A Guide to Winter Fishing: What You Should Know

There is a common misconception among many people that the winter season in the Triangle is not a good time for fishing. Nothing could be farther from the truth. With the right equipment, bait, and game plan, you can have a successful day of fishing on the lake even during the colder months.

Motor Boatin’ is here to provide you with a guide of what you should know before going fishing in the wintertime:

Let’s start with your gear. Because air and water temperatures are much colder in January or February compared to July or August, you must dress appropriately. To prevent hypothermia, be sure you have waterproof and insulated boots. For super cold days, we suggest wearing insulated gloves also. If you have waterproof pants, wear those along with a parka and hat.

The next part to consider is your bait. Fish are cold-water creatures, and in the winter, their metabolisms slow down. Certain lures that move too fast in the water don’t work in winter. Live bait like minnows, shiners, or worms work best. If you do choose a lure, use one that mimics sunfish or perch. Having the right bait that matches what fish feed on in cold weather makes all the difference.

Your game plan should include how to stay safe when it’s colder out and times when fish feed. Check weather forecasts and know when fronts move in because those affect the activity levels of freshwater species. Generally speaking, fish are more active and feed more often prior to a front approaching than after it passes. Because the sun is positioned further south in the winter, it shines brighter on northern shore banks. Try to look there for more activity. Typically, the best time to catch fish in the winter runs from 10 AM to 4 PM.

For more tips and to reserve one of our fishing boats, click here. At Motor Boatin’, we know you can have a great time on the lake – no matter what season of the year it is.

Cold-Weather Boating: What to Wear

At Motor Boatin’, we believe that Triangle residents should be able to enjoy boating all year long even during the wintertime. To do this, it is important to wear the right gear for the winter weather so that boaters stay comfortable throughout their trip – thinking ahead is key. This blog post is dedicated to sharing our five favorite clothing items for cold-weather boating.

Before we begin, we should note that it is ideal to have all your clothing items be waterproof from your headwear to your shoes. This ensures that you stay dry which ultimately affects your warmth.

Here are five clothing items you’ll need for your next winter boating adventure:

  1. Fishing hat: You should pack a hat that covers both your head and your ears from the wind and cold air. Extremities of the body are especially vulnerable to the winter weather.
  2. Neck gaiter: A neck gaiter can keep both your neck and face warm and protect your skin against the harsh weather conditions. These can also be used in the summer to fight sunburn, making them an all-year boating accessory.
  3. Layered jackets: While jackets are an obvious essential, it is also important to grab lots of layers. For example, one might wear a Gore-Tex materialled jacket on top with a wool or fleece sweatshirt underneath. Layers allow for the most flexibility when out on the boat. It is also a good idea to wear brightly colored clothing for safety purposes. If one were to go overboard, it is much easier to spot bright yellows and oranges.
  4. Dry suit: For those who frequently go out on winter fishing trips, you might consider purchasing a dry suit. These items not only provide warmth but also cold-water protection. These suits are known to have saved lives in the coldest of temperatures for both boaters and divers which makes these items a worthwhile investment.
  5. Thick boots: Not only should fishing boots keep you warm, but they should also be slip resistant. Having a heavy-duty pair of boots paired with thermal socks can keep those fishing feeling comfortable all day long.

Just because temperatures are dropping around the Triangle doesn’t mean you have to cancel all your boating trips! At Motor Boatin’, we offer watercraft rentals all year long – including January and December. For more winter weather boating questions or to book with us, call 919-800-9716 today.

What to Wear on a Winter Boat Trip

When taking a boat ride in the winter months, nothing is more important than wearing the correct clothing items. Coming prepared allows boat riders to enjoy being out on the water rather than being left cold and miserable.

Here are five items to wear on a winter boat trip:

  1. Layers, layers, and more layers: In cold temperatures, layers are the most important addition to any outfit. Boaters can include layers such as thick thermals to stay warm and top off with winter coats. If a person gets too warm, they are also able to take off a layer without risking getting cold.
  2. Waterproof jacket: During the winter months, it is also important to stay dry. Waterproof jackets and other garments allow boaters to add water-resistant layers to their outfits. This lets them stay dry and ultimately prevents them from getting cold in the process.
  3. Dry suit: Dry suits are great options if individuals are planning on getting in the water. Since it doesn’t take much time to get cold in the water, dry suits are designed to keep swimmers dry and also warm. They are a necessity for any winter trip out on the water.
  4. Gloves: Fingers can get cold quickly which is a problem since most boaters are constantly using their hands. Short-fingered gloves are a great option as they allow for more movement than regular gloves while also keeping an individual’s hands warm.
  5. Winter boots: As with other types of clothing items, it is important that the footwear is designed for colder months. Many choose to wear fleece-lined rubber boots as they offer warmth while also keeping boaters dry while on the water.

Just because it is cold outside, doesn’t mean you have to stay inside or wait until the warmer months to get out on the water. If you are interested in planning a winter boat trip in the Triangle, check our availability and reserve a spot today. Contact us today for more information.