Winter bass fishing can still be excellent, but instead of just trying to get your next bite, you also typically have to spend more time focusing on your own comfort, and staying warm while on the water can be just as important as the fishing, because nothing will shorten a trip faster than being brutally cold.
Like everything in bass fishing, our clothing is vastly improved from what we used years ago. Now, apparel and accessories are designed with warmth, comfort, and function in mind. The following are a few items that work as intended and will keep you out there fishing longer, no matter how cold it gets.
Gloves, Footwear, and More
Two of the most critical things to keep warm on a frigid day are your feet and hands; the same is true of your head and face. If you can keep them comfortable, you will have no problem fishing hard and focusing on the fishing.
Gill HT27 Thermal Neck Gaiter - $22.95
Neck gaiters are a popular item for protecting your face and neck from the sun, but they also come in thermal versions to keep you warmer. This Gill version is a stretchy blend that is also very warm. It's a great design that will keep your face comfortable and dry.
Aftco Breakwater Waterproof Gloves - $55
Keeping your hands warm is critical, and the Breakwater's stretch material lets you still work with your hands while fishing. They also have touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can still use your phone or touchscreen marine electronics.
Simms Windstopper Half Finger Glove - $59.95
If you don't want full-finger gloves, these Simms Windstopper gloves may be a good option. They are a half-finger design, so you can still tie knots and do other things necessary for fishing, and they are built to keep you warm and to keep the wind from making it even worse, thanks to the material they use. These gloves also come in a full-finger version and a fold-over that turns into a mitten if you prefer a different style.
Gill Hydro Mid Boot - $115
Gill is a company with roots in European sailing, and everything they make is built to withstand the harshest of environments, including these boots. This style of rubber boot is very popular among anglers in both fresh and saltwater, but this version features a neoprene inner liner that extends above the boot, keeping you much warmer and drier.
Layering and Outwear
What you wear as your first few layers is essential to staying warm all day, and having a few good pieces of clothing on before your bibs and rain jacket is key. These items all keep you comfortable and fit nicely underneath your outer layers.
Under Armour Base 2.0 and 3.0 Layers - Starting at $60
When it comes to base layers to wear under other clothing, Under Armour has it dialed, with several thicknesses and a variety of crew and leggings styles to choose from. These are comfortable and fit tightly to your body, but also allow for great movement and warmth. Having a good base layer is critical to keep you warm.
Huk Icon X Coldfront Hoodie - $75
The name of this hoodie fits perfectly; it is a comfortable hooded fishing shirt with more insulation and warming fibers. The hoodie is light and comfortable to wear, yet very warm, and works well on its own or as a layer under other clothing.
Aftco Reaper Hoodie - $79
The Reaper hoodies are very popular because they are among the warmest hooded sweatshirts available. It's thicker than most, keeps you very toasty, has a built-in face mask that is great for keeping your face warm, and is vented so you won't fog up your sunglasses.
Simms Heavyweight Baselayer Bottom - $89.95
Simms makes great clothing, and its roots are in the fly-fishing world, where anglers wade into ice-cold streams. These base layer bottoms work well under waders and are more than warm enough for bass fishing, thanks to their micro fleece, polyester, and other materials that keep you toasty.
Huk Crewman Insulated Jacket - $120
Insulated jackets are an excellent choice for keeping you warm, and they work perfectly under an outer layer, such as a rain jacket. This one from Huk looks amazing and features a nylon shell, synthetic insulation, and a fleece lining.
Rain Gear
Even if it's not raining, a good set of rain gear is essential for staying warm in winter. They break the wind and work well as an outer layer over the rest of your clothing.
Aftco Hydronaut Heavy Duty Waterproof Bibs and Jacket 2.0 - $249 (bibs) and $269 (jacket)
There are many great rain suits out there, but when it's cold, something a little thicker will help keep you comfortable. The Hydronaut is a heavy-duty material that may be too warm for a summer rainstorm, but it's a welcome set during the coldest times of the year. The Hydronaut was also designed with the serious bass angler in mind, with comfortable Velcro straps instead of using a buckle over the shoulder for more comfort, reinforced knees, fleece lining, and many other little design features that make sense when you wear them.
Simms ProDry Jacket and Bibs - $699 each
This suit is not for everyone, as it is a high-end purchase, but Simms is well-known for making the best possible gear that lasts for many years. The ProDry is a top-of-the-line rain gear set with an extreme ability to keep you warm and dry, and many small features designed for bass anglers. These features include handwarmer pockets, a waterproof phone holder, a ring to connect your boat kill switch, stretch materials, and many other things that make this line so popular.
During the winter months, choosing your clothing can be as crucial as the lure and other fishing gear you use. Staying warm and comfortable is vital to staying on the water and giving yourself a chance to catch more wintertime bass.
