitter Berber fleece with windshear. Best hunting clothes I've ever bought. Super soft and not bulky.
Went to the website to take a look, wondering if they stay dry with a zipper? Don't see how they could.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bigskyfisherman
Also found a boot that looks a lot like the Redhead, made by Wolverine for the same price$99. But, no reviews or even a description.
Also curious about Muck Boots, they seem to be popular around here.
I'm on my second pair of cold weather Muck boots and don't believe they can be beat by any of their competitors. Lots of companies make this type boot. My first pair lasted 8 years with heavy use (pheasant hunting in snow and icy conditions.) You can get them in all temp ratings and they are pretty accurate. They also cost a little more than their competitors. You need to be careful choosing them as there are so many different models. Occasionally, you will see them on sale at Cabelas or BPS but you need to check the version it is. They also have warmer weather versions. Mine are not the coldest weather versions because I got them for hunting and some can get too warm with much walking. Mine keep my feet warm in the boat also. I also have a set of warm weather ones that I used strictly for bowhunting or squirrel hunting -- snakeproof! I would highly recommend the Muck boots. They can be heavy but I have always found them warm and comfortable. Here is a link where you can see the various boots they sell.
Arctic Sport Hi Muck Boot in Black (MB-ASP-000A) | The Muck Boot Store
IkenI...which version do you have for winter fishing?
They don't make the one I have any longer but it's a previous version of this.
Wetland Muck Boot in Bark (MB-WET-998K) | The Muck Boot Store
I haven't stood in the water for longer than maybe a minute or two with the Redheads, but I HAVE waded out when putting out balloons on a fairly windless day. Re the Muck boots, I have never had a pair, but I know people who say they are the best, although a bit pricey for my budget. Since Bigfishmama limited me to $5 per month for fishing, I had a choice of A: Ride a bicycle to fish at the kids' pond, or B: Get a part-time job.
Hello, Braums, where I now get a discount on ice cream (my doctor says that part is not a good thing).
I'm pretty sure a pair of Muck Boots is in my near future! I've started seeing a lot of them in the past year or so. For some reason I thought they had been around for a long, long time but, turns out they have only been around since 2002.
Floyd, I guess you just have to look at the temp rating on each boot to determine what is best for you? The -20 to +50 seems about right for Oklahoma.
For a base layer look for US Army issue Gen 3 level 2 mid weight shirt and drawers.............. I have a set, but it rarely gets cold enough down here to wear them.
They are the base layer for extreme cold weather........they are not bulky, but like I said it;s gotta be cold out or you'll be strippin down................
I think that is what mine are rated for. There are plenty of places that sell them (look at their store locator) and I think it's a good idea to actually try a pair on with the socks you intend to wear. My cold weather boots are worn with a lightweight performance sock liner under a mid weight wool. My snake boots are worn with lighter socks so I wear a size smaller in them. Both are very comfortable and easy to get on and off.Quote:
Originally Posted by Okie Bob
couldn't agree more on the Artic Armour material....excellent in keeping you warm (with minimumal layering) and breaking the wind.
Arctic Armor arrived. Many Pockets. Light weight. you can layer under it. Windproof Waterproof. Belt loops too in addition to the bib suspenders. VERY Warm. AFFORDABLE. Attachment 182478
Just got it today.....camo Artic Armor Attachment 182507
Frank, go jump in! See if it will float you like I said!
You guys are both looking mighty stylish in your new suits!:highfive Frank, you need to get signed up for the winter camp down at Hugo so you can try it out. "G" - you're invited also.
Attachment 182510
Well I would but I have to get fully recovered from aneurysm surgery scheduled in Dallas Dec 30. Recovery may take a while.
Um...Sorry to hear that. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Floyd
Frank, are you in there? Lol. Looking good my friend. Praying for your successful surgery and complete and speedy recovery & healing!Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank300
Yes sir Merle, That is Fat G-Daddy Frank inside that Yellow Dog Bus color Arctic Armor. LOL. Thanks on the prayers for a speedy recovery! I am very hopeful.
Frank, praying your surgery goes well and your recovery is quick and complete.
Here's a really warm sweater.
Thanks Big Sky I have high hopes of seeing you at Blackwell again!
Lots of Good advice.
Best thing I can add is some hand warmer packets HeatMax HotHands Hand Warmers, 40 pairs - Walmart.com
My choice for below 20 degrees
Military Surplus Polypropelene Long Johns plus polypro balaclava and Sock liners
Fleece Pants and Hooded Fleece jacket
Dickies WP15000 waterproof padded coveralls
Army Surplus Mickey Mouse Boots
Topped with a Mustang Survival Vest
Above 20 degrees I have a 6mm Neoprene Drysuit that keeps me warm and dry when worn over the polypro and fleece combo. I bought it used at a dive shop because it has some wear and a few holes that allow it to leak. Holes were patched and are waterproof but divers dont want to take any chances. Fall winter fishing for me means rain and wind and 25 - 45 degrees. Sitting in a boat you can get cold in a hurry and wet and cold does not make for a fun trip.
I do not like auto inflate PFD's for winter, If something goes wrong, I figure I may not be able to react fast enough. and yes, I've taken an unplanned swim in 34 degree water, you do not have a lot of time. So I use a class I life preserver, For the boat, a ski ladder on back is a wise addition
AND - DO NOT GO OUT ALONE.
Amazing how one picture can remove any semblance of manhood.Quote:
Originally Posted by crapAlicous
ROFL! I saw this thread going that direction after selfies started popping up.
You are in our prayers Frank.