New At Winter Bass Fishing - What Clothes Do I Need?

[nocellcontracts]

Never fished in the cold before. I'm cold natured and need help. I'm in Alabama and I will be fishing in 30-50 degree weather.

Can you guys help me choose a full winter fishing wardrobe? Thus far, I'm thinking about:

1. Under Armour 3.0 base layers
2. Bass Pro's 100mph suit (they have it on sale for black friday - but it's still gonna cost $360 out the door and it's NOT insulated)
3. Instead of the non-insulated 100mph suit, should I get a Frabill I-Series insulated suit? The i2 suit is $250 and the i3 suit is $320.
4. Need recommendations for gloves and insulated shoes

Will be fishing from my boat only....... Thanks all!
 

[Ozark_Basser]

All I can tell you is to definitely wear gloves.  Preferably ones with the thumbs cut out if you throw a baitcaster.  That's about it.  All I ever do is where a coat or a hoodie with a long sleeve under it, then take one or the other off if I get warm after fishing for a bit.  

[TC235 <*))))><]

Pack on enough cloths untill your almost sweating.. You'll be happy you did when that windchill kicks in on the lake.

[everythingthatswims]

Get some neoprene stocking foot waders. Keeps you WARM without needing a bunch of layers, and you can step in the water at the ramp if need-be. Also great if you bank fish, slipping and getting one foot wet won't ruin the day, and if you need to wade you can.

[Angry John]

Well thought out layers work better than big dollar suits.  I start with thermals, then sweets and then pants.  I wear a columbia rain coat on top and their tall waterproof hiking pants on bottom to finish it off.  The big dollar item should be your boots.  If your bank fishing consider getting waders if there is any chance you will slip in or need to stand in the water.

[ABW]

Get some handwarmers too

[Smokinal]

You left out the most important thing for cold water fishing...a good life jacket. You can dress up all you want but if you go over with all those clothes and boots, ain't no way you're going to stay afloat. We want to hear about your fishing stories when you arrive home brother.

[nocellcontracts]

Thanks all ---- I really need to know whether the Bass Pro suit is worth the $360 and if I need to drive 100 miles in the morning to get it.
I talked to 2 friends on facebook that own that suit and they said they love it. One of them said they paid over $500 for it 8 years ago and he'd do it all over again.

[soopd]

I wear BPS 100 mph suit over my regular clothes in Alabama. It keeps you warm. It was the best purchase I made. I would give up my SI unit before giving up 100 mph suit.

[Angry John]

Your friends live and fish in the same area you do, so their input would be more insitu than us here.  There is always more than one way to skin a cat, you must choose which way is best for you.

[Long Mike]

Cabella's Guidewear is very similar to the BPS 100 MPH suit.  It goes on sale from time to time at half price.  Both suits are adequate for your needs.  When you order, be sure it is large enough to comfortably cover your other layers.

[Quantumbrick]

I definitely agree with the layers but then again, when does it get that cold in CA? I guess when I'm fishing Kent on Mt. Tamalpais it can get cold and wet, in that case I wear a warm long sleeve shirt, a rain-ish protecting jacket, and bring a sweatshirt in case I need to put it under the rain coat ish thing or if I switch the rain ish coat out. Also the gloves with thumb holes is probably a really good idea, if you cant find any you probably could cut a hole and fold the tip up.

[roadwarrior]

Under Armour

 

Cabela's Guidewear, uninsulated

 

Sorel waterproof boots

[benthinkin]

I definitely agree with the layers but then again, when does it get that cold in CA? I guess when I'm fishing Kent on Mt. Tamalpais it can get cold and wet, in that case I wear a warm long sleeve shirt, a rain-ish protecting jacket, and bring a sweatshirt in case I need to put it under the rain coat ish thing or if I switch the rain ish coat out. Also the gloves with thumb holes is probably a really good idea, if you cant find any you probably could cut a hole and fold the tip up.

gotta love cali. fish all year in comfort

[ColdSVT]

30-50! Thats hoodie and jeans weather lol

Temps in the 30 or rain or both i wear my 100mph gear and am comfy

40s and up ill usually just have on a hoody and pants

50s same thing hoodie and pants

Then again i live up north lol

[adam32]

Latex gloves under a pair of jersey gloves with the finger tips cut off. Keeps your hands warm even if they get wet. A thin coating of vasoline on your hands under the latex gloves helps also.

