Summer is here which means more time outdoors! For anglers, this means more opportunities to catch, and the chance to perfect our work. However, it’s also prime time for the sun to cause damage, especially if you’re out all day.
Here at Fishing Republic, we have teamed up with the Melanoma Fund charity to support the Sunguarding Outdoors campaign. Our aim is to raise awareness to our members about sun protection when enjoying outdoor pursuits to help avoid the risk of skin cancer.
Check out our quick guide to keep your skin safe this summer, when fishing on the bank:
What to Wear?
Picking the correct clothing is essential. Look for a tight weave fabric, long sleeves and ensure to cover your legs. Not only does it keep you camouflaged and looking good, it will also keep you protected from the sun.
Headwear is a good way to protect your head, face and neck from the sun. Keeping your head in the shade and out of the heat is an easy way to avoid heat-stroke or any related illnesses.
We would recommend opting for a wide brimmed hat or legionnaire style cap in the summer months. We have a great range of styles that will protect you, and fit right in with your fishing wardrobe.
Protect your Eyesight
Sunglasses are a must for sunny days as eyes can also be damaged by UV rays. And when it comes to fishing, they even help to spot fish in the water. So, if you’ve not got any, now is your chance.
We have a huge range of glasses on Fishing Republic from brands like Fortis, Trakker and Sinner. You will find that some are more angled towards fishing than others, so pick wisely depending on your needs.
For example, the Fortis overwraps feature polarized lenses, perfect for fishing as they reduce glare and allow for better visibility and deeper vision. As well, they provide UV400 protection, keeping your eyes safe in the sun.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key. Whether it’s from water, or a brew by the bank, it’s all essential to keep you hydrated, especially when the weather really heats up. To top up you water intake, why not try one of our brew kits? They fit perfectly into your tackle kit and make the best partner on the bank.
Lucky for you, we also have stoves available, too! You can sit there, waiting for a catch, whilst you make a tea or coffee and keep yourself hydrated.
SPF and Skincare
Sunscreen is not one to be missed when taking part in outdoor pursuits. Yes… even in the UK you can get a nasty sunburn. Always make sure to use a broad spectrum SPF30+, paying special attention to your ears, nose and other areas that are prone to burning. It’s also important to re-apply every 2 hours especially when get hands and legs wet. You can read more about the benefits here.
As the Melanoma Fund mentions in their Sunguarding Outdoors guidelines for anglers, if you don’t want your bait getting infected and this stops you from protecting your skin, just make sure to apply 1 or 2 hours before going outside and then reapply to backs of hands, rinsing off product with sanitising gel (we all have loads of that at home!)
Stay in the Shade
Shade is a great way to protect yourself in the sun, especially around 11am-3pm, when the sun is at its hottest. Luckily, we have numerous options for this on our website!
When heading to the bank, an umbrella should always be on your list, especially with the temperamental British weather. These can also be used as a parasol to keep you protected in the heat, keeping you in the shade whenever you might need it.
Bivvies are also ideal for the same reason. They offer a place to sit to get away from the sun and cool down. It’s also an idea to plan your pitch carefully – if you’re by trees, you’ll also have some form of shade nearby, but remember the sun moves, so pick your spot wisely.
As you can see, there are many ways to look after yourself when the weather heats up, keeping you out there doing what you love for longer. For further tips, visit Sunguarding Outdoors angling tips here, supported by the Angling Trust.
