You might have noticed the recent pictures of January catches show that the anglers are bundled up! Temperatures on the water are a lot lower than on shore and the added humidity further lowers the “feels-like” temperature. The following article was slightly modified from an article written by Phillip Gentry for the December 2022 edition of Carolina Sportsman.

Preparation is the Key

Winter weather is a deterrent to many anglers regardless of the craft used simply because of the cold temperatures. That exposure is compounded when fishing from a paddle craft because of the close proximity to the water.

Dressing for a winter fishing event is not unlike any other outdoor sport, combining layers of clothing that can be added or subtracted as the day wears on. It’s always better to use several thinner layers than one or two thicker layers.

Dressing for success means wearing both cold weather and water repellant clothing while avoiding cotton garments. Dressing in layers that allow movement is tantamount. It’s almost impossible not to get wet when fishing from a kayak or small boat, so dress with the understanding that you’re going to get wet to some degree.

Fortunately, mid-winter fishing action doesn’t tend to heat up until the sun is well above the horizon. This allows the angler to get a late start and not miss any of the action. What tends to catch many anglers off guard is the shortness of the day, and the realization that a long trip back to the take-out point may occur at or after sunset if you’re not paying attention to time. Cold, wet, and tired after dark is not the most desirable experience for a winter-time angler.

Finally, plan on packing along emergency gear such as spare clothing, a towel, and emergency heating system in case you find yourself unexpectedly in the water during the trip. If in a kayak or small boat, pack these items in a dry-storage bag so they’ll survive should the the craft turn over.

Redfish are great wintertime targets for kayak anglers.