With our ever changing climates and the decreasing of the ozone layer, one has to consider and protect our selves from the increasing harmful ultra violate rays from the sun. With this in mind, let us not abuse our bodies, and be a lot more responsible.

It does not matter how young, fit or dark the skin colour, the UV rays are damaging your skin. This happens even on cloudy or overcast days. The most important thing is to always apply at least a 25-factor sunscreen on all exposed body parts. Make sure your ears, neck, forehead, the side of the temples, nose and mouth areas are well covered. Keep a lip cream handy to apply regularly during the day. I recommend you apply protection cream before going fishing, even if you leave at 5am. If you don’t, later in the day when you feel you are burning, the damage is done.
Three main categories need to be considered when dressing for the day’s fishing, namely summer, winter and/or rainy conditions.
 No matter the time of the year or the state of the weather, comfort is a prime consideration.  When standing and casting all day you don’t want clothing that is too tight or chafing you. Good clothing for fishing does not have to be expensive, as the general clothing stores have some very nice things.

 In summer, a shirt that is ventilated under the arms and across the back is always a good choice, with short or long sleeves. Shorts that go past your knees look “cool” and also protect your legs and knees from the sun, whether operating a boat or fishing off the bank. Of importance also is a good pair of shoes that give your feet good support, including your instep. I have seen competition anglers just sitting down half way through a tournament because of fatigue due to sore feet and tired legs. Socks also add comfort to your feet. Peek caps always look good, but I strongly recommend a wide brimmed hat or a cap with long back and side flaps when the sun is up.

Those of you who know me know that I always wear a set of golfing gloves to protect my hands. I just cut off the full fingers. These gloves are super light and comfortable. For eye protection I always have two types of spectacles on the boat. Firstly a pair of clear goggles for early morning and evening running. This is for protection against miggies. The last thing you want on the start of a tournament, is a bug in your eye! Next is the best you can afford in polarized sunglasses. There are so many styles and types for different light conditions such as amber, green, brown, and even blue and silver finishes. Various brands are available and prices range from economical to expensive, but check out what pair suits you. A handy accessory is a small hand towel clipped onto your belt. It sure beats wiping fishy hands on your shorts.
In winter choose the ‘layered look’, namely layers of thin (thermal) clothes. They are not bulky, making for easy casting and can be taken off in layers as the day warms up. A thin pair of neoprene gloves with cut away fingers are lovely to fish with. Also have a pair of motorcycle gloves that fit over your fishing gloves, and a good balaclava for those sub- zero rides in the morning.

 When winter fishing always have a spare set of clothes on board as you never know when you might need them. Hypothermia is very real and life threatening.
Always be prepared for a rainy day, no matter what the weather looks like in the morning. A good rain suit is one item you must spend as much money as you can afford to purchase. I bought a rain suit in 1986 when fishing in the U.S.A. for approximately R2500, a lot of money at that time (it still is! – Ed) but it has been well worth the investment and has helped me to a lot of top ten finishes. It kept me warm, comfortable and dry, thus helping me to maintain my fishing pressure throughout the day. After twenty years of good use I have just passed it on to another angler.

A good rain suit should consist of chest high trousers with braces, a long jacket with hood, front zip with Velcro flap in front of the zip, Velcro cuffs and some form of elastic around the waist. It is good to have a lining on the inside and the material must be breathable such as Gortex. This type of rain suit also serves very well as a windbreaker for those cold early mornings. Those vinyl windbreakers or shower jackets are cheap to buy but are really not up to what is needed. Again, use the neoprene gloves in the rain. It not only keeps your hands dry and warm, but also gives a good grip.
 Lastly I use a pair of ultra- soft and light waterproof boots. With the legs of the rain going over the boots your entire body is kept dry and comfortable, allowing you to concentrate on your fishing. Properly protected against the rain you don’t have to be a duck to stay out in the rain!
 Warning! Always wear a pair of shoes or sandals when walking in the water, no matter how clean the water looks. They keep you from slipping or suffering a cut from broken glass or any other sharp objects.
 In conclusion, to “dress for the occasion” wearing shirts with tackle brand names not only looks good, but also impresses the general public. Most importantly it is good advertising for the companies and suppliers that continue to support and sponsor our bass tournaments.
*Gordon Brown is one of our most respected tournament bass anglers in South africa.