It's a common tale among fishermen to have encountered the discomfort of sunburn and the challenges of overheating while out on the water. While a bit of sweat can be expected, excessive sun exposure and dehydration can lead to serious issues. In this article, I'll share some tips to help you steer clear of these unwanted experiences.
Growing up along the coast, like many, I learned some tough lessons about the sun and heat. Back then, sunscreen was reserved for faces only, and without the benefit of tech shirts or rash guards, sun protection was limited. Hydration often consisted of sugary soft drinks and adult beverages, which we now know aren't the best choices. It took me until my twenties, and maybe even my thirties, to realize the importance of proper sun and heat protection.
Personal experiences and those of my peers prompted me to seek better strategies for preventing sunburn and overheating. After conducting some research to ensure I had accurate information, I discovered a wealth of resources available on extreme sunburn and dehydration. While I'll avoid getting overly technical, consider this advice from a friend who practices what he preaches.
The key takeaway is to prioritize sun and heat safety while fishing. Proper precautions can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable fishing experience.
The American Cancer Society offers extensive information on skin cancers and their association with sun exposure. Continued unprotected exposure to the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer, making sunburns and even small spots concerning.
Recognizing the need for simple and effective sun protection measures, the American Cancer Society has coined a memorable phrase: "Slip! Slop! Slap!® and Wrap." This catchy slogan serves as a reminder of essential steps to safeguard against the sun's harmful rays. In essence, it advises individuals to slip on a shirt, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on a pair of sunglasses when spending extended periods outdoors.
Slip-On A Shirt
In recent years, advancements in clothing technology have revolutionized the way we approach outdoor apparel, particularly in the realm of sun protection. Enter tech fabrics – a diverse range of materials engineered to offer lightweight comfort and shield against harmful UV rays.
When it comes to pants, the choices are plentiful. From classic shorts to full-length trousers and versatile zip-off designs, anglers can tailor their attire to suit their preferences. Cargo shorts boast multiple pockets for convenient storage, while board shorts offer a streamlined silhouette ideal for aquatic pursuits. For fishing enthusiasts, specialized fishing shorts with built-in tool pockets provide added functionality. What sets tech materials apart is their lightweight construction and quick-drying properties, crucial factors for both shirts and pants, especially during long days on the water.
Shirts designed for fishing typically fall into two categories: those with numerous pockets for storing essential gear and those with a more minimalist T-shirt style crafted from tech materials. Both styles prioritize breathability, often incorporating vented backs and strategic venting to promote airflow and keep anglers cool. With the market flooded with options from various brands, anglers can choose between feature-rich designs tailored to their specific needs. Whether you prefer the utility of pocket-laden shirts or the simplicity of tech-infused tees, there's no shortage of choices to explore.
As someone who appreciates both simplicity and functionality in fishing attire, I've had the chance to experience the benefits of both shirt designs firsthand. Being on the larger side and prone to sweating profusely during summer fishing expeditions, finding garments that offer sun protection while keeping me cool is paramount. While I typically gravitate towards the straightforward T-shirt style for its ease of wear, I often switch to the pocket-laden design when wading into the water to fish. This allows me to carry a plethora of essentials like hooks, jigs, leaders, and soft baits without the need for a bulky vest that might impede airflow and hinder cooling.
Over a decade ago, I stumbled upon a burgeoning brand called Gillz, whose motto was "Breathe like a fish." Their innovative long sleeve tech shirts, featuring strategically placed mesh panels along the sides and under the arms, caught my attention. The option of sun hoods was particularly appealing, as it addressed the issue of sunburn on the neck, a common problem for anglers like myself. Upon seeing Capt. C.A. Richardson of Flats Class Charters and TV sporting one of these shirts on a fishing trip, I was intrigued. His glowing endorsement prompted me to reach out to the company, and after a quick phone call and shipping time, I got my hands on my first Gillz shirt. I was thoroughly impressed by its performance, and to this day, it remains a staple in my fishing wardrobe. The advanced tech material not only offers reliable sun protection but the inclusion of vent panels ensures optimal ventilation, keeping me cooler than I ever thought possible.
Regardless of the style or brand you choose, it's essential to consider the sun protection rating of your fishing apparel. The UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) scale serves as a helpful guide, with higher numbers indicating superior sun protection. By selecting garments with a higher UPF rating, anglers can fish with peace of mind, knowing they're shielded from harmful UV rays while enjoying their time on the water.
Slop On Some Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a crucial tool for protecting exposed skin from the sun's harmful rays. While it's commonly associated with facial application, it's equally important for areas like the hands, arms, and legs, particularly if you opt for short-sleeved shirts or shorts during fishing trips. Surprisingly, one often overlooked area for sunscreen application is the feet. Anglers who wear sandals or shoes with vent holes on the top risk sun exposure to their feet, leading to the peculiar spotted foot condition observed in many fishermen and surfers.
When selecting sunscreen, it's essential to consider its sun protection factor (SPF), which indicates its ability to shield the skin from UVB rays. Additionally, more sunscreens are now incorporating protection against UVA rays, further enhancing their effectiveness. For those with sensitive skin or specific concerns, consulting a dermatologist for sunscreen recommendations is advisable.
