Any helpful tips for boating in winter months?

[Geography 101]

I realize that it is kinda less than ideal but I am wondering about winter fishing. I worked in freezers for 30+ years so cold doesn't really bother me, I am more worried about the boat/motor. Any thoughts?

[Woody B]

If the air temperature is below freezing let the engine down into the water for a few minutes before starting it.   Let the above freezing temperature warm up the water pump area so there's no residual ice to damage the impeller.   After starting make sure you idle it until it's peeing water.  If it's really cold (20's.....southern cold) it will take a bit for the water circulation to start.  

 

Trim the engine down as soon as you pull it out of the lake to let the water drain from the foot.  After it's drained you can trim it up for transport, but trim it down as soon as you get home.   

 

Some people start their engine for a few seconds after removing it from the water to blow out the leftover water(?).  I'm not a fan or ever starting an engine out of the water (without a water supply) so I don't do this.  I'm interested in others opinions on this.  

 

Be careful.  I pulled a guy out of 46 degree water last Winter.  He was fishing near me and fell in the lake deploying his trolling motor.  He was a young fit guy but couldn't hardly move.  He grabbed the side of the boat but couldn't get back in.   His wife/girlfriend that was with him was panicking.  I tired my boat to theirs went over and pulled him back into the boat.  I think he was in shock.  He could barely talk.  His partner didn't know the way back to the landing so I had her follow me.  We got him in his truck with the heat on.  I loaded his boat for them.   I suspect his PFD saved his life.  I don't normally wear mine but I do when the water temp is below 60.   

 

[Way2slow]

For personal comfort, you will figure that out as you go.  Waterproof gloves that are thin enough to be able to use the reel are essential.  You never realize how much water comes off that line unti its ice cold.  I always kept a couple of those butane pancake heaters in the boat.  They don't do much for keeping you warm, but they at least give you a chance to warm your hands.  Keeping my hands dry and feet warm was always my biggest challenge. 

For safety, a boarding ladder on the back of the boat or learn how to use the motors tilt and trim if the motor has it, to lift you into the boat in you end up in the water.  You will usually have so much warm gear on that when it gets wet, it adds a bunch of weight to you and in that cold water, you will find it hard to move, so don't think you will just jump back in the boat.

The biggest thing with the motor is give it plenty of warm up time before heading out.  Even after starting off, go slow and gradually increase your RPM for the first 1/4 mile or so.  If you have been in one location for an extended period of time, try to keep the motor down and give the motor a couple of minutes to warm up again.

If below freezing, after loading the boat, make sure the motor has drained good before tilting it up to trailer it.  Make sure the boats drain plug is out and live well drained before too long.

If it starts snowing or sleeting, head for the ramp because if it gets ice on it, you might not be able to get up it.  Been there, done that and even with 4WD I had a hellava time getting the boat out and up the ramp.

One more after thought.  When moving or when windy, a vinyl rain suit or poncho makes a great wind blocker.  That cold wind will still cut through any fabric type material, so you will need something to block the wind.

 

[TOXIC]

All good points to know.  I will add to carry a couple of bags of kitty litter or sand in case the ramp ices up after you pull your trailer out and it drains.  Spray your rod guides down with line conditioner or WD40 to reduce ice build up.  I’ll reiterate, wear your pfd. Also put your plug in BEFORE you head to the ramp. No matter how long your boat has been out of the water, there’s a good chance there’s some left in the bilge and it will freeze as it flows out and you will sacrifice a full thermos of coffee poured in the bilge to thaw it out so you can put your plug in.  ??

[MickD]

4 hours ago, Woody B said:

Trim the engine down as soon as you pull it out of the lake to let the water drain from the foot. 

Good advice, in my opinion. 

