Fun
ice fishing starts with the proper outdoor clothing
The weather is
warming up all over the U.S., but I want to return to a topic near to
every Northern fisherman’s heart: ice fishing. Now, I live in East
Texas, where the closest we get to an actual Winter is a prediction of
“possible freezing rain…maybe…kind of.” But I was born and raised in
Northern Kentucky, where it gets a bit nippier. And I can tell you
that the outdoor clothing you wear absolutely makes or breaks you in
ice fishing. Skimp on your Winter outdoor clothing, and you’re
guaranteed to have a horrible time, even if you catch a stringer full
of pan fish. So take notes…
What every ice
fishing "pro" has in his outdoor clothing wardrobe
You simply cannot
engage in effective ice fishing without the proper head covering.
It’s a fact of nature. In the world of outdoor clothing, you have
many hat choices, but you only need one: the funky one with the ear
flaps that tie down under your chin. Yes, that one. Ignore that
voice telling you that you look foolish and put it on. Trust me.
Fish don’t care what you’re wearing, but you will after a couple of
hours when it’s 5 degrees and the wind is whipping.
Once your head is
properly attired, your next ice fishing outdoor clothing essential is
at the other end of your body: heavy duty boots. You’re on ice,
hello! Risking frostbite with tennis shoes or cheap boots is a sure
sign of a fishing amateur. Invest in a sturdy pair with good insulation.
Next up when
putting together your ice fishing ensemble is keeping your hands
warm. Now, this is very tricky and definitely can be the fastest way
to ruin a trip out on the frozen lake. Gloves are necessary outdoor
clothing for ice fishing, of course, but be very careful. You
have to marry a need to stay warm with the obvious need to actually
use your fingers. It’s angling, not horseshoes. I
recommend a snug wool-lined pair with the ends snipped off at the
second knuckle. Important: keep an extra pair of oversized
gloves in a pocket at all times. Trust me!
I’m going to assume that you would know better than
to go ice fishing without a pair of pants, shirt, and jacket.
You’re on your own there. But remember – it’s the outdoor
clothing you DON’T remember that ruins your ice fishing trip, so it’s
better to overdo than underdo it.
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