I cant enjoy myself fishing in freezing weather

[Timbaux65]

I never ever liked the cold weather...and I never really caught fish in good numbers when its cold.....but regardless....I never enjoyed fishing in cold weather.

Some complain the hands freeze and you lose some dexterity...I am like that as well.

Chapped lips are a problem for me.

I know many of you in colder weather go fishing.

Would you say the number of fish is smaller?

Do you catch fewer but bigger fish?

What type of fish are better to target in freezing weather?

Not talking about ice fishing.

[Bill "Musky" Modica]

Well first off, I always target gills......cold weather complicates everything including beer consumption. Cold hands, feet and other extremities are also a factor.....try to never remove fun from the equation.....We definitely catch fewer fish, and smaller fish....just keep it fun, it always beats sitting on the couch.

[JBplusThuy]

I'm on that page, too. Even here in California (bay area) fishing is pretty much a late spring - mid-fall sport for me. If I lived someplace really cold, I'd probably ice fish so long as I had a portable shanty - but standing out in a cold wind on a cold day, with cold, wet hands, cold ears, etc.? Nope, not for me.

My own pair of waders are lightweight and breathable, I never get in water cold enough to need neoprene :-)

[Tony Livingston]

Timbaux65, you bring up a good point. In all the discussions we have had about cold water fishing, not once has the comfort of the angler been taken into consideration. Like Bill, I target BG and find the fish to be smaller, and fewer most days. I'm talking cold weather fishing, not ice fishing. On the ice I can usually catch some really large BG, but I still maintain that it is the ice itself that lets me utilize the best possible presentation and technique, needed for bigger but more wary fish.

I fished two mornings before work this week, when the temps were in the upper 20's. Only the wind action had prevented the water from freezing over. I still caught fish, albeit they were smaller. I think the largest fish are just too cautious, and intelligent, to be fooled by a sub-par presentation. the smaller ones, not so much.

Fishing in the cold, for me at least, requires a certain mindset. If my job requires me to be out in the weather, then I do it because I have to. Fishing on the other hand, is elective.... I don't have to do it, so it becomes easier to succumb, give in to the elements, and head for the house. If I'm not catching anything, then it's easier still to call it quits. This is why keeping it fun, like Bill said, is important. If you're miserable AND not catching fish, you will never put in the time that is required to become a good cold weather angler. It becomes too easy to say "they don't bite in the cold weather, I'll wait till Spring" Then it's all over.

The key then, is to remove "miserable" from the equation. Give some thought to what the conditions are outside, and dress accordingly. Those of us in the northern latitudes are fortunate to have at our disposal the latest in winter angling apparel, made specifically with fishing in mind. Lightweight gloves that keep your hands warm without sacrificing all dexterity, two piece extreme weather suits combined with the latest in thermal underwear keep you warm and wick away sweat, boots that are waterproof and toasty keep your toes happy on the coldest of days.

If an angler is comfortable in the cold weather, he or she will probably fish longer, which will provide the experience necessary to find, and catch, cold water BG. Once you start catching fish, you will be more willing to spend a cold day on the water, which translates to even more knowledge gained.

Those BG are still down there. They will be harder to catch, and the fishing conditions may not be optimal, but it still beats laying around the house staring at the calendar, waiting for Spring.

 

[dick tabbert]

Timbaux I really don't know if there is a right or wrong answer to this. I know if you like to fish this is just another way to pursue your quarry a little longer through the year. It is true that at times there may be a little discomfort but with all the leaps and bounds  made in clothing and boots that has taken away much of the discomfort. All I can say is if a chance should arise maybe you should take it we don't know what tomorrow holds in store for us. I guess I'm saying get it while you can tomorrow may hold something else in store were you may not be able to enjoy your love for fishing. GOOD FISHING.

[John Sheehan]

Yellow Perch are the most numerous for me with Gills a close 2nd.I target both at the same time.

Fish slow, then slower.

 

 

[dick tabbert]

Don't get any better eating then a nice jumbo perch. That probably works out good as far as the eating.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

2lbGill has the right idea.

[Timbaux65]

Yeah I can say that my cold weather trips can often be really short..sometimes when its warm I stay even though the fish arent biting...but when its cold, its easier to quit.

Windy cold weather is not good..i just dont enjoy it at all. In New Orleans..you looking at three weeks out of the year...that you not want to fish.. because cold weather.

BUT...theres all these saltwater guys on TV catching all those fish, and they say Sacalait are bigger and more plentiful. I just cant find them.

I really wish I knew more about I 55 and Manchac swamp. I talked to this brother who lives out that way..he told me where to go. Need more than that little 1.75 gamefisher motor I have to get there. I got a 5hp briggs..and I am going to take it out soon and use it..see how it goes. Its brand spanking new..twice used.

another thread idea ..i post it in a few mins.

[Israel Dunn]

The cold is crazy, I only made it for about 2 hours on a local pond today.  The windchill had the temp at -20 degrees.  I use a lot of layers and hand warmers when fishing or ice fishing, you don't want to have any skin exposed or you'll get cold quick.  I always catch fewer fish and my attitude gets bad after about 20 minutes when it gets really cold outside.  I have found that if somebody is out suffering with me I last longer.  And like others have said keep it fun!