Because
the hot summer sun is harmful your skin must be protected as much as possible
when fishing. Long pants and long shirtsleeves provide better protection than
shorts and shortsleeved shirts. In warm weather lightweight and light-colored
clothing reflects the sun and is cooler. Dark clothing is warmer because it absorbs
heat. Even in warm weather it's a good idea to take a sweater or jacket and
rain gear. Even though it may be warm during much of the day, many fishing trips
begin early when it's still chilly and end late in the evening when it get cool.
Western-style
hats offer good protection from glare and against sunburn. Lightweight, light-colored,
baseball-style caps are also popular and will help keep you cooler. In tropical
areas, such as Florida and the Gulf Coast, some saltwater anglers put a cloth
on the back of their caps to keep their necks from getting sunburned. Hats also
protect your head from hooks on poor casts.
A
pair of high-top sneakers is ideal for protecting your feet from sharp rocks and
glass while wading in the summer. They will also protect your feet while you are
fishing from the bank. For fishing from a boat wear shoes designed to keep you
from slipping on a wet boat deck (boat shoes).