Story by Corey Casey | Photos by Tanner & Travis Lyons
When most people think about winter fishing, they think about cold hands, numb toes, and long runs across open water that make you question your life choices. But for those of us competing at the professional level, winter isn’t a reason to back off. It’s just another condition to prepare for. Staying comfortable in uncomfortable elements is a huge part of staying competitive, and a lot of that comes down to how you dress.
Cold weather doesn’t just make you miserable. It slows your reaction time, hurts your focus, and wears you down mentally. In a tournament where every bite matters, that’s the difference between making the right decision at the right time and missing an opportunity. For me, staying warm is directly tied to staying mentally locked in all day long.
It all starts with layering the right way.
My first layer is always a good pair of long johns. This is your foundation, and it needs to be something that holds heat but also wicks moisture. Even on cold days, you’re going to sweat a little—running the trolling motor, landing fish, or just moving around the boat. If that sweat stays on your skin, you’ll get cold in a hurry. Long johns help regulate that.
Right after that, I put on a pair of long socks and pull them up over the bottom of my long johns. That little detail makes a big difference. It keeps your base layer from riding up your legs throughout the day, which can create gaps where cold air sneaks in. Cold ankles and shins can make your whole body feel chilled, so sealing that area up is key.
Next, I layer with sweatpants and a long-sleeve shirt. This is where we start building real insulation. These layers trap warm air close to your body and give you that extra cushion against the cold. On top of that, I’ll throw on a hoodie. Hoodies are great because they add warmth to your core and neck area, and the hood itself is another layer of protection if the wind really starts howling.
One of the most important pieces of my winter setup is a quality pair of windproof bibs. I can’t stress this enough. Wind is what really steals your warmth, especially when you’re running 60 or 70 mph across the lake. The combination of long johns, long socks, sweatpants, and bibs keeps my lower half protected and warm all day. If your legs are cold, you’re not going to be comfortable, and if you’re not comfortable, you’re not focused.
For my upper body, I’ll pull those bibs up over my hoodie and long-sleeve layers. That helps lock in heat around your core, which is where your body needs it most. Before I zip everything up, I make sure to tuck my hoodie down into the bibs. That creates a tight, sealed setup so wind can’t blow up your back. It’s a small step, but it makes a huge difference once you’re out in open water.
Over all of that goes a final windproof, insulated jacket. This outer shell is your shield against the elements. Having something that truly cuts the wind is critical. Even the warmest layers underneath won’t help much if icy wind is constantly blowing through them. A good jacket keeps your heat in and the weather out.
Extremities are just as important. I always wear warm, waterproof gloves. You still need enough dexterity to re-tie, adjust electronics, and handle fish, but protecting your hands from wind and water keeps them functional. Once your fingers go numb, simple tasks get frustrating fast.
I also use some type of face protection—a gaiter or mask—to shield my cheeks, nose, and neck from windburn and cold air. That protection helps more than people realize, especially on long runs in the morning. And to top it all off, I wear a warm beanie-style cap. A lot of body heat escapes through your head, so keeping it covered helps your whole system stay warmer.
At the end of the day, winter fishing is as much a mental battle as it is a physical one. If you’re shivering, distracted, and just trying to survive the day, you’re not fishing at your best. But when you’re layered correctly and comfortable, you can focus on what really matters—making the right casts, dialing in a pattern, and capitalizing on every opportunity.
The fish don’t stop just because it’s cold. Neither do I. Dressing the right way lets me stay out there, stay sharp, and stay competitive when it counts the most.
Corey Casey – Angler Profile
