Fastbee

Glenn - I might end up with some Simms stuff before it's over. I've got 3 or 4 different kinds on the way...synthetic and merino wool. Hopefully they will all be here midweek so I can evaluate and decide what to keep. The hunters in/around me swear by the natural merino for tree stand hunting. Like I said, I've got some coming and will probably order some more before it's all over. Thanks again for all the suggestions and advice!

Lionheart- Found some stuff at the military surplus store that I'm going to try. Gen III ECWCS level 2. Might also see if I can find a good deal on the Columbia stuff A-Jay mentioned. I looked at a couple "house brands" today as well and they just didn't seem the same as the military stuff. Also looked at the Under Armour 3.0 at DSG...seems legit but I think I can do better than the $70 retail. There are a couple of places near me that sell Patagonia that I'll hit up as well.

North Fork Composites made the blanks in the past but I thought I heard Kistler was moving away from them for the new line-up. Seems if all the materials are still saying NFC that they would still be building the blanks.

Moguy1973 - I don't know man, I've tried the cheap stuff and it either didn't work well or didn't last very long. Haven't bought any in a couple of years due to those experiences. Might take another look.

Lost a lot of jigs, but I use them more than anything else. Rocky areas with current keep my supply turning over regularly.

Good info here...I asked a similar question in another post and have received similar info. Glad folks are willing to share their experiences as to what works!

Thanks for the replies, all seem helpful. A-Jay - Do you have a preference between Under Armour or Columbia? Pros/cons to each? LionHeart - There are a few surplus stores in my general area, I'll check them out. Oregon Native - I've heard about the nitrile gloves, thanks for confirming they work. johnmyers -I'll check them out, thanks. Also, I've been looking at snow/ski bibs and jackets. I used them in a previous job assignment when working outside. They did a good job of keeping me warm and dry while working outdoors but my activity level was a little higher than while fishing.

I really like my KLX rods but can't see that the Heliums will be that much better. Was thinking of trying one out but I might just look to a different brand.

I really like Kistler and Powell. Got a few of each. Daiwa Tatulas have treated me well too.

Looking for options/opinions on base layers for winter fishing. I searched the forum and found several threads, but they were all more than a year old that came up. I fish all year in eastern Tennessee, usually stay home if it's going to be below freezing all day. I've struggled to keep comfortable in the winter without being very bulky (think insulated Carhartt duck coveralls). There seems to be a staggering amount of options out there but would like some real world opinions instead of sketchy Amazon reviews. I've had good success with Under Armour as a brand but have never used any of the base layers from them. The Columbia stuff looks good too and I found many options with Merino wool (including Eddie Bauer Merino/poly hybrid). I'd like to stay warm without feeling like the kid in the Christmas Story. I think I'll wear jeans or fleece pants as well as a hoodie or fleece pullover over the base with my Huk rain suit as a top layer. Thanks in advance for any advice!