New School Sun Protection

When I grew up in Florida back in the day, our only nod towards protection from the sun was a dash of zinc oxide on our noses and lips. The rest of our exposed skin would turn deep shades of red or brown, and the tan was considered healthy. I pay the price for it now, with twice annual visits to the dermatologist. Today, there are so many products available, specifically targeted at the angler, that you have no excuse for not covering up. Here are a few of the choices to consider when fishing all day under the sun.

Sun Masks
Call them gaiters or balaclavas: The downside is, when you wear one you look like a terrorist. The upside is, your face has total protection from the sun. A few companies make them out of lightweight, breathable polyester materials. They protect your face from harsh exposure and are light enough to keep you cool, though they can cause your glasses to fog sometimes. The most popular brand is Buff, which makes an angler series designed to look like fish scales. Click here.

Microfiber Hats
Wear this with your balaclava. Also made of breathable, fast drying material, you’ll get sunshade from the hat’s bill and won’t sweat to death with one on your head. I like the long-billed version offered by Simms. Click here.

Long sleeve Shirts
The collared button down fishing shirts with the vented backs never did it for me. I’ve become a huge fan of the new technical fishing shirts that resemble long sleeve T-shirts. They allow for greater freedom of movement, dry more quickly, and still offer UPF protection up to 50. The loss of neck protection is made up for, when worn with a balaclava. I really like the weight and feel of shirts made by Old Harbor Outfitters. Click here.

Gloves
Often, we remember to protect every part of our body except for our hands and fingers, which we want free of grease and materials so we can tie knots and handle fish. Glacier Gloves makes great sun gloves in its DR Shade/Sun line of gear. Check out the new Abaco Sun Gloves. Click here.

Sunscreen
Back in the day they called it suntan lotion and the reason everyone hates it is because it’s greasy, and it stings when it drips in your eyes. Now there are brands developed specifically for fishermen that dry quickly and don’t sting. My favorite is DriGrip, which even advertises itself as “baitwell friendly.” Click here.

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