Sun damage is a real threat
It is now July, and that means the summer is mid way through. It also means the hottest and nastiest days are still ahead of us.
If you have managed to get through this much of your summer without a sun burn, congratulations to you. I for one, have not. I’ve actually been burned twice this year (you would think once was enough, but apparently, not for me!).
But a sun burn is not the only form of sun damage to worry about, especially for anglers. Not only is the sun right above us, but it is also bouncing off of the water surface.
This means we must not only protect our skin, but also our eyes from the sun. Here are five things you need with on in the boat, or on your fly vest this season to keep the sun from doing it’s damage!
1. Great Polarized Sun Glasses
Yeah, I know I’ve already written about my Costa Del Mar glasses. Well, they are so important that it needs to be repeated!
Our eyes, while on the water, are extremely open to being damaged by the sun. I use the white frames because they seem to reflect the sun that is coming off the water, keeping my vision even more clear.
You choose the color, just make sure to get the 580 lenses.
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2. Sunscreen
How obvious is this? Yet, most people go out fishing, and figure since they are clothed, they are good to go. Not the case.
A lot of the time, you will still have your hands, neck, face, and ears exposed. Not to mention the fact that the suns rays can actually penetrate clothing and still leave you with a burn. Don’t chance it—get a bottle of sun screen and keep it in the boat, tackle box, or fly vest.
3. A Good Hat
When you are out there and that sun starts getting higher and higher in the sky, you will be very thankful for a good fishing hat. Now, when I say a good hat, I mean one that provides shade.
I have a Simms trucker hat that I love. I wear the thing all the time, but it is NOT a good fishing hat. The mesh allows too much sun in, and since I have short hair, I can get a burn on my scalp (no really, it’s actually happened before).
For fishing you want a hat that has a good brim, and provides you with shade. Again, I love Simms.
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4. Sun Gloves
I have had my hands sun burnt more than any other part of my body. I finally wised up, and got some sun gloves. Don’t think these are just for saltwater flats and chasing bone fish in the Caribbean—they are for everyday trout fishing, and bass fishing.
I like this model from Dr. Sun because the palms are constructed in a way that still let’s me feel the fish. They also happen to be perfect for kayakers and canoe enthusiasts.
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5. Water
Ha! Threw a curveball at you there!
It’s very true though. Sun damage, sun burns, and retinal damage are all very real, but so is heat stroke. Make sure to stay hydrated out there this summer. And no, beer is not an acceptable alternative!
Have a happy 4th, and see you on the water!