Dressing Warm?

[Klebs01]

For me, merino wool base layers seem to work much better than the under armor type synthetics. Plus they are more stink resistant. I also have a pair of orvis gloves that have leave the tips of the thumb amd first two fingers exposed but fully cover the last two fingers. The seem to provide a good balance of warmth while allowing the feel to tie knots and thumb the spool while casting.

[Fishes in trees]

Staying warm ( or cool for that matter) while you are fishing is just a matter of throwing money at the problem.  Everyone has to figure it out what works for them.  I generally use some kind of 3 layer system, i.e.base layer next to skin, insulating layer and a windproof/waterproof layer.   Generally, be mindful that more often than not, it is easier to remove layers if you have dressed too warm than add another layer if you're not when you are out on the boat.  Owning several different weights of base layers and insulating layers lets you fine tune your garmets for the appropriate weather that day.

 

Now, on the subject of "don't be dumb"  we all know ignorant stuff can happen out on the water from time to time.  Plan ahead and have a spare set of clothes, appropriate to the weather, including socks and hat, in the truck.  I keep a spare pair of shoes also.  This can keep an accident a humorous story, rather than you getting really sick from driving home in wet, cold clothes.  This is one situation where an ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure.

 

Now, on the subject of looking good when you got your cool/cold weather gear on, a couple of times each year, the weather is right for my favorite fishing outfit, i.e. back in the day I got an authentic Irish Fishermans sweater.  It is so warm that you really can't wear it in the house, or riding in the truck for that matter, but out on the water it is a nearly perfect combination of warmth, flexibility and breathability.

 

Heavyweight boiled wool is as old school as you can get, a choice of fisherman all over the world going back hundreds of years, but once you get one, that will be your first choice for cool weather gear.

[Thornback]

I'll add an amusing story to the topic -- I once had a neighbor who wanted to accompany me on a fishing trip. He had never been out in a bass boat and didn't fish. It was a cool morning and when we got the boat in the water I put on a jacket. He laughingly made some remark about me needing a jacket, then said the weather wasn't cold, that it felt nice. He was the macho type. He was wearing shorts and T-shirt, as was I. Well we had about two miles to run to get to a fishing spot so I took of at top speed with the intention of showing him how cold it could be speeding across the water. When we reached the spot and I anchored he said, "It does get cold running across the water in a boat."

[Blues19]

For the coldest days, I wear thermal pants and shirt for my base layer. I'll wear flannel lined jeans and a pair of gor-tex bibs.  If its super cold I will wear a pair of fleece PJ pants under the jeans and over the Thermals.  On top I'll wear another long sleeve shirt and either a fleece shirt or jacket.  Then I put on another fleece with an extra large hoody.  For my head I will wear a Balaclava with a beenie on top.  I have a neoprene facemask that i wear with my sunglasses over for running. 

 

Also: I played A LOT of soccer growing up and have a lot of extra old soccer socks.  I use to cut the feet off the socks with holes and used the long leg part of the sock as sleeves.  If you put them over a base layer it adds quite a bit of warmth.