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By Allison Taylor<\/p>\n
Ryan Waldrep, outfitter assistant and guide with DB bar D Outfitters, has been captivated by fly fishing since he saw an episode of \u201cBuccaneers & Bones\u201d on the Outdoor Channel. At 12 years old, he became obsessed with chasing fish of all kinds with his fly rod. He grew up fishing farm ponds in South Georgia and the marsh creeks of the Gulf of Mexico. \u201cLargemouth, bluegill, redfish and tarpon are all fish that I cut my teeth on as a teenager,\u201d says Waldrep. It wasn\u2019t just fishing that caught his attention\u2014he spent his high school and college years as a quail guide on wild quail hunting property in North Florida. \u201cAfter college, I spent a year fly fishing and bow hunting in Southwest Montana, and that ultimately led to me becoming a fly fishing guide,\u201d says Waldrep.<\/p>\n
For those who love outdoor activities, winter can be a welcome time of year for fishing as the tourist traffic eases up a bit. Although more layers may be needed, increased opportunities for solitude often make up for the cooler temperatures. The winter scenery presents views that aren\u2019t available in other seasons. A lack of people on the water and clear waters provide a nice change. \u201cThe most important part of wintertime fishing is choosing your time wisely,\u201d says Waldrep. \u201cPick the days that are slightly warmer than the previous days, because trout feed more heavily in the winter when the water temperatures increase by just a few degrees.\u201d Waldrep recommends fishing much slower than you normally would in warmer conditions. \u201cA trout\u2019s feeding lanes in cold weather become considerably more narrow, so fish at a slow pace and pick apart each hole thoroughly,\u201d he adds.<\/p>\n
Fishing in small chunks of time with warming breaks in between is a good way to keep your cold-weather fishing much more comfortable. As with any outdoor activities during cooler weather, layer your clothing for warmth and the flexibility to remove layers as needed. We are fortunate that clothing options have advanced so significantly, and there is an abundance of performance layering options. A thermos of hot beverages goes a long way too, and the thrill of the catch is sure to elevate temperatures even more.<\/p>\n