Fishing clothing
Fishing boot camp – fitness for anglers
Any angler knows that fishing can cause wear and tear on the body.
Periods of relative inactivity interspersed with flurries of intense effort can result in injury, as can the repetitive motions of casting and retrieving. Physical fitness can really help you up your game and keep you healthy too.
So kick off your fishing boots, clear some space in your bivvy, and try some of the stretches below while you’re waiting for a bite.
It’s all about posture
The evolution of fishing
Source: Zazzle
How we stand when we fish has a major effect on the muscular balance of our bodies.
When standing, most anglers tend to rest more of their weight on one leg, with their pelvis rotated forward. Holding a fishing rod is a shoulder-rounding stance and gazing down at the water places a strain on neck muscles.
In short, fishing puts your body out of balance.
Bend
Making it look easy
Source: The Mommy Files
To counteract the stresses that fishing puts on our bodies, we need to stretch in such away that unlocks tensions in muscles and joints – particularly our backs. One exercise that’s very useful for anglers is the ‘superman.’
Not only does it release tension in your lower back, it strengthens core muscles too. Lie on your front with your arms stretched out in front.
Keeping your head in a neutral position, lift your arms and legs clear of the floor. Hold and slowly release.
Added release for shoulders and neck can be incorporated into this exercise by bringing your arms back so that you resemble an aeroplane. Not sure? It’s easy – babies do it all the time.
Pain in the neck
Lateral neck bend exercise
Source: DIY Health
Fishing puts a strain on your neck, so make sure that you stretch before and after fishing.
The lateral neck bend is a simple exercise. Look up – look down, look right – look left. Bend your head towards one shoulder, straighten, then bend toward the other. Keep your shoulders relaxed and in a neutral position throughout.
You can do the exercises at any time so make sure you take them fishing with you. Take your time to perform the movements slowly and smoothly.
Lunges
Hold for 30 to 60 seconds
Source: SweatNSass
Lower back problems affect vast numbers of people. The human body wasn’t designed to sit down for hours every day.
Enforced immobility is a major problem in Western society – but to ensure you remain fit enough to fish – there are steps you can take.
Simply take a step forward, lower your back knee and at the same time push the front of your hip forward. Only bend as far as you find comfortable and always stop if you feel pain.
With this exercise, it is important not to bend your front leg beyond a right angle. Hold the position for 30 to 60 seconds before slowly straightening. Then swap legs and do it again.
Core strength
The plank exercise
Source: Get Fit Get Healthy
A simple exercise for improving core strength is the plank.
Pay great attention to getting the pose right and you’ll reap the reward of this very effective exercise. Keep your knees locked and your legs straight.
Your hips should be level at all times. As you tire it’s tempting to let your back sag. Don’t.
It’s far better to let your knees drop to the floor and do a modified stance. Your head should be in a neutral position and your upper arms at right angles to the floor.
Hold the position for as long as you can – it’s great for your core, back upper body and legs.
Forearms and elbows.
Never stretch further than is comfortable
Winding the handle of your reel and casting are highly repetitive motions that can lead you to develop tennis elbow. This is a very painful condition that can take all the fun out of fishing. Keep your muscles and tendons supple by performing this easy stretch.
With your arm out in front of you, gently bend your hand back. Hold and release. Now take the same hand and bend it in the opposite direction. Repeat several times on each side.
Never stretch further than is comfortable. It’s much better to repeat the exercise two or three times a day than try to make big gains right away.
Practise little and often and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how much more reeling your elbows and wrists can take.
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How fishing boots can save your feet
Happy Feet?
Source: Allianz
Trench foot is a particularly nasty affliction of the feet caused by prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions.
But if you think trench foot isn’t a risk for anglers, think again. It can take as little as 13 hours to develop what amounts to a serious medical problem.
Read on to discover how good quality fishing boots could literally save your life.
It’s only mud
Stuck in the mud
Source: Wikipedia
As every angler knows getting wet and muddy goes with the territory, but you do need to pay attention to your feet. In temperatures below 16 celsius, if your feet get wet, you’re at risk of developing trench foot.
The boots themselves are partly to blame, because all footwear restricts circulation. But how you look after your feet is key.
This is particularly true if an angling trip is scheduled to last more than a single day. Make sure you know the warning signs that your feet are feeling the strain.
Symptoms
A professional opinion
Source: Web MD
The first sign of a foot in trouble is likely to be tingling, or perhaps an itching sensation with pain, swelling and cold, blotchy skin. You may notice areas of redness or blueness indicating blood circulation has been compromised. Alternatively, you may experience numbness or a heavy feeling in a waterlogged foot.
Later on, once you’ve warmed your foot, is the skin suddenly very dry? And are your feet uncharacteristically red, swollen or painful? You may have chilblains but if you’re unlucky – it could be trench foot.
Untreated, trench foot can worsen beyond the point that swelling and blisters develop. Infection can set in and interruption to blood circulation can cause skin to die. At this point there is a significant risk of gangrene.
