My Favorite Fishing Apparel
When it comes to Florida heat, there are not many types of conventional materials I am a fan of. I’m not even talking about only when I am fishing or on the skiff, I’m talking about in general. I mean, I see people wearing denim in 90 degree humid Florida weather but it will never be me. Cotton shirts; no thank you! I’m born and raised in Florida and the trick here is light weight! I will start from the top down.
Face And Neck Coverings
I have an entire drawer dedicated to buffs, gaiters, and whichever different names they have. I’ve used every material design and style imaginable but I only use 2 materials. Only on one does the brand matter and that is the Simms Fishing solar-flex gaiter which I use 95% of the time. Nothing else comes close in the Florida heat. It is light weight, comfortable, has an ergonomic shape and nose holes so your glasses don’t fog up. The other 5% of the time are the 4 semi cool days Florida gets a year and on those days I just grab any cotton buff. They are better for warmth on the cooler days.
Shirts
When I am on the skiff or I am going to be outdoors for a prolonged period of time I usually opt for a lightweight hooded long sleeve performance shirt. Now I’ve owned all the Simms, Orvis, Free Fly, and many other brands of shirts that are available that fit my preference. But none are more comfortable or durable as the Southern Fin Apparel brand. Something about these shirts just hits different. I don’t know what the material is but it just seems more premium and keeps me cooler than the fore mentioned. I also love their regular t shirt designs and hats for when I go out with friends on a casual night out. 99% of the time I’m grabbing a Southern Fin shirt. (Pictured below)
Sun Gloves
This one is easy. Simms solar-flex gloves are it. I also like their poling gloves when I’m on the platform.
Pants
Lightweight pants are a must! There are only 2 brands I will wear and until recently I was only wearing one. Simms lightweight pants are all I ever used to wear. They are great, with a very light weight feel and a built in internal elastic waist band for when I put on that extra weight in the holiday months. They have the 2 position button snaps at the ankle so they stay high and dry on your ankles and never drag. I can even wear flip flops with them on the second snap, the pants wont fall under my heel. I recently bought my first pair of Orvis lightweight pants and I do have to say I reach for these 90% of the time now. They have all the same features as the Simms lightweight pants but they have a rear left and right back pocket instead of only a right, and they feel a bit more comfortable. Almost more soft. They still have the same internal elastic waist band and the ankle snaps too. My vote goes to Orvis lightweight pants.
Socks
This only applies to the colder days but Simms has the best socks. I’m not that picky on the hot days, I just grab some New Balance or Nike ankle socks usually.
Shoes
This one is also an easy one. Olukai Nohea Moku ! Ever since I found these shoes I’ve never looked back. They have a lightweight comfortable mesh surround with a super grippy sole and they even have a heel cover that folds down so you can wear them like sandals for those quick on and off times. When its super hot out and I’m running on the skiff I can feel the breeze through them. They also dry quickly. I highly recommend these shoes for anyone in the boating scene.
Written by Captain Chris of Oracle Expeditions Inshore Fly Fishing Charters Of Palm Beach
If you are interested in Fly Fishing or Light Tackle Fishing with a true professional inshore saltwater fly fishing guide in the Palm Beach or surrounding areas, reserve your dates before they’re gone! Text or call Captain Chris at 561-444-6970 or click the BOOK NOW button below this blog post!
