Every angler has done it.
You launch before sunrise.
The air is cool, there's a light breeze, and the cloud cover has you thinking, "I don't need sunscreen today."
Then eight hours later you're loading the boat with a face that's the same color as a crawfish boil.
Fishing has a way of making time disappear. One more cast turns into another hour, and before you know it, the sun has been beating on you all day.
The truth is, sun protection isn't just about being comfortable. It's about taking care of yourself so you can keep doing what you love for years to come.
The Water Makes It Worse
Most people underestimate just how much sun they're getting while they're fishing.
Not only are you outside for hours, but the water reflects UV rays right back at you. Even on cloudy days, those rays are still getting through. If you're fishing from daylight until weigh-in, or just until the fish quit biting, you've been soaking up a lot more sun than you probably realize.
That's why protecting yourself should be just as routine as checking your knots before your first cast.
Start with SPF Clothing
If you fish often, a quality SPF fishing shirt is one of the best investments you can make.
Modern performance shirts are lightweight, breathable, moisture-wicking, and designed to keep you cool even in the middle of a Texas summer. Instead of constantly worrying about reapplying sunscreen to your arms and shoulders, your shirt does most of the work for you.
As a bonus, long sleeves also help keep bugs, wind, and the occasional backlash from tearing up your arms.
Check out our SPF 50+ Hoodies and Long Sleeve Shirts
Wear a Good Hat
A hat doesn't just keep the sun out of your eyes.
It protects your face, forehead, ears, and scalp, areas that seem to burn faster than anywhere else.
Whether you prefer a traditional ball cap or a full-brim fishing hat, wearing something is always better than wearing nothing.
Besides, nobody has ever said, "I wish I'd gotten more sun on my ears."
Neck Gaiters Aren't Just for Winter
If you've never worn a lightweight neck gaiter while fishing, you might be surprised how much difference it makes.
It protects the back of your neck, your face, and your ears from hours of direct sunlight. On windy days it keeps the dust down, and when the bugs show up, you'll appreciate it even more.
It's one of those pieces of gear that doesn't seem important until you've spent a full day without one.
Gloves Are Worth Considering
Most anglers don't think about protecting their hands until they're bright red.
The tops of your hands spend the entire day exposed while you're casting, running the trolling motor, and driving the boat.
Sunscreen works well, but lightweight fishing gloves are another excellent option. They provide consistent protection without having to remember another round of sunscreen every couple of hours. Some anglers love them, while others prefer sunscreen. Either way, don't ignore your hands.
They're one of the first places to show years of sun exposure.
Check out KastKing Sol Armis Fishing Gloves
Sunscreen Is Still the MVP
Even with SPF clothing, hats, gaiters, and gloves, sunscreen is still the most important piece of your sun protection plan.
Your face.
Your nose.
Your ears.
Your hands.
Your legs if you're wearing shorts.
Those areas need protection.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, apply it before you leave the dock, and reapply it throughout the day, especially if you're sweating or getting wet.
Clouds don't block all UV rays.
Neither does wishful thinking.
Check out Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45 Sunblock
Protect Yourself So You Can Keep Fishing
Most of us don't think twice about spending money on quality rods, reels, electronics, or tackle.
Taking care of ourselves should be just as important.
A few simple habits can prevent painful burns today while helping reduce long-term skin damage down the road.
The fish will still be there tomorrow.
The question is whether you'll be comfortable enough to go after them.
Last Cast
The best sun protection isn't a single product. It's a system.
Wear an SPF shirt.
Put on a good hat.
Cover your neck with a gaiter.
Consider gloves if they're your style.
And don't leave the dock without sunscreen.
None of it guarantees you'll catch more fish.
But it'll help make sure you can keep chasing them for years to come.
See y'all on the water.