One common reservation among fishermen is the transfer of sunscreen scent to bait, potentially repelling fish. Many anglers prefer hands-free sunscreen options to avoid this issue. Thanks to advancements in sunscreen technology, products like sticks, sprays, and other applicators eliminate the need for manual application with the hands. Initially found primarily in tennis and golf pro shops, hands-free sunscreen is now readily available at most drug stores and beachfront locations, catering to the needs of outdoor enthusiasts seeking convenient and effective sun protection solutions.
Slap On A Hat
While any hat provides some level of sun protection, visors offer limited coverage for the face, particularly for individuals with bald heads or sparse hair. To mitigate this, pairing a visor with a sun mask can offer additional protection. For those who prefer caps, opting for styles with longer brims is beneficial, as they offer more shade and facial coverage. Additionally, caps with dark undersides on the brim reduce glare and improve visibility on the water, enhancing the fishing experience.
Some anglers opt for floppy hats or caps with fold-down neck covers for added protection against the sun's rays. These options not only shield the face and neck but also provide some defense against accidental casts that may come too close. Sun masks, commonly referred to as buffs, are another popular choice among fishermen. Available in various materials, these masks offer ample coverage for the head and face, with different materials offering varying degrees of sun protection. Interestingly, many fishermen have repurposed their sun masks as COVID-19 face coverings, showcasing their resourcefulness and adaptability in utilizing gear for multiple purposes.
Wrap On A Pair Of Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential piece of gear for fishermen, offering crucial protection for the eyes against the sun's harmful UV rays. Often overlooked, eye protection is paramount according to the American Cancer Society. Polarized sunglasses are a preferred choice among anglers for their ability to reduce surface glare and enhance visibility into the water. With a wide range of options available, including standard and prescription lenses, fishermen can choose sunglasses tailored to their specific needs.
In addition to polarization, lens coloring and mirroring can further improve visibility by cutting through glare and enhancing clarity in various lighting conditions. While any sunglasses provide better protection than none, experts note that plastic lenses typically offer better inherent UV protection compared to glass lenses. However, polarization can be added to glass lenses, providing excellent sun protection and clarity, especially when fishing in bright conditions with glare on the water.
For fishermen who wear prescription glasses, the options for sunglasses have expanded significantly in recent years. Clip-on polarized lenses or sunglasses designed to fit over prescription glasses offer convenient solutions. Alternatively, manufacturers now offer prescription sunglasses with built-in polarization, providing optimal sun protection and visual clarity tailored to individual prescription needs.
For fishermen seeking enhanced vision and convenience, there are options to have prescription lenses adapt to changing light conditions. One such option is Transitions lenses, which darken when exposed to sunlight, providing protection against UV rays. While not inherently polarized, Transitions lenses offer the benefit of darkening with sunlight exposure.
A newer innovation in this category is Vantage lenses, also from Transitions Optical, which not only darken in response to sunlight but also increase in polarization as they darken. This unique feature allows for enhanced glare reduction and improved visibility in bright conditions. Available in various colors, Vantage and Transition lenses offer fishermen versatility and protection tailored to their specific needs.
It's important for prescription glasses wearers to consult with their eye doctor to determine the best lens option for their individual requirements. Personally, as a prescription glasses wearer myself, I was introduced to Vantage lenses by Dr. Michael Goins of Wilmington, N.C., who shares my passion for fishing. I find Vantage lenses preferable over regular Transitions lenses because of their combined benefits of sun protection and polarization, eliminating the need to switch between glasses in changing light conditions.
Stay Hydrated
Although not explicitly mentioned by the American Cancer Society, staying hydrated is crucial for your health while fishing under the sun. Proper clothing, sunscreen, and sunglasses are essential for sun protection, but maintaining hydration levels is equally important to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Water should be your go-to beverage to stay hydrated while fishing. While occasional sports drinks can be consumed if you find water too bland, it's best to avoid soft drinks and alcoholic beverages as they can contribute to dehydration. Opting for chilled fruits as on-water snacks is an excellent choice as they not only help cool and hydrate you but also provide a natural energy boost.
Remember, dehydration can sneak up on you, especially when spending long hours in the sun. Make it a habit to drink water regularly throughout your fishing trip to ensure you stay hydrated and can fully enjoy your time on the water.
Stay Healthy and Have Fun
That deep, bronzed tan might seem appealing, but it's crucial to exercise caution, especially when engaging in outdoor activities like fishing. While achieving a tan might be a goal for some, it's essential to prioritize sun safety and avoid overexposure while out on the water. Remember the key principles of sun protection: Slip on protective clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, and wrap on sunglasses to shield your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Equipping yourself with proper clothing, including lightweight and breathable fabrics that offer sun protection, along with hats and sunglasses, can go a long way in ensuring a comfortable and safe fishing experience. Applying sunscreen regularly and staying hydrated are also vital components of sun safety, helping to prevent sunburn and dehydration, especially during sweltering summer days.
Ultimately, the goal is to enjoy your time on the water, whether you're reeling in big catches or simply enjoying the serenity of nature. By following these sun safety tips, you can stay cool, healthy, and protected while indulging in your favorite summertime pastime. As for locating hungry fish, well, that's all part of the adventure!
