5 Hard Water Must-Haves for Women Anglers

Ice fishing is a fun winter activity you can do with your whole family and friends. Imagine an entire weekend enjoying snow-covered surroundings and traversing icy waterways where fish, often great ones, live underneath and waiting for you to be taken. But of course, just like in most things, this sport is best enjoyed with safety in mind and when you are appropriately dressed. After all, there is nothing enjoyable about having to cut a trip short because you found out a little too late that you are not equipped for the cold.

Hard water fishing requires staying outside exposed to harsh winds and low temperatures for long periods. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it could also cause you and your loved ones to get sick. It is imperative to keep yourself safe and warm while fishing by wearing clothes fit for the low temperatures.

For women, the right fishing gear requires making sure they fit you perfectly for efficient mobility and that the aesthetics do not forego quality. This means your hard winter fishing gear must be waterproof, windproof, and insulate you well so that you are protected in the most extreme of winter conditions. If you are shopping for ice fishing clothes, don't tap the checkout button just yet and check our list and tips below first.

5 Hard Water Must-Haves for Women Anglers

1. Ice Fishing Bibs

Harsh rains and strong winds are only two of the things you'll encounter when you go hard water fishing, but these should not discourage you from your fishing adventure. Make sure you're dressed for the occasion by having an ice fishing bib which is a must-have for harsh winter conditions.

Typically, they look identical to overalls that farmers wear, except they are not denim or in any other usual clothing type. The proper, high-quality bibs are nylon, canvas coated with PVC, or PVC-coated polyester. Because the primary purpose of bibs is to keep anglers warm and cover them from their chest down to their legs, it is vital that it has proper insulation and can give you additional warmth on top of your other layers of clothing. Other features include flotation assist technology and reflective piping on the legs for that added safety measure when you're fishing at night.

2. Ice Fishing Jackets

Do not wear the winter jacket you would wear to the city. It would not suffice against the shallow temperatures. There are jackets specifically designed for the purpose of ice fishing. Recent clothing technology has utilized cutting-edge materials and incorporated them in ice fishing jacket designs. This way, the jackets are not bulky and retain their breathable quality while keeping you warm at the same time.

Most designs have built-in safety features, such as flotation assist technology, built-in ice picks, and reflective materials. Some even have softshell inner linings that allow you to adjust the warmth and closeness of waterproof zippers and inner pockets. When choosing an ice fishing jacket, make sure that it is waterproof, has quality insulation, cross-flow venting to account for sweat, and that it fits your body just enough—not too loose, not too tight. Safety does not mean reduced mobility, so look out for these features when buying your ice fishing jacket.

3. Ice Fishing Boots

Just like the ice fishing bib and jacket, your boots should also be waterproof and insulated. In addition, they should also have high-quality cleats for added friction on the ground and safety. Many designs incorporate retractable or built-in cleats, so you do not have to spend extra bucks to buy a separate set of cleats. They also tend to have an interior fleece lining or removable liners that you can switch out depending on the weather. 

The most important thing to look for when buying ice fishing boots is their insulation feature. Note that the proper insulation depends on your fishing location and its surrounding temperature. The more insulation it has, the warmer your feet and body will be. However, you do not want your boots to be uncomfortably warm, so it is important to research the location beforehand.

Other factors you need to consider are the service life of the boots and the mobility they would allow you to have. If you prefer thicker socks or foot warmers, you should avoid boots with little to no toe allowance. This would lessen the chances of developing blisters and calluses on your feet over time. Further, you should also check for the effort required for its maintenance and the frequency with which you intend to use them.

4. Ice Fishing Gloves

You already got your legs and body covered, but that does not mean you could leave your hands and fingers bare in the cold. So, how can you keep them warm while also being able to maintain enough dexterity to hook lures, grip your fishing rod, and reel in fish? That's right: gloves are specially made for hard water fishing.

When shopping for gloves, you'd want something that is both windproof and waterproof. But remember that while all waterproof gloves are windproof, it does not necessarily mean that windproof gloves are inherently waterproof. We recommend investing in a high-quality pair of fingerless gloves with removable mittens attached to them. You can keep the mittens while you are still waiting for fish to take the bait and detach them once you are about to reel in. This feature would allow you to hold your fishing rod better without sacrificing warmth completely.

5. Ice Fishing Hat and Goggles

The right hat is another key component in keeping the cold away when ice fishing. Keep your head covered and protected with the right hat that provides maximum comfort. While hats are specially designed for ice fishing, you can still use your usual knitted winter hat and save a few bucks. Just make sure that it has enough inner lining for extra protection. If your fishing location of choice has a sub-zero temperature, you would want to wear a hat that utilizes certain materials, such as faux fur, fleece, wool, and acrylic.

Last but definitely not least, get yourself a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from harsh winds. On sunny winter days, you may opt to wear sunglasses.

Now that you know the cold-proof essentials, you can now shop and start planning your hard water fishing trip!