Staying warm for cold weather bassin.

[Kenny418]

Just wanting recommendations on staying warm during February and March fishing. I am going to start fishing early tournaments this year. I have never really fished these conditions. There is a ton of stuff out there, but what has worked best for you guys.

[aarogb]

Under Armour Cold Gear

It's wonderful stuff.

[CWB]

LAYERS.

Start with good long johns and shirt.

And a good quality Cold Weather/Rain suit.

Frogg Toggs are good and affordable:

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10204962_625011000_625000000_625011000_625-11-0

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_10204963_625011000_625000000_625011000_625-11-0

[Jig Man]

Under armour for sure, boots with 1000 or more grams of thinsulate, good gortex insulated bibs and coat and a helmet should also be considered.

[Goose52]

All good suggestions above. I don't have any problem keeping my feet and body warm but I have a BIG problem keeping my hands/fingers warm. (See http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1260207123/0 )

I ended up getting the UnderArmour Glove Liners - thin but relatively warm down to temps in the 40s. If the wind is blowing, or I'm fishing in the 30s, I add another layer of thin wool gloves. I've fished down to 29 degrees with both layers and while I can't say I was comfortable...I was able to keep working my reels and keep fishing (although I'm learning that when my fingers get too stiff, I should probably switch to spinning gear to avoid those "numb thumb" backlashes!).

One thing I haven't tried yet is to start with latex gloves, then add the UnderArmours ... this would keep water off the skin and probably keep my fingers warmer overall...

[Team_Dougherty]

[shootermcbob]

Bottom layer must be wicking...no cotton. Under armour is good, smartwool is better IMO. Middle layers need to be either wool or fleece, something that traps air. Most importantly, outer layer MUST be at least windproof, better if waterproof. (if its waterproof, then it is windproof as well). Make sure to eat and drink as day goes on, provides fuel for producing heat. Lastly, keep your head covered with a good cap, fleece or wool. Windproof is good here as well.

[Goose52]

Yep - I've seen the chemical handwarmers...I just haven't figured out how to keep one between my hands and the rod/reel I probably DO need to pick some up so I can at least pause fishing and warm the fingers back up...

[roadwarrior]

Under Armour, Cabela's Guidewear, stocking cap

and Sorel boots. I wear cotton gloves when we

motor, but not fishing. Over the top a tight fitting

waist coat; uninsulated hunting parka over that.

Hand warmers in the coat pockets.

If that's not enough, it's too cold to fish!

8-)

[shootermcbob]

To expand a little,  Your body will generate enough heat to keep you warm, provided you don't let the wind steal it. If you can keep your core warm, it is much easier to keep feet and hands warm. The first thing that happens when we get cold is our bodies "sacrifice" the appendages to make sure our vital organs stay warm. Keep the core warm, and it is much easier to keep hands and feet warm. Chemical heat packs help a bunch. Several layers will keep you warmer than one big heavy parka. Reason, the layers trap heat between them.

[Sam]

1.  Regular underwear and tee shirt.

2.  Starter leggins and crew top. Have a fly sewn into the leggins.

3.  Regular long underwear, top and bottom.

4.  Fleeced lined jean long sleeve shirt and jeans.

5.  80/20 cotton/polyester sweat shirt with a hoodie.

6.  Mustang Survival coat which is also my PFD.

7.  Seal Skinz gloves.

8.  Fuzzy cap with ear flaps.

9.  White cotton socks followed by a plastic bread bag over the socks and then my BPS heavy duty Read Head socks in tennis shoes or my insulated and waterproof boots.

You will be warm.

You will also have a fun time trying to go to the bathroom off the side of the boat!  ;D   ;D   ;D

I look crazy but I am warm.

[EastTexasBassin]

I don't use anything fancy, just lots of layers.  Last time out I wore 2 xl tshirts and 1 2xl tshirt, a long sleeve denim type shirt, a coat, and frogg toggs over that.  For pants I wore some jeans with a pair of thick flannel pants over them, and frogg togg pants over that.  2 pairs of socks and some sneakers.  Neoprene gloves.  A hat, with the coat's hood over that and cinched shut to cover my ears. 

