It’s winter time in Missouri and probably the best time to fly fish for trout here in our state. But, many do not venture out because of the cold. One of the biggest complaints I hear is that my hands and finger tips come close to getting frost bite when I fish in the winter.  I agree that winter fishing can be deadly on the fingers.  I hate wearing gloves because it’s almost impossible to tie a fly on or have the feel to retrieve a fish to the net.  So, I wear fingerless gloves to at least keep my hands warm but my fingers still freeze. But I need the fingerless gloves so I can have the ‘feel’ to tie knots and flies on my leader.  Well, I think I have finally found the solution and it’s been there all along but just didn’t think of it.

I just received my new Landon Mayer (famous Colorado guide and fly fishing author) book called “The Hunt for Giant Trout“. In it there is a section on tips for hunting giant trout in all kinds of weather – like winter.  Landon uses a trick that we tested out all last week and it works.Here’s what Landon says,” When I learned this trick, I am not going to lie, I immediately thought about the countless hours I spent battling frozen fingers in harsh, cold elements – especially when you need to retrieve (or tie knots or flies on – my words). By placing black, which absorbs heat, disposable latex gloves under fingerless gloves or full fingered gloves, you prevent water from touching your skin. In addition, you create a wind glove that prevents freezing. I prefer fingerless gloves over thick latex fishing gloves so I can still keep the feel factor in place to detect a strike. Try this next time you need extra protection in the winter, and you will be blown away by how long it will extend your fishing in harsh weather.”

So the last two times out several of us tried this technique and it worked great. I was amazed on how I could easily tie knots and flies on the hook. I never had to remove the black latex gloves because I couldn’t feel to tie or retrieve. You can get black latex gloves at any hardware store like Lowe’s or Home Depot. Now you know what Sid is wearing!!!  Give it a try you have nothing to lose but your fingers!?