Some of the best Kayak Fishing can be found during the winter months here in Florida. The cooler weather starts to push back some of the algae blooms allowing for some of the best sight fishing of the year, and the cooler temperatures lead many anglers to stay home reducing the pressure on heavily targeted fish. Staying warm while on the kayak during the winter can be a challenge, but if your approach is well thought out, a winter day can be just as comfortable as a mid spring trip!
When planning how to stay warm the key word is LAYERS! Layers will help keep you warm and allow for adjustments through out the day to stay at a optimal comfort.
Inner Most Layer
The most important layer is the inner most layer. The layer closest to the skin should be a fast drying layer that will help wick any moisture away from the skin. There are many types of these shirts and pants available on the market with a few suggested manufactures being:
- Under Armour (UA Base)
- Champion (Thermal Wicking)
- Polar Tech (Polar Dry)
Outer Layer
As all kayak anglers know, Kayak Fishing is a water sport and during the winter in Florida it is often windy. A good outer layer, including both jacket and pants, should not only be a solid wind breaker, but should also be waterproof. The water resistance will help prevent water from getting to the skin causing your body temperature to drop. A few good manufactures include:
- Frog Togs
- Columbia
- The North Face
Middle Layers
The middle layers are the layers that are most often removed and added during a fishing trip to help keep comfortable. The most popular middle layers include fleece jackets, cotton sweater and wool (or synthetic) sweaters. The number of layers and types of layers should be determined by your personal preference. If you prefer to be rather warm while fishing, use either more layers or heavier layers in the middle. If you like to be a little less war, a simple fleece should be enough!
Head and Neck
A high percentage of body heat can be lost through the head and neck area. A warm winter hat and a fleece buff to cover the neck will help prevent this heat loss. If the hat gets to warm it is always a good idea to have a baseball cap style hat on standby to help keep the sun out of your eyes and retain a bit of heat.
Feet
Water proof boots are a must when kayaking in the winter. It is a rare day when no water ever gets into a kayak on a fishing trip, and this water will almost always touch the anglers feet before exiting. Keep your feet dry is an absolute necessity to stay warm. Adding a layer of thermal socks will also help as well!
Hands
It is very difficult to keep your hands warm while fishing. Many anglers do not like having gloves on because it reduces their dexterity and their sensitivity. If you would like to wear glove, there are many on the market made specifically for fishing. Some have the fingers cut out, some have removable mitten type cover, and most are water proof.
Safety
It is never a bad idea to wear your life vest wile fishing and it is even a better idea during the winter. The life vest will offer another layer of insulation from the cold and it will keep you safer if you fall in the cool water.
***** WADERS *****
It is NEVER a good idea to wear waders while kayaking. While they may help keep your lower body dry and warm, if you happen to fall overboard they can lead to many safety issues. Waders when submerged will quickly fill with water making swimming much more difficult and increase the chance of drowning. The water will also add to your body weight making it very difficult to get back on top of a kayak after falling off!
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