http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/tv/handyhints.asp
Winter fishing is a great favorite in Missouri, whether it's catch and release trout or the occasional ice fishing expedition. But if you don,t take precautions before you head outdoors, your fun fishing trip can turn tragic. Hypothermia can kill.
Wind, wet and cold are all key factors, so the easiest way to protect against hypothermia is to dress properly. That starts with choosing the right clothes. You'll want to layer your clothing to create dead air space that acts as an insulator, keeping the cold out and your body heat in.
Wetness conducts heat away from the body 25 times faster than dryness. So you want to keep water out, and prevent perspiration from being trapped against your skin. So don't wear cotton. It absorbs moisture. Choose synthetic fibers like polyester. Some of the newer fabrics that allow moisture to escape will keep you even drier and warmer.
Wear a warm head covering. Most body heat is actually lost through the head. Dehydration contributes to hypothermia, so drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids. Drinking alcohol is dangerous. You'll have a false sense of warmth, because it makes the skin feel warm, but it actually is allowing heat to escape and lowering your internal temperature.
Eat high energy foods like nuts, fruits, and energy bars so your body has calories left over to use to keep you warm.
And finally, pace yourself. Exhaustion uses energy that could otherwise be used for body heat.
Now that you're prepared for the worst, you can enjoy the best, Missouri outdoors in the winter!
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