Staying cool during the summer out on the water

This past 4th of July, I must have had four people come up to me and say: "Aren't you hot in that long sleeve shirt?" I must admit until I fished with a guide down in South West Florida a few years back, I would have asked the same thing. 


In the past few years great advances have been made in technical weave polyester fabrics that allow air to flow freely through the garment while wicking moisture away from the body. This material also has added bonuses of SPF 50 protection, anti-microbial and special  treatment to resist stains.


These shirts are widely available at many sporting sites such as L.L. Bean or Columbia Sportswear. Montauk Tackle Company of Freeport N.Y. has the best selection I have seen, including shirts for women, which are manufactured right here in the U.S.A.


The first time I ventured out in to the hot sun with one of these shirts while down in Mexico, I felt as if I was not wearing a shirt at all. You will also immediately notice that you will no longer feel the heat of the sun on your skin, almost like you are in the shade.


If you want to extend you time out on the water during these hot days you have to give these new technical weave shirts a try.


Tim C. Smith 

Costa Rica 2012

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