Cold days combined with an occasional snow squall makes it hard to believe the youth mentored fishing season is set to begin this coming Saturday. With that in mind, you would hardly expect any self-respecting night crawler to expose itself to what we’ve had to endure of late. But conditions are bound to change. Until then a bit of extra preparation will be needed when heading out to fish this year.
If there is one thing that will cut short a fishing trip, it has to be cold weather or even cool conditions. Even a slight breeze combined with cool air temperatures provides a combination that sends wind chill temperatures lower than what many would expect. And with conditions such as they’ve been, be prepared this year, especially when fishing with kids.
The first line of defense against the elements is a good windproof jacket and pants.
Today windproof gear comes in not only outer garments but shirts, along with a wide range of additional garments. From one year to the next sportswear manufacturers continue to improve their line of products.
Some of the most popular outer garments have the look and feel of fleece. The “feel” and comfort is one thing, but also be sure a windproof or wind resistant liner is an integrated part of the garment and that it is water resistant as well. Outer wear can be found in bibs or pants with jackets to match. If a windproof shirt or jacket is more your style, there are a number of these types of garments available as well.
One of the most overlooked areas anglers tend to ignore are their hands. Tying lines on hooks, casting, or just feeling the line is the major reason anglers don’t wear gloves. But there is another option allowing the best of both worlds.
Currently there are a number of glove manufacturers that sell gloves that have the fingers exposed from the second knuckle of the finger forward. These gloves may look funny, but they are extremely functional. Gloves of this type will keep the majority of your hand warm but allows the exposed fingers to take on the chores they need to do. Gloves that offer this type of configuration come in wool and work great. Others you’ll find are constructed of windproof material and are the best in their class.
Another item that can come in real handy are hand warmers. I like the HotHands-2 by Heatmax. The nice thing is that the package contains two small hand warmers. Once the package is open they generate heat on contact with air and last up to eight hours. The hand warmers are especially welcome when warm hands and cold water meet. The warmth of a pocket sure cuts the chill in a hurry.
A good hat is a must, and using one during the winter months works great. While most anglers have a favorite fishing hat, here is a case where function over fashion wins out every time, especially early in the season when the weather is generally cool.
And how about the socks you wear? Yep, they are important too. Fishing boots in general are functional but will do little to keep the cold water temperatures from getting to your feet. When it comes to keeping my feet warm, I rely on wool. Especially those made from Merino wool.
Merino wool is soft and does not itch when next to the skin. Yes, socks made from this material will cost a little more, but they’re worth it.
Keeping dry will keep you warm. If you do happen to fall in the water, it is imperative to shed wet clothing.
Wet clothing can and will sap the warmth right out of you in a hurry. Keep an extra set of clothing handy just in case you become excessively wet. When needed, dry clothing will be worth its weight in gold.
If you keep warm and dry, it may not help you catch more fish, but it will keep you streamside longer. Plan now to be comfortable, and when you decide on what you’ll be taking with you on opening day, make sure you include some warm clothing.
And what about the kids? Everything that works for adults can be applied to your young angler. Maybe more so.
Simply put, kids need to be kept warm. If they are not, it won’t take long before you’ll hear, “Can we go home now?” The longer a youngster can remain fishing and having fun, the more likely they will be receptive to making a return visit.
Regardless if you fish for a couple of hours or an entire day, be sure to pack a lunch. Kids like to eat. A child who becomes hungry won’t remain fishing for long.
Keep ’em warm, have some fun, and catch a fish or two. When you do it won’t be long until you’ll be building one outdoor adventure on top of another and building memories that will last a lifetime.
The 2018 statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Apr. 7 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth under the age of 16 can join a mentor (adult) angler who has a current fishing license and trout permit to fish on Saturday.
Take a kid fishing and pass along what can be a lifetime of outdoor adventure.
Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers. Gateway Outdoors e-mail is GWOutdoors@comcast.net