solarscar Posted January 9, 2009 Posted January 9, 2009 Hey guys, I got the itch and the lakes are thawed. I have a float tube and was wanting to fish a couple strip pits but I usually do this in the summer with shorts on. Has anyone tried doing this in 40 degree water? What do you recommend to keep me from freezing? Thanks. Quote
Super User Wayne P. Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 Leave us your name and the name of the local newspaper where the obituaries are listed so we can send condolences to your next of kin. :'( Quote
solarscar Posted January 9, 2009 Author Posted January 9, 2009 Nice. Can anyone give a real answer? Quote
Super User Jimzee Posted January 9, 2009 Super User Posted January 9, 2009 You'll definitely want to invest in some waders, preferably chest waders that are neoprene and at least 3mm thick. I have a pair that are 5mm thick for wintertime fly fishing coupled with fleece wader pants. I can stay in the water all day and never feel the cold. Stream temps range about 34-38 degrees here in the winter. Make sure you wear a good PFD and let someone know where you're going. Quote
solarscar Posted January 9, 2009 Author Posted January 9, 2009 Cool. Thanks Jimzee! I did call bass pro and they got some 5mm neoprene chest highs for about $190.00 I think i'm gonna swing by and check them out. Thanks again for replying! Glad to know there are other non-fairweather fishermen out there. Quote
Super User Jimzee Posted January 10, 2009 Super User Posted January 10, 2009 You might want to check around a little bit before committing to that $190.00 price tag. I think mine were around $90.00. I found them on closeout at a Gander Mountain in Washington, PA. They are Orvis brand waders. Find you a good pair of fleece pants to wear under them, that's the ticket for keeping warm. Quote
Garnet Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 Take that PFD serious if you fall in your feet are up and guess were your head is. Garnet Quote
SnowBass23 Posted January 10, 2009 Posted January 10, 2009 Yeah, go with waders and you'll be fine. Like everyone else said, let somebody know where you go and wear the pfd! We have had some spills here where somebody falls in in DEEP water and I've yet to see someone's feet come up, but when you start taking water on in your waders it is certainly a different sensation trying to move and get to safety. SAFETY FIRST. Quote
Super User skunked_again Posted January 10, 2009 Super User Posted January 10, 2009 Cool. Thanks Jimzee! I did call bass pro and they got some 5mm neoprene chest highs for about $190.00 I think i'm gonna swing by and check them out. Thanks again for replying! Glad to know there are other non-fairweather fishermen out there. its my opinion that most if not all posters know the difference between "fair weather fisherman" and guys who want to torcher themselves. good luck though, take a camera so you can take pics of your catch. Quote
Super User cart7t Posted January 10, 2009 Super User Posted January 10, 2009 Kicking around in a float tube with waters running under 40 degrees is dangerous. Even rescue divers equpped with the best in thermal body suits admit to becoming cold when under water for an hour. Submerging half your body in water barely above freezing seems nuts to me, especially considering how pathetically slow fishing is this time of year. Good luck, wear a PFD and inform loved ones where you're going and when you plan to be back. Quote
done Posted January 11, 2009 Posted January 11, 2009 You'll definitely want to invest in some waders, preferably chest waders that are neoprene and at least 3mm thick. I have a pair that are 5mm thick for wintertime fly fishing coupled with fleece wader pants. I can stay in the water all day and never feel the cold. Stream temps range about 34-38 degrees here in the winter. Make sure you wear a good PFD and let someone know where you're going. I have done this trout fishing the mountain streams up here. I would strongly suggest you do not go alone. As for gear, I have waders, under them I wore Jeans, and under that I bought "Underarmor" thermal clothing. I wore a winter coat from the waste up with a sweatshirt under than. My winter coat, and hat have been soaked in waterproofer. I also picked up cheap neoprene gloves from BPS which made a HUGE difference. They had fingertips that pealed back. If you can put a cell phone in a ziplock and keep it on your person. Also, keep a towel, and blankets in you vehicle. Buy some of those hand warmers and keep them on you just in case. I know sounds overboard but it is better to have the gear and not need it than need it and not have it. With the gear I mentioned above I have gone with air temps down to 20 degree and water just above freezing for 6+ hours at a time. Just do not take any risks you do not have to. It is close....but the fish just aint worth it. Quote
jbass Posted January 11, 2009 Posted January 11, 2009 The coldest I've fished in my tube was 43* water. Neoprene waders two pairs of socks, jeans, quilted thermals, sweat shirt, tee shirt, knit hat, and a jacket. I was very warm, but make sure to tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. Hypothermia is not fun. Quote
Super User CWB Posted January 12, 2009 Super User Posted January 12, 2009 Don't forget about "Shrinkage" ;D Quote
SnowBass23 Posted January 16, 2009 Posted January 16, 2009 Did you get out there yet? How'd it go? He's still thawing out! ;D Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.