Spring is here, and the bass fishing world is awakening, and everyone is itching to get out fishing. It's one of the best times of year to go bass fishing, and you can catch them just about any way you want. In addition to packing the right tackle and gear, selecting the proper clothing is critical, as spring weather can throw a lot at you in a single day.
Here's a rundown of some clothing and accessory items that will keep you comfortable in all sorts of weather as you chase springtime bass.
Fishing Shirts
Over the years, fishing shirts have become highly technical, using specialized fabrics to keep you cool in the sun and protected from skin damage. These shirts are also very comfortable, made from stretch material that allows you to move and cast with ease, and they dry quickly if a spring rain shower comes through.
They also make for a great first layer beneath a hooded sweatshirt or set of rain gear. There are many good options, including these three from Poncho Outdoors, Bassdash, and Huk.
Poncho Outdoors "The Gunnison"
Poncho Outdoors is a Texas-based company that makes everything from western wear and flannels to sun-protecting shirts that are perfect for fishing in the sun. The "Gunnison" is just one of the highly technical shirts they make, with many little details built in, like a hidden zippered pocket, sunglass holder, lens cloth, and magnetic pockets. It's not a cheap shirt, retailing for a little under $100, but it has a unique style that works on or off the water and is very comfortable to wear, thanks to things like the stretch fabric.
Huk Watershed Hooded Shirt
Huk is a name synonymous with great fishing clothing, and the Watershed is one of their newest offerings that you can wear in any season. It has a moisture-management fabric that keeps you warm or cool, depending on the weather, and a stretchy polyester-spandex blend for comfort. The retail cost is $80, but it's a shirt built to last, with a zippered chest pocket and a hood with a drawstring for even more sun protection.
Bassdash UPF 50+ Camo Hoodie with Neck Gaiter
A more budget-friendly option is Bassdash's offerings. They have great-quality shirts that won't break the bank, and a long-sleeved version with a hood and a built-in neck gaiter to protect your face, retailing for less than $35. It features UPF 50+ fabric and comes in a host of colors, including several camo designs. One more plus is that the sides and the underarms are made of mesh for better ventilation.
Shorts and Pants
After choosing your favorite sun shirt, a pair of quality fishing pants or shorts is next on the list. This time of year, pants may be the only option, but "shorts season" is here in many parts of the country. Like fishing shirts, pants, and shorts have become much more comfortable and technical over the years. There are many good options, including these from Huk and Under Armour.
Huk Icon Pro Pant
These are among the most comfortable fishing pants you will find, and they fit great thanks to the stretchy material, which also protects you from the sun with 50+ UPF. The retail cost is $80, and while not cheap, they are built to last, work in all seasons, and help keep you comfortable while fishing.
UA Fish Pro 2.0 Shorts
Under Armour is a company with extensive experience in athletic clothing, and much of that has transferred to its fishing-specific gear, like the newest edition of the UA Fish Pro shorts. They use a water-repelling technology, and the material is lightweight and very comfortable to wear. They are also stretchy in all the right places, like the waistband, so you can move comfortably while fishing. The retail price is $55, and they are available in either gray or khaki.
Raingear and Sunglasses
Spring can be so unpredictable that you may need a rain suit one moment and a pair of quality sunglasses to scan for bedding bass shortly afterwards. Both are must-haves in the Spring to keep you comfortable and help you catch more fish.
Gill Apex Pro-X 2.0 Jacket and Bibs
There are excellent sets of rain gear on the market from many brands, including Gill, which recently upgraded its Pro-X lineup to make them even better. The material they use provides great protection from wind, cold, and, of course, rain. They use a water-repellent finish, and the rain beads off you, keeping you completely dry underneath.
There are also many cool features like a front zipper on the bibs, a hood on the jacket that you can keep up when driving the boat, and multiple zippered pockets that stay dry. The pants also have a full-length zipper, making it easy to put on or take off quickly, even when wearing boots. It's not a cheap product, with both the jacket and bibs retailing for $450 each, but they are packed with technical features that make it a great suit to own.
Bajío Palehorse Sunglasses
Bajío makes excellent sunglasses in unique lens tints and frame styles, including a new option called the Palehorse, which is perfect for spring fishing. They have side shields that protect your eyes and keep light out, making them great for sight fishing. You can also remove these shields if you'd like. Some of the best lens colors for springtime fishing are rose mirror and violet mirror, both of which let in a lot of light and help when looking for spawning bass or those cruising the shallows.
Spring is always a good time to go fishing, and it can be a great chance to catch a lot of bass with a chance at some giants. Picking the right lake and lures to fish is important, but having the right clothing can be just as vital when the weather can change rapidly. The items listed above have passed the test and will be a great addition to any bass angler's wardrobe.