Also do NOT wear any cotton for your base layer... socks, pants, shirt. You want something that will wick moisture away from your skin.

[hoosierhawghunter]

Bps 100 mph suit is definitely worth the money. I won't spend money at cadorkas lol.

[adam32]

I really like the cabelas guidewear I have. Plus it's hard to beat cabelas warranty.

[Montanaro]

Bikini weather

[tomustang]

That's not cold at all. Jacket and beanie.

[Driftb]

It doesn't matter which rain suit you buy for winter wear.  They will all work until it rains! Commercial fishermen in Alaska and all over the world sneer at breathable rainsuits.  They wear heavy duty vinyl suits made by "Grundens".  Cheap and totally waterproof, although the top of .the lines suits are not too cheap  Carhart also makes a decent set for cheap.  I guess if you have to go racing around a big lake all day in the rain at 40 degrees in a bass boat going fifty MPH, you might want that BPS suit.  They just seem a little steep to me.  I have been fishing three days a week here on the NY Pa border in 30- 50 degree weather without a 100 MPH suit.  I am going tomorrow too, and I am going to have a good time.

  Don't worry about under armor, etc.  Just wear the polyester fleece type sweat or pajama pants under your suit.  two pairs if it is cold.  Do not wear jeans or cotton "thermal" underwear.  They are garbage in the winter.  If you sweat in them, then cool off, you'll be worse with them that without.  I work at a ski area all winter in Norther Pa. and I wear those pants all winter.  I wear a cheap "Wally World Under armor Type" shirt made by Starter under a fleece zip neck shirt or two.  Don't forget good socks.  Bass pro sells the best for $11.99 a pair.  They are Red head heavyweight wool socks, with a lifetime guarantee.. You will find more expensive socks, but none better.  At the ski area, I wear water proof breathable shell pants and jacket over all of that and I am good for twelve hours at ten degrees dressed that way.  a pair of insulated waterproof boots, and you are good to go.  Don't forget the life jacket.  In NY state, it is mandatory for boaters to wear a life jacket Nov 1- May 1

As far as gloves, they are usually fairly useless.  The best I have ever used are a pair of "Glommits".  Thinsulate lined with leather palms, and magnets to hold the mitten part back when you want your fingers exposed.  They are OK until they get wet.  Then I just do without. Cabelas, $40.00 or Wally World a few years ago for $6.00.  If you have poor circulation, try putting a handwarmer in the back or your glove, right on the back of your hand.  It will warm the arteries feeding your fingers. 

[Driftb]

Wait a minute!  The OP's in Alabama?  How cold does it get in Alabama?  I think you'll be fine with a hoodie, sweat pants, and a pair of crocs.  You can send me the 100 MPH suit.  Make sure it's a XXLT if you don't mind.

[Bluebasser86]

50 degrees?? Sweats and a hoodie?? Seriously all I'm in by the time it warms up to 50 on those rare days that it gets that warm during the winter here. My normal winter gear; 2 layers of heavy BPS thermal tops and bottom, synthetic liner socks with heavy Carhartt wool socks, sweat pants, t shirt, sweat shirt, hoodie, BPS 100mph suit, Muck Ranger boots, White River fingerless gloves, BPS buff, no name balaclava. Don't forget the sunscreen and chapstick or you're gonna have a bad time. 

[Sam]

Fleece!!!!

 

Fleece lined jeans and shirts.

 

Heavy wool socks over white cotton socks.

 

Sweat shirt with a hoodie.

 

Head cover.

 

Go to Wal-Mart and get their version on Under Armor's ColdGear series underwear.  Get one or two sizes larger than you usually wear and use it as your base over your regular underwear.  Your wife, mom or girl friend may have to sew a fly in the pants for you.

 

A BUM to cover your face.

 

And last, but not least, the 100 MPH Gore-Tex pants and parka. 

 

A heavy jacket can work, too.

 

Put your PFD under your jacket.

 

Gloves as mentioned previously.

 

Have fun, if you can move!!!!

[Smokinal]

This is gonna be you OP...