Proper Clothing for Florida Fishing: How to Prevent Sunburn While Enjoying Your Time on the Water
Fishing in Florida is a dream for many anglers, with its beautiful waters, abundant fish species, and year-round warm weather. However, the intense Florida sun can quickly turn a great day of fishing into a painful experience if you’re not properly protected. Sunburn is a serious concern, and repeated exposure can lead to long-term skin damage. The good news is that with the right clothing and a few precautions, you can enjoy your fishing trip while staying safe from harmful UV rays. Here’s a guide to choosing the proper clothing for Florida fishing to prevent sunburn.
1. Long-Sleeve UPF Shirts
When it comes to sun protection, not all shirts are created equal. Look for long-sleeve shirts with a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF). UPF clothing is specially designed to block out harmful UV rays, providing much better protection than regular fabric.
Recommended UPF Rating: A UPF rating of 30 or higher is ideal. UPF 30 blocks about 97% of UV rays, while UPF 50+ blocks 98% or more.
Material: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics like polyester or nylon are great for keeping cool in the heat. Many fishing shirts also have mesh vents to improve airflow.
2. Wide-Brimmed Hats
A wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting your face, neck, and ears from the sun. While baseball caps are popular, they don’t provide adequate coverage for the back of your neck or your ears, which are often the first areas to get sunburned.
Brim Size: Look for a hat with at least a 3-inch brim that provides shade all around your head.
Material: Choose a hat made from breathable, lightweight fabric that’s also water-resistant. Some hats even have built-in UPF protection for extra coverage.
3. Neck Gaiters or Buffs
A neck gaiter, also known as a buff, is a versatile piece of clothing that can be worn around your neck, pulled up over your face, or used as a headband. These are especially useful for protecting the sensitive skin on your neck, which can be easily overlooked when applying sunscreen.
UPF Protection: Like shirts, look for a gaiter with a UPF rating of 30 or higher.
Cooling Features: Many gaiters are designed to provide a cooling effect when wet, which can be a great way to stay comfortable in the Florida heat.
4. Fishing Gloves
Your hands are often exposed to the sun while fishing, whether you’re casting, reeling, or handling fish. Sunburned hands can be painful, and they’re easy to overlook when applying sunscreen. Lightweight fishing gloves offer protection without sacrificing dexterity.
Fingerless Design: Consider gloves with a fingerless design for better control while tying knots or handling gear.
UPF Protection: As with other clothing, look for gloves with a high UPF rating.
5. Lightweight Pants
While shorts are tempting in Florida’s warm climate, lightweight pants provide much better protection against the sun. Opt for pants made from quick-drying, breathable fabric that won’t weigh you down.
Convertible Pants: Some fishing pants have zip-off legs, allowing you to switch between pants and shorts as needed. This versatility is perfect for adapting to changing conditions.
Reinforced Knees: Look for pants with reinforced knees and seat areas for added durability, especially if you’ll be kneeling or sitting on rough surfaces.
6. Footwear with Protection
Don’t forget about your feet! Sandals may be comfortable, but they leave your feet exposed to the sun. Instead, opt for shoes that offer both protection and comfort.
Water Shoes or Boots: Choose footwear that provides good coverage and is designed to handle wet conditions. Quick-drying materials and non-slip soles are ideal for fishing.
Socks with UPF: If you’re wearing shoes, consider pairing them with socks that have UPF protection, especially if your shoes don’t cover your ankles.
7. Sunglasses with UV Protection
Your eyes are just as vulnerable to UV damage as your skin. A good pair of polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays while also reducing glare on the water, making it easier to spot fish.
Lens Color: Amber or copper lenses are great for enhancing contrast and visibility in the bright Florida sun.
Wraparound Design: Look for sunglasses with a wraparound design to protect your eyes from all angles.
Additional Sun Protection Tips
Apply Sunscreen: Even with the right clothing, it’s still important to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or getting wet.
Stay Hydrated: The Florida sun can quickly dehydrate you, so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Seek Shade: Whenever possible, take breaks in the shade to give your skin a rest from direct sunlight.
Final Thoughts
Fishing in Florida is an unforgettable experience, but the intense sun requires careful preparation. By choosing the right clothing and accessories, you can protect yourself from sunburn and enjoy your time on the water without worry. From UPF shirts and wide-brimmed hats to neck gaiters and fishing gloves, proper sun protection is essential for a safe and enjoyable fishing trip. So gear up, stay covered, and make the most of your Florida fishing adventure.
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