Wintertime fishing for the most part is very different from your normal everyday outing. There are many items that I feel need to be repeated every year, so that your winter fishing trip doesn’t end in tragedy.

1. Always plan your outing and set a time for your return. Write down the lake that you will be traveling to and the ramp or facility that you plan to use and leave it with someone that will be looking for your return. Take along a cell phone, but don’t carry it on your body, it may not work if it gets wet!

2. Always dress in layers in your effort to preserve body heat on those cold, windy, miserable days. Purchase and wear clothing that doesn’t absorb water or perspiration. Your outer garment needs to be effective in blocking the wind as well as repelling water spray, rain, sleet and snow. There’s nothing worst than being cold AND wet.

I have found that WE don’t move around with the same grace       and agility that we displayed back in July, now it’s cold and when we’re dressed properly we are very restricted in our movements. Something that WAS considered easy to perform back in the summer has transformed into a death-defying feat.

3. Always take along a complete change of clothes just incase you end up taking a cold plunge into the lake. I’ve seen people slip into the water while launching their boat and without a dry change of clothes the fishing trip IS OVER!

Also take along something to make a FIRE on the bank, you never know when you will experience the misfortune of having an equipment breakdown. Purchase some “hot-hands” at your local department store, as these items will help you stay comfortable, especially if you place them around the mid-section of your body, close to your liver and kidneys.

Think safety, don’t take any chances.