Being outside means getting dirt on your hands, roughing it, and being happy no matter what weather comes your way, right? This does not have to be true, although you can head out for a long trip without even preparing. However, how easy is it to focus on catching fish when freezing water is dribbling down your neck? Being prepared for fluctuating weather means dressing for comfort and success.

Those who live in the Northeast know the saying if you don’t like the weather wait a minute and it will change. While this might be a catchy phrase, if it does change dramatically (and even the most seasoned outdoor lover will admit 30 degrees is dramatic) you want to be prepared. Whether you are venturing out on what appears to be a relatively comfortable spring or summer morning or a relatively warm fall or winter morning, change happens fast. The best thing you can do to stay comfortable regardless of the weather is to dress in layers. Layers allow you to add or remove clothing depending on the time of day and other factors.

You can often head out on a summer morning and see cool, crisp weather, even when forecasters predict 90 degrees. At 5 in the morning, many fishermen expect closer to 65 degrees, and wear a t-shirt with a flannel buttoned over it. Sound familiar? What happens when you hit the water and the boat speeds up? Instead, add a light jacket or windbreaker. Nighttime fishing is about the same. When you leave the dock, the temperature is nice and warm, and you dress accordingly. However, as the temperature goes down, you get cold.

The best advantage of light jackets and windbreakers is that they are so compact and lightweight. They can be stowed when you are not using them, since they take up little room. You will be grateful for them as temperatures drop and they begin to retain your body heat and seal out wind. Many rain jackets serve two purposes, breaking the wind and offering protection from water (whether rain or spray from the boat). It’s best to get a rain jacket with a zipper that is waterproof or a combination of a zipper and buttons or snaps, since zippers often leak when wet. Keep your zipper dry, and you will stay comfortable.

You cannot stay healthy if you don’t stay warm during the winter. That said, anyone who has ever worked outside during the winter understands the need for layering. As you work, you begin to sweat, and the cool air plus the sweat equal the opposite of comfort. Expend as little energy as you can, and dress in layers so that you can add or remove one to stay warm (or not) as needed. In the cold, take off a layer when you start feeling too warm. Add that layer back as you cool off to stay very comfortable with little hassle.

If you want to stay comfy, you have to use layers. Design a layer system that suits the fishing conditions that you often see. If you are more comfortable, you will want to spend the time necessary to catch more fish. You will focus better and make much better fishing decisions. Any advantage is helpful when you are fishing, and if you don’t have to be cold and wet, why would you?

Clothing is not the only important thing to consider, you should also consider your fishing supplies. Some of the most popular fishing equipment is Penn Fishing Reels including Penn International 965, Penn 360 Slammer, and Penn 975 LD.