 

I just asked Merury customer support about starting the motor out of the water for a couple seconds to clear the water pump.  They said it would not damage the engine if it's just for a couple seconds.  But it is not necessary with Mercuries as they will drain all the water WHEN VERTICAL.  I left the water yesterday with my merc 60 and it was tilted when I pulled it.   After prepping it for travel I put it down vertical for a few seconds and significant water did flow out which tells me that if you don't go vertical right away, some water will be trapped in the lower unit.  

[DogBone_384]

I fish year round in Massachusetts, as long as there's open water.  The membership's offered great advice. I've got two additions:

 

Always let someone know where you are, and keep a change of clothes in your truck.

[slonezp]

On 11/10/2022 at 10:29 AM, MickD said:

Good advice, in my opinion. 

 

I just asked Merury customer support about starting the motor out of the water for a couple seconds to clear the water pump.  They said it would not damage the engine if it's just for a couple seconds.  But it is not necessary with Mercuries as they will drain all the water WHEN VERTICAL.  I left the water yesterday with my merc 60 and it was tilted when I pulled it.   After prepping it for travel I put it down vertical for a few seconds and significant water did flow out which tells me that if you don't go vertical right away, some water will be trapped in the lower unit.  

I would add trim it down, trim it up, trim it down again.

 

Leave your livewell doors open when off the water and run the livewell pumps dry for a quick second as you pull the boat from the water to try and bump out any water that might be in the pump.

[WRB]

Protect your face and hands from wind chill freezing driving the boat. Be careful getting in and out of your boat launching and recovering as everting is slippery and you will be stiff.

All the above is good advice.

Tom

 

[the reel ess]

Don't forget the plug. LOL. You don't want cold water in your shoes. Disposable hand warmers in your pockets is pretty nice.

[volzfan59]

This might have been mentioned before, if so forgive me for saying it again.

 

If you don't have a boarding ladder, install one. They're pretty easy to install and fairly inexpensive.

Always have a complete change of clothes in your boat, including underwear, socks, shoes, even a jacket of some sort.

Always, always, always wear you PFD!

 

I read that you are used to working in freezer's and that's a good thing for winter fishing. If you are far from the boat ramp and you were to fall in the water in cold weather, hypothermia can overtake you in minutes. 

[BigAngus752]

This will sound smart-ass, but I'm serious and I've been there.  If you really want to be safe fishing/boating in cold water:

• pick a cold but sunny day after the water temps have dropped
• bring a friend or two along
• go to the lake wearing your typical fishing clothes but take along some towels, a full change of clothing, and a vehicle with a roomy, warm interior.
• get in the water with your clothes on

This advice will strike many people as ridiculous.  However, the people who have been fully clothed in sub-50 degree water (or colder) are going to hit the "like" button.  You don't have a grasp of the danger of cold water until you've been in it and it's MUCH worse being fully clothed.  The Polar Bear people are smart to do it in their skivvies.  This is how you will truly set your mind at being careful near cold water.  Over the top?  Yup.  Until the first time you fall in by accident. 

[TnRiver46]

On 11/25/2022 at 7:16 PM, volzfan59 said:

This might have been mentioned before, if so forgive me for saying it again.

 

If you don't have a boarding ladder, install one. They're pretty easy to install and fairly inexpensive.

Always have a complete change of clothes in your boat, including underwear, socks, shoes, even a jacket of some sort.

Always, always, always wear you PFD!

 

I read that you are used to working in freezer's and that's a good thing for winter fishing. If you are far from the boat ramp and you were to fall in the water in cold weather, hypothermia can overtake you in minutes. 

I didn’t know you could install a ladder aftermarket.  I love fishing the coldest parts of winter, although our winter is like a warm spring day in Canada haha. But seriously I swam around my boat a bunch  this summer and it’s not easy to get back into. I can do it , but it’s a beached whale effect. 

[Woody B]

8 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I didn’t know you could install a ladder aftermarket.  I love fishing the coldest parts of winter, although our winter is like a warm spring day in Canada haha. But seriously I swam around my boat a bunch  this summer and it’s not easy to get back into. I can do it , but it’s a beached whale effect. 

