Winter Fishing Safety

Some fishers might only fish during warm weather, but more intrepid souls may choose to fish all year round. Winter fishing gives you the chance to see nature in a new light, as the quiet calm of a winter morning reveals the beauty around you. You’ll enjoy your catch all the more after spending a relaxing day bundled up with a friend and a Thermos® of coffee in your fishing boat. Fishing in the cold can be dangerous if you go out unprepared for it, since hypothermia and frostbite can set in quickly, particularly if you get wet. That’s why winter fishing safety is so important. Your local fishing boat dealer, Nisswa Marine, serves all of Minnesota, so come see us if you have any questions about fishing during the winter after reading this guide.

Check The Forecast

Any good fisher knows to check the weather before heading out to the lake. You don’t want to get caught in a sudden storm that rocks your boat and reduces your visibility. Make sure that conditions are clear for the day you plan to go and temperatures won’t be too cold. Look up the weather again before you leave just so you know if the conditions have suddenly changed.

Inform A Friend Of Your Whereabouts

Whenever you head out into the wilderness, it’s smart to let someone back home know where you’ll be and how long you plan to be there. If you don’t return at the appointed time, this person can contact rescue authorities and direct them to your location. This person could be a family member at home, a neighbor or a friend.

You should also go with at least one other person who will have your back in case of an emergency. Getting stranded out by yourself is dangerous, especially if you become injured or something happens to your boat. You’ll want a friend there for support and assistance, and having someone to talk to can make your trip more fun.

Pack The Right Gear

Make sure your fishing boat is well-stocked with everything you’ll need for a successful excursion. You should have all your fishing gear like bait, rods, depth finders, a map and compass, an emergency radio, an anchor and some rope or nets. You’ll also want to have plenty of water to stay hydrated and some high-energy snacks to keep you sated, particularly when your body has to burn more calories to stay warm. Make sure your phone is fully charged and consider getting an inexpensive solar charger to keep it that way so you can get in touch with civilization if you need to. Pack all your gear in a dry bag to keep it from getting soaked if it falls overboard.

Layer Your Clothing

Finally, your best bet for staying warm in cold temperatures is to layer up. Wearing one big bulky outer layer might seem like the best call, but it will restrict your movement and won’t insulate you as well. Temperatures can be several degrees colder out on the water than they are onshore, too, so you’ll want to wear wool and synthetic clothes that wick moisture from your body instead of cotton, which will soak it up. Being wet will increase your chance of developing hypothermia, so make sure you wear a waterproof layer on the outside, too. Thermal underwear, boot liners and hand warmers and an insulated hat are all good choices for winter fishing.

In need of a great fishing boat for some cold weather fishing? Come see us at our Nisswa dealership before winter hits so our staff can show you our vast inventory of new and used fishing boats for sale. We carry models by all the top brands, so you’re sure to find something you love. Nisswa Marine serves the greater Minneapolis metro area, as well as the cities of St. Cloud, Brainerd, Duluth and Grand Rapids, Minnesota.