Comfort On The Water
Even if the idea of roughing it to you means getting dirty and being happy no matter what is thrown your way, there’s no point in tolerating bad weather without being properly prepared for it. How can you expect to have a good time fishing if you’re dripping wet and freezing cold? You can take some time to prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws your way and be comfortable while you fish.
There are wildly fluctuating weather conditions in the northeastern section of the United States. Summer can often be severely hot, while winter can be mind-blowing cold. Using a layering approach is the best solution in most cases, as it is not uncommon to see as much as a 30-degree temperature difference in as little as 8 hours. You can really benefit from being able to adapt for whatever is blown your way. The key is being able to add or take away a layer of clothing to stay dry and comfy while outside.
Many times you may have headed out on a summer morning – and discovered that it was comfortable day of around 65. Thinking you’ve heard the weather forecast and they are expecting a thirty degree increase you might tend to under-dress – a light weight jersey and perhaps a button front shirt to ward off the morning chill. However, no one prepared you for getting out on the boat and finding out that it’s rather cool as you whisk across the water and the breeze picks up. In this case, you would have been better off with a lighter weight jacket or even a windbreaker. The same holds true if you tend to be a night-fisher. It’s warm when you climb on board the boat but as the sun goes down, you begin to feel that evening chill.
One of the most significant benefits to a light weight jacket or windbreaker is the small amount of space they take up and of course they weigh so little making them easy to carry. Many fishermen find they fold up conveniently and stow right in a tackle box and they can be easily reached if needed. Windbreakers offer dual benefit – especially if you purchase the right kind. Some have only snap or only zipper closure. You’re really better of purchasing one that has a dual closure – as the snaps over a zipper can help keep water out especially if you’ve got wind and rain. The other benefit of course is this material helps seal your body temperature in while it keeps the wind and rain out. A hood is also helpful and most windbreakers and light jackets have ‘stow-way’ hoods that hide inside the collar.
If you compare fishing to snow shoveling it’s pretty simple to see the theory behind layers – anyone who lives in a climate prone to winter snowstorms knows well how easy it is to get too warm while shoveling. The same theory is true when you’re fishing. And like shoveling, you remove layers, the cooler air begins to cause your sweat to evaporate and before you know it you are too cool. Unlike shoveling however, it’s pretty simple to keep your activity level fairly moderate fishing. Even then, layering remains your best option as you can remove layers if you get to warm and you can add them back as you cool down.
If you want to stay comfy, you have to use layers. Design a layer system that suits the fishing conditions that you often see. If you are more comfortable, you will want to spend the time necessary to catch more fish. You will focus better and make much better fishing decisions. Any advantage is helpful when you are fishing, and if you don’t have to be cold and wet, why would you?
Clothing is not the only important thing to consider, you should also consider your fishing supplies. Some of the most popular fishing equipment is Penn Fishing Reels including Penn International 965, Penn 360 Slammer, and Penn 975LD.
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