 

 

I should have put in my first post.  There's 2 things that can help you get back into a boat.

 

1. Climb onto the motor foot and use the power trim to pull you up out of the water.  I have some step tread tape on the foot of my motor to help if needed.

 

2.  When it's cold I keep a rope with a little slack tied from a bow cleat to a stern cleat.  Pull the slack into the water and use the rope like a step.   

 

 

I can get into mine pretty good in warm water.  I'm fat, but I've got mechanic upper body strength.  I just grab he gunwale and pull myself up.   I'm sure it would be difficult in cold water.   

[TnRiver46]

5 minutes ago, Woody B said:

 

 

I should have put in my first post.  There's 2 things that can help you get back into a boat.

 

1. Climb onto the motor foot and use the power trim to pull you up out of the water.  I have some step tread tape on the foot of my motor to help if needed.

 

2.  When it's cold I keep a rope with a little slack tied from a bow cleat to a stern cleat.  Pull the slack into the water and use the rope like a step.   

 

 

I can get into mine pretty good in warm water.  I'm fat, but I've got mechanic upper body strength.  I just grab he gunwale and pull myself up.   I'm sure it would be difficult in cold water.   

I tried the hold the motor and trim it up trick, I fell back into the lake haha

[T-Billy]

If you're gonna fish standing up. Do it close to shore.

[volzfan59]

12 hours ago, TnRiver46 said:

I didn’t know you could install a ladder aftermarket.  I love fishing the coldest parts of winter, although our winter is like a warm spring day in Canada haha. But seriously I swam around my boat a bunch  this summer and it’s not easy to get back into. I can do it , but it’s a beached whale effect. 

There pretty easy to install. I always get the folding style at BPS. If I remember correctly, each mounting bracket requires you to drill two holes. The ladder comes with good stainless nuts and bolts. All you have to get, other than the ladder, is some good ol 5200.

[Susky River Rat]

I wear an ice float suit. It’s a bit bulky but, gives me piece of mind and keeps me warm. Another thing I like to wear is ski goggles so my eyes do not water up.  You may have a better windshield than me though. I also have to stand a lot to dodge rocks. Spare clothes and gloves. If what you are wearing on the bank is comfortable you will be cold on the water. Dress warmer than you think you need to. I always send my wife the ramp gps from my phone.  I spray rods guide and my trolling motor with a lithium grease spray to help them from freezing. I will carry a van on the boat but start with the night before. Make sure everything on your boat and trailer is greased up. 

[TnRiver46]

I should add, use a gulp minnow on a jighead while winter boating. You are welcome 

[Chris Catignani]

Lots of sage advice above...A good rule of thumb is to slow it all down and take your time.

[Alex from GA]

A pair of electric hand warmers really help me even when it's 50.  I'm an old light weight.

[dickenscpa]

All above is great advice. I don't mind fishing in the wind or fishing in the cold, but I won't fish if it's really high winds and cold.

 

If things go bad everything is harder if it's windy or cold but put the two together and it's disaster. You can just never predict how your body will react to something like that until it happens and most don't get desirable results.

 

I recently sold my boat after it not getting wet for so long after falling in love with kayak fishing. Obviously a bit more risk in cold/wind in a kayak so I won't mix the two and will call a fishing trip short if things start changing on the water.

 

I'm really thinking about looking into a quality wet suit. Even in Fall or Spring we can have a day in the South where temp hits 60-70 but water might still be 45 or a bit lower. I always remember the rule of 120 - water temp plus air temp have to equal at least 120, but remember there's a difference between surface temp and just a foot or two deeper.

 

 

[stratos4me]

Watch out for icebergs!!!

[airshot]

Wow....never had the guts to fish at below freezing temps...at least not from a boat!!  I do fish in winter but it must be above freezing and no ice on the water to damage my boat.  Great tips and ideas posted here, but in reality....I will wait until I get a nice 40 degree day!   d**n that is plenty cold for me !!!!!!