It's colder than you think
A fishing day on the lake in November or January is beautiful, but on open water there is always wind and no shelter. The wind chill puts the temperature a few degrees below what the weather app says. Set off underdressed and you won't last the day — a shame, because the cold months are exactly the pike season.
Clothing: three layers
- Base layer: thermal underwear or merino wool, no cotton (it stays wet and cold).
- Insulation layer: fleece or a thin down jacket. Two thin layers beat one thick one — you can adjust.
- Outer layer: a wind- and waterproof jacket and trousers. A fishing suit or ski/sailing trousers work fine.
Don't forget: a hat, a buff for your neck, waterproof gloves (or thin gloves plus a hand warmer) and above all warm, dry feet: lined boots or waterproof shoes with thick wool socks. A seat cushion insulates you from the cold aluminium bench.
Rain and spray
Spray comes over the bow when you're moving, and a winter shower is never far away. Bring a rain suit even if it looks dry, and a waterproof bag or bucket for your phone, keys and dry gloves. A towel on board is worth its weight in gold.
Reading the wind
Wind shapes your day more than temperature does. At force 4 or more, pick the lee side of islands and reed beds and travel gently with the waves. At force 6 or more, or in thunderstorms, we don't go out; we contact you to plan another moment. Check the wind direction in the morning: the windward shore is often the best spot, if you can sit there safely.
Food, drink and light
Bring a thermos of coffee, tea or soup and enough to eat — cold burns energy. In winter it's dusk by 17:00, so a head torch is handy for packing up. Don't forget sunglasses: low winter sun on the water is bright.
Well prepared onto the water
With the right clothing a winter fishing day on the Westeinderplassen is one of the best things you can do. Hire a fishing boat in Aalsmeer or read the tips for first-time boat fishing first.