10 Tips for Winter Fishing (For You and the Fish)

If you calling out yourself for a winter fishing, then you should read these 10 tips carefully, because you might miss something that will give you better catch.

1. Leave your float plan behind with someone who is willing to call the authorities if you have not checked back in at a predetermined time.
2. Cold weather boating in January, February, March and April present the greatest fatality risk so always check the weather. And set your NOAA weather alerts on your VHF radio.
3. Wear layers of clothing preferably synthetic or wool but never cotton. It’s a poor insulator when wet.
4. A spray of line conditioner will help keep your lines ice-free.
5. Silt on any bellies of fish you bring up indicates the fish has been glued to the bottom, so take your time presenting the bait or lure. Fish more vertically than horizontally.
6. Use attractants on soft plastic lures. Fish are sluggish and attractants encourage them to hold on longer.
7. Bring along high-energy foods and warm drinks. Stay away from alcohol, which cools your body core.
8. If you fall overboard, a life jacket already worn will give you the time to pull yourself back aboard. Make sure you have the necessary ladders that can be deployed once you are out of the boat. A float coat life jacket with foam floatation in the body and arms will increase your chances of survival and provide good warmth during the day.
9. Buy, register and know how to use the new Personal Location Beacons (PLB). Costing under $700, having one will enable you to give your GPS position within 300 feet to the local Search and Rescue agency within 10 minutes. They have saved over 22,000 lives so far. Realize that your cell phone may not operate on remote areas of lakes in New Mexico but bring it and spare battery charger.
10. Realize the days are short and bring along a regular GPS to help you find your way back just in case.
11. Disconnect the water pressure and speed hoses behind the helm gauges to prevent freeze damage.
12. When you are done fishing and before you leave the launch ramp, remove any mud or debris from the boat or equipment and thoroughly drain live wells or anywhere else water may have pooled to stop the spread of invasive species.
13. Take along and have immediately accessible a dry bag with emergency supplies such as a sleeping bag, charcoal hand warmers, fire starter and matches/lighter(s), radiant foil emergency bag, and extra food.
14. Use a smaller line size so you can get better hook sets with less line resistance.