Fishing clothing, shoes and accessories

 

The importance of the proper fishing clothing, fishing shoes, and accessories should not be underestimated as the angler needs to guard against the elements of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, cold weather and rain.   

The basics of fishing clothing and fishing shoes depend on the weather conditions and the clothing needs are different from summer to winter.  Long pants and long sleeves protect the skin much butter than shorts and short-sleeved shirts year-round.   Skin damage is a concern for all outdoorsmen. In warm weather, the angler should wear lightweight as well as light-colored clothing because it is cooler than dark clothing.  It also reflects the sun’s rays.  In cold weather, several layers of clothes, including long underwear, warm shirt and warm pants, need to be worn as the layers actually trap air and offer insulation.  Jackets are needed year-round since fishermen usually begin their fishing trips before dawn and return after dark.  The temperatures can be cooler at those times.  

 

Fishing shoes was just as important as the fishing clothing.   Hip boots and waders are intended to keep anglers dry in addition to protecting from cool water.   Hip boots are held in place with belt straps and as the name implies, comes up to the hip area.   Hip boots should not be removed if the fisherman falls in the water.  The boots will trap the air and make them float by the toes.  This will allow the fisherman to get back to shore safely.  Waders, on the other hand, come up to the chest and are held up by suspenders. Waders have a belt that is on the inside and the belt should always be buckled.  Waders are recommended when surf fishing,  fishing in deeper water or wading a stream. 

As fishing shoes protect the feet, there are other items of fishing clothing that are helpful when fishing.  Rainwear is needed year-round.  There are options available in rain gear for the fisherman.  A rain poncho is acceptable, but some prefer a two-piece rain suit with a jacket and pants.  It should be waterproof and have a full hood to protect the head as well as elastic around the cuffs to keep water out.  In the cold weather, a rain parka or insulated vest works best.  Hats can also be used constantly to protect from sunburn and glare.  Hats such as a light-colored baseball cap or a Western-style hat such as a cowboy hat would be ideal for the warmer weather. A woolen cap would be the best for cold weather since the body loses most of the body heat from the head and the neck and it is important to cover the ears as well as the head.  Finally, there are gloves available for fishermen that are made of lightweight rubber with a flap so that the fingers are exposed.