“I don’t know why people think it won’t rain while they’re on vacation!”
-Lefty Kreh

Rob and Steve stepped aboard my skiff. Both men wore cotton blue jeans. Dark clouds covered the sky and rain was clearly falling in the distance. The temperature was not unusual for a February morning in Florida, about 60 degrees.

Steve had a rain parka with him, but no rain pants. Rob had a nylon windbreaker- no rain gear at all.

After we were on the water a short time it started pouring, a good, hard, soaking rain. Steve was at least half dry in his parka. Rob, of course, was completely soaked. He was freezing, especially while the boat was under way. We were back at the dock hours early. And of course as soon as the boat was back on the trailer the sun came out.

This might be Florida but in the winter it sometimes gets cold here. It can rain at any time, during any season. If you intend to fish while you’re here, you need to dress for the weather you will actually be encountering, not for what your fantasy of Florida fishing is.

Your head- you need a hat to keep the sun off. A visor is a poor bare minimum. I wear a Tilley hat, which keeps the sun off face, ears, and neck.

If it’s cold, a wool or fleece watch cap is appropriate. Worn over a ball cap it offers good sun protection for face, ears, and neck.

You need polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and errant fish hooks. If you’re fishing after dark bring clear safety glasses for eye protection.

If the forecast temperature is below sixty wear layers of fleece and wool. Long underwear is included in that outfit. Avoid cotton. Once wet it stays that way.

Always carry rain pants and a rain parka. If it’s windy you will get wet when the boat is under way. They make a great windbreaker as well.

Blue jeans are the WORST fishing pants you can wear. They’re hot when it’s hot, cold when it’s cold, and after they get wet they stay that way. Pants made from a cotton/nylon blend are far superior in a boat.

Even in the hot months you need to dress to protect yourself from a relentless and blazing sun. Light weight, ventilated clothing that covers skin is what you need. Patagonia, Columbia, and Ex Officio are all manufacturers that make superior hot, and cold, weather clothing for anglers.

Andrea is properly dressed- hat covers face, ears and neck, sunglasses protect eyes, long shirt and pants protects arms, legs, and torso from a blazing June sun.

So if you want to be dry and comfortable while fishing here, dress for success!

John Kumiski
http://www.spottedtail.com/

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2011. All rights are reserved.