I do most of my fishing in spring, summer and fall but winter fishing is an option, although I haven't done any ice fishing or winter fishing since I lived in Ontario many years ago.

Back then I didn't think about winter fishing clothes and did a lot of freezing. No so today.

So the first thing I do is to dress with layers to keep as warm as I want to be.

For me it's not about looking good,  it's more about comfort. If I am freezing my ass off I want to either catching a heck of a lot of fish or I wan to go home. I don't care for frost bite and it doesn't take much for me to start shaking, then I can't even tie a proper knot.

I remember the first time I dressed in layers to go fishing. Once I got fishing and was all bundled up I could barely more around. It was hilarious according to my fishing buddies. After that I dressed a little loosely.

What Do I Wear Ice Fishing

You could spend money buying just the right clothing like my son does, but he still lives with us and doesn't pay the bills. So for me, I would rather spend my money on new fishing gear.

For that reason I start with my long johns, both top and bottoms. I wear them all winter long anyways. I like two piece so that I can remove one or the other depending on the day.

Some times I put on another tee shirt and then a nice warm winter shirt. The T-Shirt is usually only for the extra cold ones. Then it's aunt Hazel's gift of a wool sweater.

That setup is great for those days in winter when it's nice enough to have your big coat off for a bit. The wool sweater keeps any moisture off me.

After the sweater I will put on my winter jacket with the wool liner. Now the top half of my body is ready to go late November fishing or ice fishing.

Let's move down and put on some pants. I like lined winter pants but I will also bring my snowsuit bottoms. I don't use the coat as it's too bulky for my liking. Oh, maybe I should try it on without all my other stuff on. Just kidding.

If My Feet Are Cold I'm Cold

I remember back when I was a kid it wasn't my clothing that allowed me to freeze. It was winter boots that didn't fit properly. I grew up wearing hand-me-downs and of course they never fit right. It's important to have boots that fit correctly.

I like to be able to wear two pair of socks in my boots, a thin comfortable sock and a thicker wool sock. I also make sure my boots fit well without pinching my feet. Keep the feet in comfort and they will thank you.

Note: I always carry and extra set of socks in case my feet get wet. I never leave my feet wet in the winter while fishing.

Okay Now For The Hands

Now I'm nice and comfy, ready for a day of fishing in the winter. All that's left are my gloves and for that I like neoprene gloves that have finger tips that flip back.

The first pair my wife bought me as a fishing gift never saw a day of fishing as my dog Shadow ate them. That was the only thing of mine she ever ate. Maybe I don't take her fishing enough.

Cover Your Head And Protect Your Face

Some guys and gals can take the cold but I guess I'm a wimp that loves to fish but I don't like my ears going numb or my big nose.

I like to wear a hat that covers my head well and my ears, especially if it's windy.

For those days that are really windy and bitter cold I wouldn't think of going fishing without a scarf or a neoprene face mask. They may look funny but I'm still able to smile because my face isn't frozen.

So the key to a great day of fishing, even when it cold enough to freeze the, well I won't go there, but with the right winter fishing clothes you'll have a great time and remember it for all the right reasons.