For an expert angler, the sun isn’t just a source of light, it’s an important environmental factor that could mark the difference between a successful fishing trip and having to go home without having fished anything.
Most anglers have experienced heavy exhaustion at the end of a day fishing, which is wrongly attributed only to all the physical work involved in fishing. However, science tells you that a big part of that feeling of tiredness actually comes from sun fatigue. Sun fatigue is a process in which the body consumes massive amounts of energy trying to repair cellular damage and regulate temperature under relentless radiation. That’s why high-performance equipment to protect against the sun is one of the most important tools for an angler that wants to get as much from their journey as possible. l
The physics of radiation on the water.
Many anglers think that a hat is enough to protect yourself against the sun; however, when you’re on water radiation doesn’t only come from above.
Reflection:
Water surfaces can reflect between 10% and 25% UV radiation upwards. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation (2024), this means that critical zones of your skin like your chin, nose or under your ears might receive a double dose of UV rays that hats can’t block or protect against.
Altitude and latitude:
When fishing in a mountain range, UV ray intensity increases at least a 12% for every 1,000 feet of elevation.
At ZERØDRK30 we have equipment designed to protect against this reflection, using turtlenecks or hats that protect the whole face without taking away visibility or breathability.
UFP vs SPF: why a cotton shirt is not enough
The SPF, solar protection factor, of sunscreen lotions is different from the UPF, ultraviolet protection factor, of clothing.
Mechanical barrier vs chemical barrier: while liquid sunscreen is degraded by sweat and water in around 80 minutes, clothing with UPF of 50 or upwards offers protection against the sun for much longer. Clothing with this UPF rating makes it so that only 1/50th (2%) of sun rays and ultraviolet radiation penetrate through the clothing.
The problem with cotton: a normal white cotton shirt only offers a UPF of around 5. And if it gets wet, this number is reduced to almost 0. High-performance fishing clothing use polyester and spandex with a high-density texture. These materials and structure maintain the UPF's integrity even when the clothing becomes wet from water or sweat.
Essential components to be comfortable all day long
For clothing to be wearable for 10 to 12 hours, protection must be accompanied by proper thermal management so that it’s not too cold or too hot.
Convective ventilation
It is not enough to block the sun; heat must be allowed to escape so the clothing doesn’t become too uncomfortable. High-performance fishing shirts incorporate laser-cut ventilation panels or strategically placed mesh on the back and underarms. This facilitates convective cooling, preventing the feeling between the fabric and the skin from becoming damp and heavy
Integrated
The use of integrated masks is vital to protect the face from water glare. The modern design includes laser-cut breathing holes, a critical feature that allows airflow and prevents polarized glasses from fogging up, a problem that often forces anglers to remove their eye protection.
Technical gloves
The back of the hand is one of the areas with the highest incidence of skin cancer in anglers. Sun gloves with open palms allow you to maintain the “feel” of the rod and the ability to tie knots, while protecting the thin skin of the back of the hand that is constantly exposed to direct sunlight on the reel.
Optical protection and neurosensorial fatigue
Protection against the sun must also include the eyes. Extended exposure to sunlight without the correct proportion causes problems for the sight, such as photokeratitis (corneal burn) and brain fatigue that slows down reflexes.
Blocking infrared light
Infrared blocking: Besides UV rays, infrared rays are responsible for that burning sensation in the eyes. High quality sunglasses filter IR rays, keeping the eyes fresh and reducing the energy needed to keep your attention in the sunlight-reflecting water.
Wraparound Frames: Frames should be wraparound in design to prevent peripheral light from reflecting off the inside of the lens and damaging the eye.
Conclusion
High-performance equipment to protect against the sun is crucial for a successful fishing trip. It’s important to understand the rules of UPF, the sunlight reflecting on the water and controlling your body temperature in order to be an angler that’s not at the mercy of the sun. Choose protection you can wear all day long and keep yourself healthy and prepared.
