I fished in a local tournament last Saturday in the wind and rain. I didn't bring gloves because the temperature was supposed to be around 50, but it ended up feeling much colder with the wind and rain. I got some very minor frostbite (frostnip) on my hands and had to go to the doctor. My hands were white and could barely grip the rod by the end of the day.

 

Six days later, I still don't have all the feeling back in my fingers. The doctor said it could be another week before all of my feeling comes back. I'll have hot hands, dry towels and gloves on board from now on when it's below 60 degrees. Better safe than sorry! Even though it's not life-threatening, it's pretty wild not having feeling in your hands for several days. In some ways, the in-between temps (40-60 degrees) are more dangerous, I would have packed appropriately if the forecast was for 35 degree weather.

 

On a funny note, I went to set the hook one time with my freezing hands and threw my spinnerbait rod and reel into the river. My partner and I finally dredged it up after 15 minutes with some crankbaits. Pretty crazy day!

I always keep hand warmers with me if the weather is cool or rainy. Nothing ruins a day of fishing like being cold, or in your case frostbite.

Congrats on getting your rod and reel back! That's funny. 

These are the most dangerous days out there in my opinion...warm air but the water is still cold.

 

also keep in mind that you will be more susceptible to cold now that you had this experience so be aware for next time.

keep in mind also that water temp you read is surface temp and if you go overboard you still just have minutes before hypothermia sets in. get a foot or two below surface and it is still much colder. be safe, wear a pfd and have a step/ladder/loop rope over side while fishing