Specialized fishing clothing has come a long way, and there are now many choices for technical clothing that protects you from the sun and keeps you cool. There are also many options that will keep you dry and comfortable so you can stay out and fish longer. With so many products out there, we asked three top-level professional anglers to list the two products they couldn't do without.
Justin Cooper's Favorite Fishing Clothing
Rain gear is a must for all bass anglers, but there are many to choose from, from lightweight options to heavy-duty insulated versions. Bass Pro Tour angler Justin Cooper is a fan of the AFTCO Barricade bibs and jacket, especially during the summer and fall.
"It's a great lightweight suit and is awesome for where I live in Louisiana, where it doesn't get very cold," he said. "I also like how breathable it is, so it's not too hot even in hot weather when you get those downpours in the summer. It's a great suit that keeps you dry, and it isn't going to burn you up or make you sweaty."
When the sun is shining bright, Cooper likes to protect his skin with a hooded long-sleeve shirt, and the AFTCO Samurai is his choice.
"I'm always wearing the Samurai shirts and wear one about every day I'm on the water," he said. "I believe in protecting yourself from the sun as much as possible, and I like to always fish with a hood. The material they use in that shirt is lightweight and not too hot, so you don't feel stuffy. Even with the hood on, you don't feel claustrophobic, and it keeps the sun off of your ears and neck."
Nick LeBrun's Go-To Gear
For Bass Pro Tour angler Nick LeBrun, choosing the right clothing comes down to comfort and protection from the sun. He's a big fan of hooded sun shirts, and his go-to is the AFTCO Jason Christie hooded long-sleeve performance shirt.
"That's the shirt that I wear the most when fishing at home, practicing for a tournament, or fishing on the Bass Pro Tour," he said. "What I like most about that shirt is the oversized hood, which makes it comfortable to wear over a hat. It's very comfortable, and it has superior sun protection."
LeBrun is also a fan of comfortable shorts. "I wear the AFTCO Tactical Shorts a lot," he said. They are very comfortable and have great water resistance. I wear them fishing and in everyday life, and I wear them all the time when I'm home from the tour."
Another one that LeBrun likes is the Deckhand Shorts and Pants. "Those are great and they have a lot of room and fit great," he said. "One thing I really like about them is the stretchy band on them, which makes them even more comfortable. That's a big benefit to wearing those all day."
Mark Menendez Opts for Sun Protection
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mark Menendez has been a professional angler for decades and has had his fair share of health scares due to the sun.
"I've had all kinds of stuff cut off of me over the years," he said. "I'm very fair-complected and need to stay out of the sun. So I wear gloves and a face mask every day on the water."
Menendez likes the AFTCO Solago Gloves for his hands, not only to protect himself from the sun but also for general protection.
"I like how secure they are; they aren't going to move around. I can still fish with my wedding band on, and my ring won't move around, and it won't hurt my finger when I set the hook," he said. "They are very snug but also thin and comfortable. They protect my hands from getting scarred up by fish, and at the end of the day, my hands do not feel beat up."
Menendez likes the many AFTCO sun masks to protect his face from the sun's rays. "They are pliable and have enough security that you can put it over your hat, and it won't blow off going down the lake," he said. "The other great thing about them is they have breathing holes, and you can put them over your face and not feel like you are suffocating. They keep the sun off your neck, one of your most vulnerable spots, but they also protect your neckline and breast bone, which is very vulnerable to the sun."
Choosing the right clothing is critical to staying comfortable and fishing at your best. Professional anglers trust the products listed above and get their seal of approval, and they are perfect for anyone who enjoys spending time on the water.
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