There very well may not be as much boat traffic on the water this time of year, but cold-weather still comes with certain risks involved.
For example, remember how that cold wind feels like it's snatching the breath out of your nose when you're zipping across the water at 60 or 70 mph? How about what that icy wind does to your eyes? You know, all that water fills your eyes until you feel like you're driving blind. And then, when you stop at a spot, your hands are so cold, you barely can fish.
Why not take some precautions to avoid these problems? Here are a few suggestions to consider the next time you're considering a cold-weather trip to the water.
Check the forecast. Before you depart the dock, check the current weather and water temperature, and be sure to monitor it consistently throughout your boating excursion. It's important to consider that a beautiful day can be ruined quickly by unexpected rain, even if it's only a shower. Furthermore, know the types of sea conditions all your guests onboard can handle, so that you know when to return to shore.
Create a float plan. Include the names of every passenger, your destination, departure, and arrival times, as well as a description of your boat and emergency-contact information. Then, leave this plan with a trustworthy family member or friend and promise to contact them as soon as you get back to shore. This way, if anything were to happen to your boat while you're on the water, there will be someone who knows to call for help.
Stock up on safety equipment. Life vests should be included in every boating trip, no matter the time of year. They are especially critical in cold weather. What many boaters don't realize is that they hold heat into the core areas of your body, in addition to providing buoyancy, which will greatly increase anyone's odds of survival if they end up overboard. Among other things, cold water can cause you to have a heart attack. After about 10 minutes, you probably won't be able to do anything to help yourself because your body will be shutting off blood flow to your non-essential muscles. Furthermore, make sure you have a comprehensive first-aid kit and thermal blankets on board.
Investing in something like a Save Phace faceshield to keep that icy wind off your face is a good idea, too. Some folks even choose to wear motorcycle helmets...the full-face kind. Many will tell you, though, not to wear them with the chin strap fastened, 'cause cold hands can make them nearly impossible to undo if you happen to go overboard. Wearing eyeglasses really offer no protection. Meanwhile, goggles will protect your eyes but leave your nose, ears and cheeks out in the cold. However, pulling a thick knitted cap over the goggles likely will make a run bearable...more so, though, if you're maybe also wearing a coat with a hood on it.
Carrying two pairs of gloves also is a good idea. A pair of bulky ski gloves is great for running down the lake, and a pair of fishing gloves (with the fingertips that fold back), or perhaps a pair with no fingertips at all, will work nicely. Another great thing is hand warmers. For no more than you pay for the latter, they're worth every penny on a cold winter day.
Wearing long johns, insulated coveralls, and nice cushy socks also can make a cold fishing day more comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that since bundling up makes it hard to fish, you likely will be better served to layer yourself in lightweight gear. I know, from my own experience, that while the coveralls served me great back when I was younger and more flexible, long johns today do the trick. To put it bluntly, I've already taken one header...I'm not looking to take another one.
Bundle up and keep warm. Cold water can present some surprising risks, even when the air temperature is mild. You always should dress for the water temperature, instead of the weather. Plus, wind rapidly sucks away body heat, so having multiple layers will do wonders to keep your body heat intact. Your outer layer should be wind- and waterproof, while still allowing perspiration moisture to escape. Don't forget some extra clothes, either. They'll be handy in a pinch.
Always keep one hand on the boat. Cold-weather boating can affect your ability to maintain balance more than you realize. This is because it's harder to stay upright when your feet get colder, which is almost a certainty when you go boating in cold water. That's why it's recommended to always keep one hand on the boat for support whenever walking around on deck.
Though fewer boating accidents occur in the colder months, a higher percentage of them are fatal, compared to warmer months. For that reason, safety should be a priority for each on-the-water adventure you take until temperatures heat up again. As long as you're boating safely, then there's nothing stopping you from indulging in all your favorite activities aboard bass boats.
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