Choosing the right apparel for your day of fishing will keep things more comfortable and enjoyable. It’s easy to be prepared for the early morning chill, afternoon heat, and the inevitable chill after sundown with a little forethought. The right choices in clothing make it easy. In addition, sunburn protection is always a consideration. However, some repellents for the sun and insects do have an odor that can repel the fish.
Choosing Face and Head Apparel for Fishing
Protecting your head and neck from the sun is important and for this reason, a hat and faceguard easily prevent sunburn.
Hats
Choose a fishing hat made with lightweight materials that breathe, is a good option since this will allow your head to remain cool in the sun. A moisture-wicking headband is also a good feature to have in a hat. On a boat or the shore, there is likely not any shade. The hat will provide shade for your neck and face from the sun. In addition, some hats have faceguards attached if it is your preference.
Face Guards
There are times the reflection off the water will cause sunburn. As a result, a hat is not enough protection. Faceguards protect your face from the elements all year. In the summer it will stop sunburn and in the winter keeps you warmer. Also, these come in various styles allowing an angler to choose one of their likings.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must-have item for any time you are fishing. A quality polarized pair will protect your eyes from UV rays and allow you to see into the water. When using lures it is also an advantage to see if a fish is following the lure. You can do a figure eight or another move to see if the fish will strike.
Choosing Body Apparel for Fishing
You need to consider more than being comfortable with the clothing while fishing. Do the garments have enough pockets, and will they protect you from the sun and bugs? Keep small items such as clippers and pliers in the pockets. Shirts with sleeves protect the arms.
Shirts
The shirt you wear fishing needs to be protective. A long sleeve t-shirt that is designed for fishing is better than a regular t-shirt. These shirts have an SPF rating and are lightweight. The fabric helps keep you cool in the sun while preventing sunburns. It will also keep the insects from biting your arms.
Another option is a performance hoodie. The hoodie has the same quick-drying and moisture-wicking as the t-shirt with a hood. This eliminates having to have a separate hat and faceguard for sun protection.
Pants
Comfortable fishing apparel includes pants. Clothing manufacturers have designed lightweight, quick-drying pants with SPF protection. The pants are also water repellent to rain or splashing. Keeping dry is part of being comfortable. Of course, if you do not mind being wet, shorts are always an option.
Choosing Rain Gear Apparel
Rain gear is only essential for anglers who fish in the rain. The good news is there are many options available. Choosing the best is what will take a little time. Since you need rain gear that is lightweight, breathes, and flexes.
The activity of fishing will make you perspire and the rain gear will need to breathe. The wrong rain gear will feel like being in a sauna. The motion of casting and fighting fish requires it to have flexibility. In other words, the last thing you want is a stiff piece of plastic restricting your motion. That is why ponchos are not a good choice. Instead, look for a jacket and pants combo of lightweight materials that have vents for better breathability.
Choosing Fishing Vests
The fishing vest can be an important choice for anglers that wade in streams and small rivers. You are essentially wearing your tackle box, consequently, a vest too small limits gear, and too big will interfere with fishing. Look for a vest with a few small pockets up high, big pockets below, and on the side. This allows you to carry enough tackle.
Chest Waders and Hip Boots
Wading equipment is beneficial to trout and bass anglers on streams and shallow rivers. You can move to where the fish are and present lures with better placement. Fly fishing is a perfect example, in fly fishing, the current is used to present the lure. As a result, the location of where you are is critical. The same holds true in all types of fishing.
If you are a bass angler and do not fish streams because of no boat access. You are missing some great fishing action. Bass fishing streams are the same as fishing for trout. In other words, you need to walk the stream to find fish. The larger streams often hold a healthy population of bass. These fish see less pressure than larger waterway bass.
When wearing waders of any type a floatation device is highly recommended. Slipping and falling lets the waders fill with water. This can result in you being held underwater.
Cold Weather Fishing Apparel
A hearty angler will face the cold for a day of fishing. The key is being prepared by choosing the right fishing apparel. These articles of clothing need to be lightweight, water repellent and offer unrestricted movement. You will likely need to have thermal undergarments so the outerwear can be lighter.
Thermal Undergarments
If you are going to fish in the winter a set of good thermals is required. They should wick away moisture, have flexibility, and stay in place. You need flexibility for casting and if they move around chafing becomes a problem. This is the primary piece of clothing for fishing in cold weather. You can also opt for a form-fitting dry suit. They keep you dry in case of falling into the water.
Jackets
This is the hardest item to find. Look for a waterproof shell lined with Thinsulate or Gortex insulation. A man’s insulated shoreline jacket will fit these criteria. They are lightweight compared to parkas and other heavy coats. You need a coat that will let you move easily. A heavy coat will keep you warm but severely limits mobility while casting.
Gloves
Some fishermen like to have gloves when it gets colder. A pair of waterproof gloves are a necessity. The water coming off the line while retrieving lures and fish will make hands cold quickly. You can opt for a full-fingered or fingerless style depending on your preference. The gloves without fingertips let you have a feel for bites, that is if your fingers are not numb. 🙂
Overalls
Every man knows the value of a good set of overalls. They keep you warm and have a bib with a few pockets. When the weather is not extreme a good set of overalls may eliminate the need for a jacket. You can wear a sweatshirt or hoodie with them to keep warm and dry. This is one of the best options for cold weather angling.
Dry Suits
For hardcore anglers fishing from a boat when the water temperature is below 50-55 degrees, a dry suit is a safety item. Hypothermia is a real possibility if you end up in the water. As a result, Kayakers wear them to keep dry and warm. It only takes a few minutes for your body temperature to drop to a dangerous level.
The drysuit will keep you dry preventing a rapid loss of body temperature. You will still get cold, but not to a dangerous level by staying dry. This allows you time to get back in the boat and head towards shore for help. Anglers die every year from shock from falling into cold water. In many cases, a drysuit could have made a difference.
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Conclusion
Choosing the right apparel for fishing is something anglers rarely think about. It does make a difference in the overall enjoyment, safety, and other areas during a day out on the water. All of the equipment is not necessary but will provide more comfort to you. Start by getting a good hat, sunglasses, and a shirt for fishing. Then add to your fishing apparel as you see the need. Fishing is meant to be an enjoyable pastime and the right clothes will help.
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Keep fishing simple for tight lines and bragging rights.
John McIntyre