If you know anything about Major League Fishing pro Cody Meyer, then you know he's a spotted bass guru.
He's caught enormous spotted bass and even briefly held the world record with a 10.80-pound spot.
In his new hometown of Star, Idaho, the average low keeps the temps in the 40’s through April, just a bit longer on the colder air than his previous home Northern California or some of his favorite West Coast spotted bass factories like Lake Shasta and Bullard's Bar.
One thing that allows him to stay warm in these cold conditions is the right gear and he has several products that he won't leave home without.
Warm and Comfortable
Meyer is a big advocate of layering and choosing gear that is the most breathable while also keeping him warm.
"I've worn a lot of different rain suits and some have been really warm, but they were so heavy that you would sweat like crazy," Meyer says. "That has been the biggest thing I have noticed wearing Simms versus other brands. They make waders for guys walking into freezing water, so that tells me what they for bass anglers will keep us warm in a bass boat."
Meyer prefers the Simms Challenger Insulated Fishing Jacket and Bib as his top layer and says the newest version is the best yet.
"Simms keeps making changes to make the newest version better. I loved the older version and the new one is that much better," Meyer says. "They are warm, but them being breathable is just as important. A lot of stuff on the market isn't like that and once you start sweating, it can make you even colder."
The Challenger is the set of gear that he wears for cold-water fishing, but he chooses the ProDry Fishing Jacket and ProDry Fishing Bib for the rest of the year.
"It is not super warm and can be worn all year long, but it is an excellent windbreaker and very waterproof," he says. "You can add layers beneath to keep you warmer, but for winter fishing on Shasta in the snow, I wear the Challenger. They are pretty similar in how they fit, but the Challenger is thicker and insulated to keep you warmer."
Socks and Boots
Anglers who fish in the cold often know that once your feet get cold, it's over. It seems like you can never warm up again and that is why Meyer is careful about what he puts on his feet.
"Growing up, I bought some of the most expensive brands of boots to try to keep me warm on the water, but you'd still end up getting wet even when you spent tons of money on boots," Meyer recalls. "That's because most boots aren't designed for fishing and the wet environment out there. The Simms boots are made for fishermen and will keep you warm but also completely dry, which is important."
He has a few favorites but says for really cold days, it is the 14" G3 Guide Pull-On Boots.
"They are the heavier of the boots they make and great for cold weather fishing," Meyer shares. "They are rubber, so they will keep you completely dry. Layering with some great socks is the perfect combo to make sure you stay warm and dry during the dead of winter."
His socks of choice from Simms are the Merino Thermal OTC Sock, but he says they have plenty of varieties built for all different weather conditions.
"Having warm socks is so important and the Merino wool socks are the best I've found for keeping me warm," Meyer adds. "If your feet get cold, it makes it hard to get through the day."
The Rest
In addition to his outer layers and feet, Meyer pays close attention to the rest of his winter fishing attire to stay warm and comfortable.
"I always wear several different layers because it is easy just to take some off if you start to get too warm," Meyer says.
For his pants, he likes a few different products depending on just how cold it is.
"The Midstream Insulated Pants are very warm but still comfortable and lightweight," Meyer says. "I also like the ExStream Core Bottom."
Both are specifically designed to be worn as a layer beneath bibs or rain jackets and were built to be comfortable, warm, and to allow for good movement while fishing.
The match to the ExStream Core Bottom is the ExStream Core Top and Meyer says the two are a perfect match for wearing under his rain jacket. He'll also add another layer like the ExStream Hooded Jacket to add even more warmth.
Fishing during the winter months produces its own set of challenges and keeping warm is one of the most critical factors in having a good day on the water. The fishing can be great this time of year; but, getting too cold is not fun and will likely shorten the fishing trip.
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