How do you keep warm on the lake

[Moose1am]

All very good information. But what if you fall out of the boat? Do you have a Coast Guard Approved Life inflation device to keep you afloat? Do you have a ladder on your boat where you can climb back into the boat. This is especially helpful when your freezing in icy water for even a few minutes.

And after you get back into the boat do you have some extra clothing to get into after your dry off and warm up. A blanket and something to give off heat. Be it starting a fire or an propane heater or even a car or truck heater. The important thing is to get out fo the wet cloths and dry off and then into some dry new warm cloths and then get someplace where you can warm yourself. You will want to get your core body temperature back up. A thermos with some warm or hot soup would be helpful. That or warm coffee. Decaf so that you don't constrict your blood vessels. You want the blood flow to be restored not constricted.

This safety message brought to you by an old Rescue Diver who never did like pulling people out of the drink when they fell in and could not get back into the boat.

Think safety and have fun knowing that if something bad did happen you are prepared to handle a cold emergency.

The life you save may be your own.

And if it's windy you may not be able to catch up with the boat if you fall out. It's nearly impossible to swim very fast with all those heavy cloths on. And wearing insulated boots will make it nearly impossible to get your feet to propel you though the water. Even wearing sandals in the summertime will hinder your swim kicking ability.

Since the weather has finally gotten winter fishing season underway, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most of your body heat is lost through your head, and you should keep your head as dry as possible by not sweating before you get into your boat. Make sure your headgear is waterproof and also allows moisture to escape. Cover your head in layers as well as your body and feet. You may want to wear an thin head pullover or ear covering with an insulated hood. Hand and feet must also stay dry. Boots and gloves should be waterproof and insulated and should not be too small or too big...just snug. If gloves are too small, they will reduce the circulation to your hands. Gloves should have approximately 40-100 grams of thinsulate in them. Boots should have 600-1400 grams in them. Socks and underwear should be able to wick body moisture away. Do not use cotton because it will hold body moisture. It is important to dress in layers to keep air pockets between the layers and you can also adjust to changing weather conditions throughout the day or night. Your outer shell should be waterproof, windproof, insulated and with some type of flotation. A two-piece may be more practical than the one piece when it comes to adjusting to changing conditions and movement. Make sure the zippers and seams are water and windproof. Adjustable waist and wrist tabs are good to have ass well. There are a number of different types of products out there that work well, but they can be expensive, but in wet, freezing lake conditions, comfort will be cheap.

Maybe some you who fish the worst of conditions can comment on how you keep warm on the lake in during the winter.

[18'stratos]

I dress warm by using layers of clothing. All of them fitting loosley so there's plenty of room to retain heat. Rain gear for the outer layer to block the wind. I dont wear gloves. Instead when my hands get cold I give myself plenty of room and swing my arms in a circular motion really fast. Like doing the back stroke swimming. The G-force that is created will send a rush of blood to your fingertips. (i feel stupid looking when i do this but it works) Warming them very well. I like the idea of using the motor to lift yourself into the boat. I wear a floatation vest all the time when fishing in cold water. Spare set of coveralls in the boat, a towel to dry off with and a small coleman heater that will do the job if I need it. One early september I fell in un-prepared. That won't happen again! Hope everyone stays safe out there.....Good luck on the water

[stoner]

What? All the posts and no pitch for UnderArmor Cold gear. I thought someone woul've said they work or don't work.
I do take a small heater at times just for added safety. I like the idea fo the surgical gloves, will try that the next time I'm out in the cold fishing.
I mostly fish a spinning outfit when I have to wear gloves much easier to work with.
Stoner