Tips For Keeping Warm On A Winter Fishing Trip | Jimmy Penrose
Don't fancy fishing in the winter because it is just too cold? Follow the tips and advice provided by OMC's Jimmy Penrose in this article, and you'll be carp fishing no matter what the weather throws at you...
Winter can be a truly rewarding time of year for those brave anglers that go fishing at any opportunity. Faced with tricky angling conditions and gruelling weather, it can be quite a daunting thought to get the gear out and head to your local lake or syndicate. However, keeping yourself warm and comfortable on the bank makes all the difference at this time of year, allowing you to make the very most out of these bleak, dark, winter days.
Up in the North, we pretty much get the brunt of the bad weather, both in the summer and the winter periods - it really can be grim up North! Looking at the quite mild weather we have had over the festive period, I think the country will see the colder periods setting in early in the new year. So, here’s an overview of how to prepare for a warmer winter on the bank.
HEAD, HANDS AND FEET
I’m a pain in the backside for getting cold hands, as I’m not a massive fan of wearing Gloves. Whilst they are great for keeping the chill off, I find them too restricting, and like every carp angler, I’m a nightmare for “misplacing” things - so the minute I take a Glove off to tie a rig, look at my phone or just mess about with something, I can guarantee that Glove is lost into the abyss.
The OMC Toastie Tarsals Hand Warmer has been an absolute God send for me! When I’m sat watching the water, or I just want to take the chill off my hands, I whip it out the bag, plug the Powerpack in, put full heat on and there you have it, warm hands in a minute. Great for the night time when you are in the Bedchair, but especially useful if you have to get your hands in the bitter cold lake to release a carp - in that scenario the Toastie Tarsals is an absolute treat to bring your mitts back to life once all the excitement is over and done with!
Whilst it is easy for me to say this, as I spend around 95% of my life wearing a Hat, it really does make a difference in the colder months. There's a great range to choose from at OMC, that cover all possible requirements. I love the Berry Toastie and Weedy Barnet Beanies for those mega cold conditions where you may be out in the rain or snow, taking full advantage of them being 100% waterproof.
A personal favourite of mine is the Bob the Yellow Snapper Beanie, which is a little bit lighter than the two previously mentioned but incredibly warm. I don't mind having it on both outside in the elements and tucked up in the Bedchair! As much as I like to wear a Cap, keeping your head wrapped up with a quality Beanie is always better than chucking your hood up.
DON'T MISS OUT ON HUGE WINTER SAVINGS ON OMC HATS!
Keeping your feet warm and dry is the other big one in the winter to stay comfortable on the bank. If you are in and out the water's edge or outside navigating the muddy banks, then a pair of the OMC Thermal Thinsulate Fleece Lined Winter Boots paired with the Grand Adventure Socks will ensure that your feet are both extra wrapped up and dry throughout the harsh weather.
The OMC Boots have a thick Thinsulate layer inside of them to trap heat. Whilst the Grand Adventure Socks are breathable but fully waterproof, ensuring your feet keep warm and dry throughout - even if you have to run out in Flip Flops in the middle of the night to pick a Rod up!
Keeping these core three parts of your body warm and dry will keep you a lot more comfortable when you are out on the bank in the winter months.
DRESS FOR THE OCCASION
Getting wrapped up properly is essential for staying warm in the winter months. Whilst you can be more than comfortable in the Bivvy, the minute you step outside into the milder weather, your body temperature can drop quite quickly and take ages to get back up again. If you are constantly in and out, whether that be playing carp or to chat with your pals, then this is something you need to take into consideration over your winter sessions.
Layering up accordingly with warm Under-Layers and protective Waterproof Outer Layers is key to keeping comfortable on a winter session. I use the Date Knight Tracksuit and T Shirt as my Base Layer - they are warm, fleecy and comfortable, without being too heavy and making you sweat (which in turn makes you colder). The material used is perfect for trapping heat and not being excessive, which is why I’ve used it as my Base Layer since release.
The PB Sherpa Jacket has served as an absolute beast for me this year when the temperatures have dropped. Perfect for taking the chill out of the wind too and adding an extra layer when it has been below zero, both on the bank and in my day to day activities.
For the Outer Layer, I then finish off by adding some Waterproofs for when I need to be outside, whether that’s playing a fish or having a social. I’ll tend to stick my Bib and Brace on or some Waterproof Pants, and pair it off with the OMC Puffer Jacket to make sure I keep dry and toasty whilst I'm out of the Bivvy.
HOME AWAY FROM HOME
I will hand on heart say that I make a couple of mistakes when setting up my swim, as I'm usually concerned with getting the Rods and bait out, but there's two things I have changed this year and they have made a big difference in the cold. I usually chuck my Bivvy up and get the gear thrown in with minimal effort, but taking a little bit extra time to set the Bivvy up facing away from the wind and rain does make a huge difference when it comes to comfort throughout a session. Especially true if the weather is chopping straight at you! Just making sure you take a little more time to study the weather over your session and setting up correctly does make it more comfortable throughout and certainly something I take more consideration of nowadays.
The other thing which I had quite a bit of stick for this year from the other OMC lads, which showed the big divide between the North and South, was putting the Groundsheet in. I didn’t realise it was such a big deal to Southerners, but sticking the Groundsheet in, although it does take a little longer to set-up and pack down, does add some extra warmth within the Bivvy and makes for a more comfortable session. Paired with a Bivvy Mat to keep wet Footwear at the door, it certainly beats sulking wrapped in bed for sunset, wishing I’d spent that little bit longer setting up my stall!
SAFETY FIRST
Goes without saying, at this time of year, staying warm can be a real burden. Just ensure that you’re being careful when it comes to Gas Stove Heaters and other gadgets. As somebody who has worked in the Plumbing and Heating sector for 15 years, I've jumped through hoops to stay on the ball with heating and all its dangers. Whilst Bivvy Heaters, Stoves and other gadgets are a quick and easy way to chuck some heat into the Bivvy, my advice would be, don’t. At the very least, make sure you have a Carbon Monoxide Detector and your Bivvy is very well ventilated. They’re a tenner from any local DIY store and a worthy investment. Whilst it might be another thing to carry and have on you, they’re worth having on the Bivvy Table if you use a Bivvy Heater that requires Gas.
If like me, you aren’t keen on the idea of Gas Appliances in your Shelter, chuck a Hot Water Bottle in your bed and stick the Kettle on a few times a day to brew up and get plenty of hot food down you!
Winter is a cracking time of year to get on the bank if navigated correctly. Whilst the conditions can be against you, the rewards are there for the taking and with the right approach it can be an absolutely devastating time to get amongst the carp. It takes a little more preparation, dedication and hard work, but with venues being quieter and angling pressures being less prominent, it can be a fantastic time to get out on the bank.
Hope you stay warm whilst catching some beasts this winter!
Author Jimmy Penrose joined the OMC family as a Sponsored Angler in late 2024. Based in the North West of England, Jimmy has been writing fishing articles for over two years for Angling Direct, and has an extensive wealth of angling knowledge.
