I love fishing in the winter, but one has to take extra care when fishing on cold wet banks. Before you set out you must have the correct clothing.
Boots, Jackets, Hats and Gloves are all very important to keep you warm and dry. In the photo above you can see that with snow on the ground I am sitting comfortable and warm.
Hat.
Let me take you though the clothing that I am wearing. You should always wear a warm hat, because you can lose a great deal of body heat though your head. I have a hat that also covers my ears, when the wind is blowing you will get very cold and sore ears if you do not have a good hat.
Gloves.
I have to be honest I do not always use gloves, the main reason is I find that they get in the way when I am fishing, but I always have a pair in my bag for the really cold days. I do have a hand warmer that I use to warm my hands up, when they get wet.
Boots.
You should buy the best boots that you can afford, because if your feet get cold, you will not be able to fish in comfort. I have a pair of thermal boots that are really good and I never get cold feet even when the snow if falling. My pair of boots cost £50, and believe me that was £50 well spent.
Jackets.
I have a couple of jackets that I use, one a wax jacket for when the weather is not to cold and I have a lager waterproof jacket that I use when then weather requires me to wear my all-in-one thermal suit. Which ever you use make sure that is will keep you warm and dry.
All-in-One Thermal Suit.
This suit is the best thing that I have bought in years; I would be lost and very cold without it. This really is a wonderful suit because it allows me to fish in the worst weather we can expect to have in England over a winter. I have never been cold when I have worn it, because it is an all-in-one you do not get cold in your lower back, which is where I tend to get cold. Not any more. These suits are not cheap but you can get a good one for under £100, if you fish as much I do in the winter you will get your monies worth.
Food and Drink.
I always cook my own food on the bank side in winter; I buy these cans that have all day breakfasts in them. These are very easy to cook and believe me,It can be very welcome on a freezing cold day in January. I also take plenty of chocolate with me. Nice
You should always have a nice hot drink with you; I take a flask of tea when I go.
Enjoy your winter fishing, but please stay safe and warm.