Well, the chaos of another Christmas is behind me, and I decided to do something I rarely get to do... TAKE A WEEKDAY OFF TO GET IN THE KAYAK AND GO BASS FISHING!!!!
It was absolutely gorgeous here Christmas day and I drooled all day at the prospects of hitting the water. 58 degrees, bright sunshine, and no wind - perfect! Unfortunately, it wasn't as nice Monday. I wanted to try a new bait, however, and didn't have any loads booked to haul until Tuesday night. There was no way I was staying off the water. Another layer of fleece under the dry top and waders, and to the river I went.
Therapeutic. That's what today's kayak fishing trip was. I didn't tear them up. I only caught five fish. I had a run in with a pair of inconsiderate jerks who decided to fish on top of me. I felt I needed to stay within sight of the launch. I only had an hour and a half to fish. No matter. I needed to get out today after a little bout with walking pneumonia.
I hate the cold! I have lived most of my life in places that snow is something to expect. This doesn’t mean I have adapted or even like it. That said, I am not the most eager to fish when the love of my life has an interest in fishing in anything below 70° F. This weekend I had the opportunity to try out some gear from Kokatat. I went to a lake and it was 52°F and breezy. I wouldn’t call it the most inviting weather forecast. Never the less, I didn’t have any valid reason to say no.
A couple fishing buddies and I decided to hit the water yesterday for some early winter smallmouth fishing on the Susquehanna River. We converged on the Susquehanna at about 7 a.m. prepared to fish a known wintering area that both Jeff and I had fished in the past. While other folks were standing in line outside their local "big box" store, we were unpacking our gear on the riverbank and dawned our cold weather gear for a day of fishing.
With winter fishing coming up quickly, it’s important to evaluate what you wear under your PFD. Dressing appropriately for conditions is what is going to keep you comfortable for more successful fishing, and it’s going to keep you alive. Cold water kills quicker than cold air. Even if it’s a nice day out, the shock of hitting freezing cold water can keep you from getting back into the boat. Keep the following information in mind when you're preparing to attack the water this winter.