It may be October, but many of us around the country still have several sunny months left before temperatures really start to cool off.
The sun can remain strong through the late fall months in some parts of the country. That means, for anyone out there casting big baits at warm water species looking to fatten up before the water cools, observing the following tips for comfort in the sun is still a must.
Don’t Skirt the Sunscreen
It can be tempting to forego the sunscreen, especially if most of your body is covered – but that’s actually a recipe for sunburn and discomfort that can cut your hours on the water short.
Instead, use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating that will protect against both UVA and UVB. If you fish in shorts or short sleeves, cover your lower legs, forearms, and hands (don’t worry about transferring scent to your baits, just be conscientious when handling them).
It is especially important to cover your face, and, if you fish in open-toed shoes, don’t forget to cover your feet.
Polarized, Protective Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a must for fishermen. They substantially cut glare off the surface of the water and make sight casting to fish so much easier. (Sunglasses also protect your eyes from errant casts, by the way.)
We advise choosing a pair of polarized sunglasses with a 100% rating for UVA and UVB protection, that will protect your eyes while also cutting glare.
And one more word to the wise – choose a pair of floating sunglasses if you can find them.
Cap It Off
Not every sportswoman appreciates a hat, but hats can keep you covered in the sun and help keep the glare off your face, neck, and depending on the style of hat that appeals to you, off your back and shoulders as well.
Wearing a cap will also give you a place to rest your sunglasses if you need to remove them when it starts to get dark, too (inverted on the bill).
Also, some fly casters prefer a baseball cap because the bill helps serve as a false-casting form-guide – helping to remind them to keep their forearm from moving too far back on the backcast.
Choose the Right Women’s Fishing Shirt
The right fishing shirt can make all the difference in comfort and function. We recommend one of the women’s fishing shirts from dsgouterwear.com.
They carry a wide range of fishing shirts and jackets in a variety of colors and patterns, many of which are made from quick-dry fabric (a must in any weather), and some of which offer UPF 50+ protection against the sun.
Lightweight women’s fishing shirts therefore can keep you both cool and covered and therefore, protected against the sun.
Moreover, many of their fishing shirts have long sleeves with thumb holes and hoods – to provide better protection for your hands and head, for those of you that don’t want to wear a hat.
Keep Hydrated
Finally, it is important to keep hydrated when you’re fishing, as both the wind and sun can dehydrate you, and a long day in the sun while dehydrated is never a good time.
Avoid soft drinks, coffee, and alcoholic drinks while fishing, as these can actually exacerbate dehydration. Opt instead for water, though you can sparingly sip sports drinks if you prefer those.