Once the sun came out I switched from the neoprene gloves to some 'batting' gloves that have the finger tips removed from each finger.  Not quite as warm but far more mobility.  I was comfortable enough and I caught some fish in freezing temps.   

[Catt]

Layers that do not include cotton

[Eternal Angler]

I second that, definitely need hand warmers.  That's the biggest part of my body that always suffers, man I hate the cold!

[Crestliner2008]

Understand this. "Under Armour" is merely poly propylene. Cabela's store brand poly underwear is exactly the same thing and cost a great deal less than going with the name brand.

Also, on the hand warmers. Put them on the underside of your wrists, between your poly pro and your outer layers. This will keep the blood warm going to your hands. You still have to keep the skin warm (to prevent frostbite), but this will do the trick for you.

And get yourself a pair of "rag wool", fingerless gloves. Even wet these things keep your hands warm. Do NOT get the extra mitten attachment - way too bulky. Just get a snug fitting pair (don't get an Xlarge size if a large fits) and you'll be good to go.

And as has been mentions here previously, a pair of Sorel boots (leather tops, rubber bottoms and wool felt liners) are a god-send.

[basspro96]

http://www.skeetreeseinc.com/theglove.html

And then get some half fingered gloves that you can put the mitten back on topp with not fishing.

[OkobojiEagle]

I'm enjoying your perpesctives on what is cold... I woke up this morning to -28 degrees!  As I won't be bass fishing anytime soon, I'll continue to enjoy these discussions.

[RockvilleMDAngler]

A Goretex suit is a MUST!  Cabelas Guidewear is good as is the 100MPH Bass Pro gear.  I have the Cabelas bib and jacket and it works wonders!  When it is really cold I use a fleece liner underneath the jacket.  I also use the jacket and bib in the fall when I expect rain, that suit is totally waterproof and you will thank God you have it when it is pouring rain in late October.

Under Armour or similar longjohns is vital as people have already mentioned.  I usually wear at least one sweatshirt and a long sleeve T-Shirt over top of the Under Armour. 

I have a real hard time fishing with gloves but I wear one on my reeling hand and a fingerless glove on my rod/casting hand when it is REALLY cold.  The hand warmers work well but I usually keep them in my pocket and warm my hands as needed.  be sure to grab several of those hand warmers as it is not uncommon to get a dud. 

If you intend on running on plane in cold weather I HIGHLY recommend a Save Phace mask.  Making a 20 minute run at full throttle in 30 degree temps is miserable if you don't have one of these.  Ski Goggles and a cloth face mask will work also but the Save Phace does not fog up as much.  I like to spray mine with RainX the day before I use it to make sure it doesn't fog up while I am going full throttle.

[brushhoggin]

thermos brand thermos full of earl grey

[fishfordollars]

No cotton

Layers

Good Gore Tex outer wear. Try Cabala's and BPS

[Pantera61]

thermos brand thermos full of earl grey

Nothing like a bit of sophistication to help keep one warm!

[brushhoggin]

thermos brand thermos full of earl grey

Nothing like a bit of sophistication to help keep one warm!

;D ;D naw man its anything hot really, ive just always drank earl grey. hot chocolate or coffee may float more boats though

[Ojurb]

this is what i do and works for me, i understand is not the best or a tourney but for my causl fishing with my buddie it works great

dress socks, fuzzy socks and a pair of indoor soccer shoes ( they are the shoeds withh the most insulation i own)

thick jeans

thight long sleeve tshirt, thin wool sweater, zip up hoodie, and a wind breaker/raincoat

wool skull cap, my tap out cap  and a scarf

half litre of johnie walker black , gatorade and spicy snacks

[Ojurb]

thermos brand thermos full of earl grey

right on man that is what i allways drink as well, more often that not i reach for earl grey tea over coffee or any other tea hot drink for that mtter

[Kenny418]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I'm working on getting some of the things I do not have for the upcoming season.