AFTCO Cold Weather Clothing Necessities for Women
Winter is definitely upon us and as we face plummeting temperatures and inclement conditions on the water it’s critical to have the right gear. It’s important to layer your clothing, choose the right materials and invest in good quality products.
The ladies of AFTCO are passionate about their fishing and cold weather won’t keep them off the water. I interviewed four of them from different fisheries and different climates to find out the key gear that keeps them warm when they plunge into a cold weather fishing adventure.
MOE NEWMAN — Journey South Outfitters
HPFC: What is the one AFTCO item you cannot live without in cold weather?
Moe Newman: Women’s Reaper windproof jacket.
HPFC: What is your go-to color in that item?
Moe Newman: I have the old camo black and grey color that’s not out anymore but you can get the men’s version, they are very similar.
HPFC: What makes it right for where you fish or your fishing style?
Moe Newman: Perfect on the crisp days where our river temperatures can get down to 40 degrees and we have damp mornings and it keeps you dry. A face mask that can easily be out of your way when not wearing it.
HPFC: Where do you fish most often in cold weather, and for what species?
Moe Newman: Venice, Louisiana for redfish.
HPFC: What is on your bucket list cold weather fishing trip?
Moe Newman: Bluefin tuna on stand-up gear in the Northeast.
KATIE COECKELENBERGH-SAWYER
HPFC: What is the one AFTCO item you cannot live without in cold weather?
Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer: I do not fish in cold weather often, but when I am in a chilly spot I absolutely love my Shadow Tactical Hoodie in camo because of the face shield and warmth. The crosswind puff is also really awesome but I save that one for non-fishing activities. All around a beautiful, classy jacket.
HPFC: What is your go-to color in that item?
Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer: I really like the new 'Depths' color!!!
HPFC: What makes it right for where you fish or your fishing style?
Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer: Late night watches are the coldest moments, and having the reaper keeping my face warm when we're running the boat is just a game changer.
HPFC: Where to you fish most often in cold weather, and for what species?
Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer: Ha! the coldest water I fish is in Baja, for striped marlin. It gets chilly at night in Nov/Dec/Jan, so I love having my fleece lined jacket that’s going to also keep me dry.
HPFC: What is your bucket list cold weather fishing trip?
Katie Coeckelenbergh-Sawyer: I want to go salmon fishing in Alaska!!! How cool would that be?!
HPFC: What is the one AFTCO item you cannot live without in cold weather?
Kaitlin Woodward: Next to skin, wool gloves. AFTCO used to make them and I can no longer find them. They are simple, cheap, and necessary. It’s like socks. You need them. Also a good and fitted beanie, one that wind can’t penetrate is also a super important feature to protect your head.
HPFC: What is your go-to color in that item?
Kaitlin Woodward: I like navy or anything heathered for a beanie.
HPFC: What makes it right for where you fish or your fishing style?
Kaitlin Woodward: Wool gloves and a beanie are staple items in the North. You just flat out need them to protect your hands and head.
HPFC: Where do you fish most often in cold/cool weather, and for what species?
Kaitlin Woodward: Northern Wisconsin, Green Bay, lake Mille Lacs (Minnesota) for smallmouth and walleye.
HPFC: What is your bucket list cold weather fishing trip?
Kaitlin Woodward: Lake Ontario smallmouth bass (pre-spawn) and an Alaskan salmon run.
HPFC: What is the one AFTCO item you cannot live without in cold weather?
Lakelynn Parker: Reaper hoodie.
HPFC: What is your go-to color in that item?
Lakelynn Parker: Love the blue.
HPFC: What makes it right for where you fish or your fishing style?
Lakelynn Parker: Super warm and comfy.
HPFC: Where do you fish most often in cold weather, and for what species?
Lakelynn Parker: Still in Venice, Louisiana, but for our bigger tunas, and wahoo this time of year. Wintertime gets really cold with the river getting cold water. Some days we wear three layers to get down river and shed once we’re offshore in warmer waters. Foggy season also makes it cold.
HPFC: What is on your bucket list cold weather fishing trip?
Lakelynn Parker: Alaska! One day!
Obviously AFTCO gear is made for hard core anglers, but even if you’re just on the water occasionally you can buy it and know that you’ll be protected from the elements. The best part about the company is that 10% of all purchases goes directly to support conservation initiatives. All AFTCO clothing is made in the USA.
