Friday, December 12, 2025

Fish Monkey: Beat the Chill, Even on the Ice

When the mercury bottoms out and the lakes lock up solidly, cold-weather fishing becomes a test of patience, preparation and having the right gear. Those braving the extreme cold and ice know that wind, moisture and exposure can turn a promising day into a short, uncomfortable grind, and that staying warm is the only way to stay focused. Fish Monkey’s cold-weather lineup is built exactly for these conditions, offering the kind of insulation, wind resistance and moisture management that keeps hands, feet and faces working long after the thermometer dips into the single digits.

It starts with the hands, because nothing ends a winter bite faster than numb fingers. Fish Monkey’s heavyweight gloves—led by their Yeti Series Gloves and Mittens and other insulated designs—deliver high-loft warmth with weatherproof shells that block icy gusts and stand up to constant handling of slush, gear and wet line. The gloves’ grippy palms and articulated construction let anglers work with jigs, tip-ups and electronics without the clumsy bulk that often comes with extreme-cold protection. The result is a glove that stays warm even when the wind picks up and the hole starts freezing over, but still gives you the dexterity to stay in the game.

The Stealth Dry-Dec Sherpa Gloves and Mittens also offer outstanding protection thanks to their incredible waterproof and water-shedding design. They don’t soak up water and become soggy, but rather they shed that water and remain featherlight all day long. In both styles, the mittens flip open to give you fingertip dexterity when you need it and the added warmth of a mitten when you don’t.

Face protection is just as critical. On an open lake, even a light wind cuts sharply across exposed skin, and hours of re-setting lines or scanning sonar compounds that chill. Fish Monkey’s cold-weather face guards provide a full barrier against windburn and frostbite while remaining breathable enough to prevent fogging and condensation. The Yeti Fleece Face Guard and Balaclava has soft, insulating fabrics that shield the nose, cheeks and neck, creating a microclimate of warmth that makes long stints on the ice feel surprisingly manageable. Then add a beanie to lock in heat and create a layered system that shrugs off wind and blowing snow. The Wooly Head Heavyweight Ribbed Wool Beanie and the Dry Head Waterproof Insulated Beanie are two great options.

Then there are the feet—often the first part of the body to suffer when standing on frozen water. Fish Monkey’s Yeti Series Heavyweight Over the Calf Socks and Heavyweight Crew Length Socks are merino wool-blend socks purpose-built for anglers who spend dawn-to-dark hours on ice. Merino’s natural insulating properties keep feet warm even when damp, while its ability to wick moisture prevents the clammy chill that comes from sweat trapped inside boots. Dense cushioning underfoot reduces fatigue during long walks between holes or when hauling gear, and the tall cut creates a seamless barrier. Combined with a proper winter boot, these socks form the foundation of a cold-weather system that stays warm, dry and supportive all day.

Extreme cold fishing demands more from the angler, but it also demands more from the gear. Fish Monkey’s gloves, face guards and Yeti Series socks create an integrated cold-weather system that protects every critical point of heat loss, allowing anglers to fish longer, stay sharper and enjoy the quiet beauty of winter water. When the ice thickens and the wind stiffens, the right layers make all the difference—and with Fish Monkey, those layers are built to handle the deepest cold of the season.

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