Winter Fishing Safety
While it’s true that many fishers prefer to hit the water during warm weather, there are plenty of anglers who continue to enjoy fishing even when it’s cold and snowy outside. In fact, the winter months can be an especially peaceful time to fish. However, fishing in the cold can be dangerous if you go out unprepared so you’ll need to take extra precautions to deal with inclement weather. We’ve compiled tips to help you keep warm and safe when you head out, so be sure to stop by Anderson Boat in Burnt Hills, New York, to check out our boats, shop for parts, or book a service.
Check the Weather Forecast
Before you leave for your fishing boat trip, remember to check the weather forecast for the area you’ll be in. Be sure that there are no strong storms or harsh temperatures as these will make conditions too dangerous for you to be out on the water. It’s essential to check the forecast ahead of time and on the day of your trip so you know what to expect out there.
Tell Someone About Your Plans
Another important step is letting someone know where you’re headed and when you plan to be back. You can inform a friend, a family member, or even a neighbor. If you run into any trouble because of an emergency, such as a sudden storm, they can notify rescue crews about your location. They can then bring you back to safety from there.
When you’re going out boating, it’s a wise idea to take a friend along on your fishing excursion. While it’s fun to have someone to enjoy the experience with you, that’s not the only purpose it serves. Fishing alone in isolated areas can be dangerous. If you become injured, ill, or experience a breakdown on your boat in the middle of the lake, it’s useful to have someone who can help.
Pack the Right Gear
Keep your boat well-stocked with all the essentials before you hit the water. You’ll need all the standard gear, such as fishing rods, lures, bait, livewells, coolers, depth finders, maps, compass, emergency radio, and an anchor. It’s also important to bring plenty of drinking water to stay hydrated and high-energy snacks, like cheese, fruit, nuts, or granola to prevent hunger, since your body will burn more calories trying to stay warm.
Your phone should always be fully charged, and you can even pack a solar or portable charger to ensure that the battery never dies. You’ll need to have emergency gear, such as flares or signals. If your motor breaks down, you can use these to let others know. Pack these items in a dry bag so they don’t get wet or damaged if they fall overboard.
Dress in Layers
Remember to dress in layers to protect your body from freezing temperatures. The temperature on the water can be much colder than back on the shore, which means you could suffer from hypothermia much more quickly. Try to wear wool and other synthetic clothing material that’ll keep away moisture.
Pack extra gloves, socks, and sweaters or jackets, just in case you want to add more layers. Wearing thermal underwear underneath everything is a good idea, as are boot liners and hand warmers. Wear an insulating hat and keep a scarf on hand to wrap around your face to keep away the wind.
If you’re looking for a great fishing boat for some cold weather angling, come see us at Anderson Boat in Burnt Hills, New York. We carry a wide range of models by all the top brands, so you’re sure to find something you’ll love. We proudly serve both Saratoga Springs and Schenectady, New York.