Winter fishing can be spectacular
MADISON, the black lab, probably had the right idea Monday, sacked out on her bed in the warmest part of the shop on a very dank, wet fall day. But the Journal was thinking about fishing.
There is something about fishing hard on those nasty days on a lonely river when everyone sensible is inside where its warm. This winter it looks like we are going to get some pretty decent wading windows unless we received a delugue. The trick is having the right gear to keep to warm and dry.
This winter season, Simms who were pretty dang good at this stuff anyway, really boosted its lineup of keep-you-warm gear, particularly for the extremities, your head, neck and fingers. Keep your head and fingers warm and not only will you feel better all over but you will be able to fish longer. So here is our winter rundown of goodies from Simms. They make some pretty sweet Christmas Gifts too.
PRIMALOFT INSULATOR ($179.95): Several of our guide team, including the Journal raved over the predecessor to the new Primaloft, but we are all wanting to switch to the new version.
Super-light, super warm and superwarm _ just how good it feels on is a revelation, like a duvet you can take on the river, wear it on its own or under a shell like a G3 or Freestone jacket.
The wind-protecting collar has been tricked up with a microvelour lining and gusset-system and there is now velcro table on the cuffs to also keep the wind out.
The Primaloft One synthetic insulation is thicker on body but lighter on the side panels.
DON’T FORGET we have slashed prices to close out the discontinued, and iconic, Simms Double Layer Windstopper Jackets Limited Sizes and Colors Left In Stock.
FREESTONE JACKET $199.95: This jacket has always been one of the best buys for White River conditions, and in its updated configuration is damn good looking too. The same 3-layer Toray breathable waterproof material as in the Freestone waders.
Unless you are going to be spending days in Pacific NW or Alaskan downpours this jacket will suit your needs, and its not too hot for our Ozark spring days.
A really well thought out hood to keep the rain off your face and glasses, lots of movement, two big chest pockets with handwarmers behind them, d-ring for a net and a built-in retractor.
These have been selling well and more are on their way. Buy here.
SIMMS revamp of its legendary Windstopper Gloves has been expanded to with the new Flex Glove ($49.95). The lightweight softshell fabric introduced on the Windstopper Half Finger and Windstopper Foldover Mitt was enormously popular offering more dexterity and feel than the earlier versions.
The Flex Glove offers more warmth and protection with similar feel, and water resistance. The gloves are precurved, and feature a “sticky grip” pattern on the palm and fingers. These gloves are going to be killer for those long days with your hand on the tiller or oars _ or steering wheel for that matter. All three windstopper gloves also feature a heaterpack pocket on the inner cuff.
VISOR BEANIE ($29.95): has been one of our best sellers so far this fall offering some nice warmth for your scone and a pretty cool look. The visor helps shade your eyes for spotting fish and structure, and the 50%-50% Wool Acrylic mix is toasty under a shell hood. The pull down flap also gives some added protection to your ears when the wind is howling. Grey and Olive.
Simm’s Flap Cap was our bestseller the past 2 seasons, and with the temperatures now starting to seriously fall we expect the warmer WINDSTOPPER FLAP CAP $24.95 to be super popular.
The Windstopper lining kills the windchill and the extended flap cap design will keep your ears toasty warm. A must have piece for winter on and off the river.
STRETCH NECK GAITER ($16.95): SPENDING a lot of time on the river through winter has taught me never to leave home without some protection for your neck and ears. Its amazing how much heat is lost through those areas and how much warmer you feel when its covered. The Stretch Neck Gaiter is nicely designed to protect those vulnerable zones, even up to your nose. The long front tucks down over your neck and the vent holes on the front reduce fogging.
FACE MASK BEANIE ($24.95): For the really cold conditions, and fleece beanie with ear coverage and a stowable facemask. Beat those windy winter days with this one.
STRETCH BALACLAVA ($24.95): The ultimate winter baselayer. Lightweight protection for under a cap or go the full deal and add a windstopper flap cap over the top.
