10 quick tips to keep you on the water longer this winter | Sports Fishing Magazine

2021-12-20 09:11:58 By : Mr. David Gong

Whether you are a new rowing angler or just want to target more cold weather species this year, please take these additional measures to stay safe and warm.

If the pandemic has driven you out and into the floating realm, we call it boat ownership, congratulations. If the same pursuit leaves you with a fishing rod, so much the better.

However, now that the weather is getting colder and colder, many new boating anglers may worry that the fun is over. unnecessary.

Of course, the further north you live, the less likely it is to maintain some water activities in winter. However, if the weather in your place is still mild in winter, our experienced boating and fishing staff will provide some suggestions to keep you on the water longer.

Wear deck boots. There is nothing more painful than wet feet in cold weather. If the boat is sprayed or you need to wash the deck, deck boots can keep your feet as dry as possible. Most deck boots used for fishing do not have heat insulation, so please consider placing a foot warmer between the socks and the insole.

As the saying goes: there is no bad weather, only bad clothes. To keep warm and dry, the number of layers can include a warm base layer, woolen socks, hoodies or beanies, winter light yellow, gloves and insulated jackets and pants, and gear bibs for bad weather. The chemical hand warmer in your pocket can also keep your hands warm or re-warm your hands after you handle fish or bait.

It’s also a good idea to bring spare warm clothing with you in case you get wet or your friend needs a warmer jacket.

When it drops below zero, the dew from the previous night will freeze on the deck, gunwale tops and railings, and piers. Remember to check for icing; it may cause a serious leak or even fall into the water.

Become a weather fan by following the local weather forecast on TV and online. Save the National Weather Service regional forecast on your browser and view applications such as FishWeather and Buoyweather.

There are few sunny days in winter, so please pay attention to the weather forecast and get ready to go if conditions permit.

Read the next article: Gale-Force fishing-trolling in rough seas

If you don’t have a windshield or transparent vinyl shell from the top to the console, consider your options to better protect your helmet from spray and wind. Canvas manufacturers can make a vinyl case for the center console, as long as it has a canvas T-top or hard top.

Speaking of keeping the helm warm, many center console ships today are equipped with air conditioning systems, with vents at the helm and elsewhere. We tend to think that these are just cooling, but they can also be used as heaters to heat the crew. On cold days, this is a great benefit. 

Some engine manufacturers recommend using a lower viscosity engine oil in colder weather to obtain the best lubrication effect. For example, the user manual of the Suzuki DF200AP outboard engine recommends that when the temperature drops to 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, switch to 5W-30 grade engine oil, and switch to 10W-40 grade engine oil when the weather is warm. Rowing anglers should check the recommendations in their user manuals to make sure they are sure.

Many species migrate to different areas in winter, including sailfish and offshore oahu. In shallower waters, trout and redfish (those that do not go offshore) will inhabit deep holes with warmer water. On sunny days, they look for shallows on the dark mud bottom that warms quickly.

Talk to your local fishing tackle shop owner to learn tips on catching things that are popular in your area. For offshore fishing, the basic rule of thumb on most days is to fish deeper and slower. When the water gets cold, the fish won't move that much, so don't let them try too hard to chase the bait.

Don't drink until you return to the dock safely. Put warm liquid and soup in a thermos to help you stay hydrated while keeping you warm.

Even in Florida, the water gets cold in winter, and you don't want to stay in it for any time. So take safety seriously. Put on a life jacket and attach a personal positioning beacon to it. If you are going offshore, please invest in an automatic EPIRB and install it correctly. Check all necessary safety devices and fire extinguishers to make sure they are up-to-date and working properly.

Maintain your outboard and invest in a Sea Tow membership. In winter, there are fewer partners on the water, and you will not have many choices to help.

Make sure that the VHF radio you install is properly connected so that you can use its digital selective calling feature in an emergency, and register your radio's MMSI (Marine Mobile Service Identification) number with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Installing a VHF radio on the ship allows you to directly contact emergency maritime personnel. Don't just rely on mobile phones.

Finally, tell someone where you plan to go and when they should return.

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