First and foremost try to avoid any wearing cotton if at all possible. It's a poor insulator, holds moisture against your body, and takes a long time to dry; all bad things in the winter. Wool is excellent at insulating (even when wet) and wicking moisture away from your body. It is a bit expensive, but luckily polyester based synthetic fibers (think fleece) can replicate the properties of wool at a much more affordable price.

I start with knee high silk weight liner socks along with silk weight boxer briefs and under shirt. Then it's a lightweight baselayer pant and long sleeve shirt followed by knee high wool socks over the pant. The next layer consists of a fleece 1/4 zip sweatshirt and fleece wader pants. Then I'll add one more layer of pants which are kind of like your standard fishing pants but made with slightly thicker material and windproof. Everything I wear is designed to pull moisture away from my body. You'll also notice that I wear multiple layers which allows me to remove layers as the outside temperature or my body's temperature rises through the day. While on the water I wear breathable, stockingfoot waders, wading boots, and a lightweight, breathable, wind/water proof rain jacket. This may sound cumbersome and bulky, but I don't feel restricted at all. A fleece/wool beanie, glomitts (fingerless gloves that have the mitten cover flap), and a buff finish off my winter garb.

An important thing to remember is when washing wool, fleece or similar clothing don't throw them in the dryer with a dryer sheet like Bounce. Dryer sheets put a film on the fibers and prevent them from wicking moisture. I actually air dry all my winter and summer fishing clothing because of that.

Wearing a PFD is probably more important during the winter than summer. You're going to be wearing more clothing which makes it more difficult to swim and you also don't know how your body is going to react with the shock of entering cold water. You could easily become disorientated or the shock of the cold water could cause you to instantly inhale while under water.

Waders are OK to wear during the winter. If properly worn with a belt they are hard to fill up. If they do fill up with water they don't weigh you down like most people think, however they could make it more difficult to swim or get back into your kayak so you may have to ditch the waders to increase your mobility.

Its that time of year again to break out the cold weather gear and i just put mine to the test. I got 2 set of the ua base layer 2.0 to keep me warm while fishing out of the kayak and it works. I dont feele the wind and stay warm while wet so you dont have the dead legs when you get back to shore from being cold and numb all day. Well today i was out on the flight line watching my Marines launch out the jets. Its 38 degrees with 12 mph north wind and wind chill of 31. After about an hour and a half everything that was covered with military issue cold weather gear was numb and my face was so numb i couldnt talk right but my legs were fine! An hour later my fingers and toes still hurt. Have alway worn both tops and bottom while fishing so never really tested it againg my issued stuff but man what a differance. Supposed to be cold again tonight and monday tuesday. I am goong to pick up some olive drab so i can wear it under my uniform! I am impressed and just i would share.

Not much that I need to add to Josh's post other than a Zippo hand warmer.

Really nice piece of gear to add to your cold weather assortment.