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Warmer months aren’t the only times you can go out fishing. Winter is also a viable season to catch specific fish species like halibut and pike. Others are still around for you to reel in though they’re much harder to catch at this time of year. However, that doesn’t imply you should wait till spring to capture them.
Cold-weather fishing is an activity for those seeking extreme challenges and prefers less competition from other anglers. Catching fish when it’s colder will be more difficult but not impossible. All you need is ample preparation and planning. That said, here are some valuable tips you should know before fishing in cold weather.
- Prepare Your Outfit And Gear
It’s crucial to wear the appropriate clothing when fishing in cold weather. Fresh, dry clothing is best to keep your body warm outdoors. Remember that the slightest moisture on your clothes can get you shivering as soon as you leave the house. So, dress in layers and stay dry during your fishing trip. Instead of cotton, wear waterproof outerwear and undergarments made of wool or synthetic material to wick moisture.
As for your fishing gear, experienced anglers recommend keeping your longer rods and switching to shorter ones. A seven-foot rod and large, heavy jigs should suffice if you’re prepping to fish winter yellowtail. That way, you have more control and better chances of luring fish hiding deep underwater.
Inspect your reels and lines before you venture to your desired fishing spot. Cold wind and water can freeze your reel’s bearings and fishing line. Thus, to avoid going home too early, regrease all reels and condition your lines by yourself or with the assistance of a repair shop.
- Choose The Right Spots
Similar to fishing during other seasons, the right location is essential. Finding the best spots becomes increasingly important when the temperature drops. Some fish go to more tropical regions to escape the freezing water or stay deep into the ocean. You can research online for winter fishing spots to get you some leads.
Once you’ve arrived at the location, observe your surroundings. Try to look for birds, especially when saltwater fishing. If birds pick at the water’s surface in large numbers, it could be because crabs are avoiding the fish. Slowly go over to this spot, and you’re bound to find something to reel in.
You should keep going even if hours pass without a bite on your bait. The fish will clump up to stay warm, making it easier to catch one if you cast your line in that direction. Wait it out. It’s important to realize that throughout the winter, some fish species don’t aggressively seek out food. But when everything else fails, switch locations to broaden your search.
- Pay Attention To The Weather
Whether fishing in national parks or during flood tides, keeping tabs on the weather is essential. While it’s still possible to have great catches in winter, fish activity can differ at the slightest temperature change.
Fortunately, nature provides a lot of support for cold-weather anglers. Watch out for cold fronts at your fishing location. When fish are hungry, they actively look for it, allowing you to catch them. If there are no cold fronts, the best time to fish is between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Try to schedule your fishing trips during sunny days. Avoid fishing in the coldest time of the year or staying out too long. Even if you can handle the most frigid winters, no human is immune to extreme temperatures. If you feel uneasy in the cold, listen to your body and head back indoors.
- Consider Using Live Bait And Visible Lures
During the colder months, fishes tend to swim slowly to conserve energy. So, catching them should be less of a challenge. However, their metabolism slows significantly in the cold, so they will only bite baits worth their energy.
Switch your ‘summer’ baits for live bait like worms and maggots to attract their attention. Ensure that they are appropriate in size for the fish you wish to catch. Larger, more colorful baits might also attract the smaller fishes’ predators, leaving you with fewer opportunities to capture anything.
If you don’t have live bait during the winter, you could use small, artificial baits with hair fibers or feathers to simulate movement. Your lures should also be at least two to three inches to catch as many fish as possible. Remember to put some attractant on the lure to get them to latch on once they bite.
- Always Have A Buddy
No matter your fishing skill level, it always helps to have a fishing buddy with you on your trip. Accidents can happen anywhere, especially in cold weather. So, bring someone to keep you company and keep an eye out for potential dangers.
Even in the great outdoors, two minds are always better than one. Having a friend who shares your passion for fishing can make spending time outdoors in the winter much more enjoyable.
Conclusion
The cold weather can’t stop you from doing an outdoor activity you love. Nonetheless, it would be best if you didn’t go out there without making appropriate plans. While you’re far from home in the winter, your safety outside is paramount.
However, you should also be a responsible angler wherever and whenever you cast your line. Treat the fish’s habitat respectfully and conserve the environment even in the cold. When given a choice, healthy fish will always remain in a pristine environment. So, as long as the water is clear, you can count on catching something.
