Texas winters can be quite fickle. While Spring arrives in March, our region has been known to endure “arctic blasts,” well into April! So if you’re heading into the great outdoors, be prepared for a weather change mid-week, or rather, mid-fishing trip.

Cruisin’ on the Water

If you’re fishing or out on the water in the winter, people may think you’re crazy, but we know you’re dedicated! Just make sure you have the following essentials, first:

Always dress appropriately! Wear insulated everything: boots, socks, gloves, and layers of undershirts, shirts, and vests. Protect yourself against the wind by wearing weatherproof jackets. Keep spare outfits in a waterproof bag to ensure you always have dry clothes. And don’t overestimate the power of handwarmers!

Regardless of your activity, snack frequently on protein-packed foods, especially before you go to bed. This will keep your metabolism up, allowing your body to produce more heat.

Camping by the Shore

There are certainly advantages to camping in the winter. Rain lightens up, as well as the insect population, and the cool, clear nights make for an enchanting atmosphere. Aside from the appropriate clothing and snacks that we’ve mentioned above, here are our tips for winter camping!

Choose the perfect tent. If you’re not claustrophobic, smaller tents work best for the wintertime. A small tent, placed low to the ground, will stay out of the wind and preserve more heat. When you go to bed, leave your wool socks on inside your sleeping bag, or maybe even your hat. Better to wake up too warm, than to not sleep restfully because your toes are turning to icicles!

Lastly, we suggest preparing fire-making materials in the daylight hours, as it’s safer and more efficient. Keep firewood and fire-starting materials in a dry, safe place- you’ll thank yourself after an overnight drizzle.

Above all, once you’ve mastered the art of staying warm against the winter wind- stay safe and enjoy your time away!