While you’re unlikely to let a case of cold, wet feet deteriorate to such a degree, it is worth being ‘foot aware’ to prevent very painful and perfectly preventable after effects. If you are worried you might have developed trench foot – seek medical advice.
Prevention
Keeping his feet dry
Source: Stueby’s Outdoor Journal
The best way to stop trench foot in its tracks is to keep your feet warm and dry, also avoid footwear that’s too tight or too loose. Good fishing boots are a must.
But if your feet are likely to get wet, make sure that you pack plenty of dry socks and change them frequently. At night, when you’re tucked up in your bivvy, always check your feet over and treat any blisters.
Leave wet boots and socks off at night, this will give your feet a chance to fully recover, in time for the following days fishing.
Trench warfare
Trench Warfare
Source: Soc 11 Eh!
Trench foot gets its name from the appalling plight of soldiers during World War One. Men fought for days and weeks in thick mud and standing water. At its peak 20,000 soldiers had diseased feet, and over the course of the war the condition affected a staggering 74,000 allied troops. Some of the soldiers suffered gangrene, amputation and even death.
Combattants in wars as recent as the Falklands have been dogged by trench foot. In the civilian population, festival goers, anglers and hikers have all been affected. But by being prepared and knowing the signs and symptoms – you can stay one step ahead.
Dave Lane Carp Fishing Diary – January
Well that was that then, the second coming of the ice age soon put paid to my little run of catching carp.
I turned up last Monday full of confidence of finally achieving my lifetime ambition, a big carp in the snow. The white stuff was falling out of the sky in flakes the size of white sugar mice and an even crisp coating covered the banks, but not enough to put a damper of my carp fishing enthusiasm.
The drive through the Estate was pretty hairy as, half an hour before light; mine were unsurprisingly the first set of tyre tracks on the lane. Even in four wheel drive it was more than a little slippery but I arrived in one piece and with no dents or scrapes.
Pushing the barrow was easier than normal though as the sloppy mud on the paths had frozen solid and I trudged straight up to the swim I had been so successful ion the previous two visits.
Surely this would be the week that I returned victorious with a camera full of images a big golden carp against a Christmas card background?
I knew I was up against it though as the forecast was for a rapid deterioration in the conditions and hideously cold temperatures during Tuesday night, this combined with a swing in the wind to the East meant there was a very real chance of the lake freezing over.
To start though it looked perfect, the snow kept falling and the baits all went out in the right spots first time. I put the bivvy up to shield my kit from the snow and settled in for the duration.
The first bite time came and went, shortly followed by the afternoon chance without as much as a sniff.
As soon as grew dark I knew I was in for the long haul as I have only had the one take in darkness and the nights seem so interminably long at this time of year but a film on the mini DVD player and a good book helped to pass the time.
Once again the morning feeding spell came and went and I busied myself by making a snowman for company, it was looking really good until Paddy decided to eat both his stick arms!
Once I had re-cast all the rods with fresh baits there really was very little to do apart from sit and wait some more and consider the sanity of doing another night as they were predicting temperatures of minus eight that night.
Luckily I had come well prepared and the layers of thermal fishing clothing I had on kept me nice and warm despite the biting easterly winds.
Once again darkness fell only this time the forecast came good and by midnight I knew that my chances of that magical snow photo were as far below zero as the thermometer was.
I snuggled down for the night and, as I awoke on Wednesday morning, I was actually surprised just how nice and warm I felt, I had my trusty Hard-core Sleeping bag tucked up around my chin and the fleece lined cover keeping in all that lovely warm air, it was quite a shock when I peered out of the bivvy doorway and saw fifty ducks all walking in single file across the middle of the lake, my quest for a carp had failed but I suppose my testing of the new winter range of clothes and sleeping bags had been a roaring success. I was tempted to just stay in bed and pretend I was still fishing but, eventually, I had climb out and start the long and arduous task of packing away a frozen bivvy and breaking the ice to retrieve my lines with fingers that felt like frozen sausages.
As they say though, you have to be in it to win it and there is still plenty of winter left to try again, and plenty more snow on the way.
Tags: carp fishing, carp fishing diary January, Dave Lane, thermal fishing clothing | No Comments »
In the.. Polar Buff?
Here at Fishtec we now have stock of the Reversible Polar Buffs.
To follow in the ever growing ‘buff’ trend, BuffTM have created the Reversible Polar Buff. A two layer garment made from polyester microfibre and fleece. The two layers create an air cushion that acts as a heat trap, providing extra protection and helps to maintain body temperature. Perfect for the hardcore fisherman who are looking to be out on the banks or up to their chest in ice cold water this winter!
A buff has been regarded as an essential piece of fishing clothing, protecting against harmful UV rays and retaining heat on the coldest of days.
Technical Features
Made from 100% polyester microfibre and 100% polyester fleece, Polar BUFF® Reversible weighs 73g/2.6oz and measures 51cm x 24.5cm/20″ x 9.6″.
One size fits most adults.
Polar BUFF® Reversible is machine washable and non iron. It won’t fade or lose its elasticity.
Tags: buffs, fishing clothing, original buffs, reversible polar buff | No Comments »
Subscribe today for FREE fishing clothing!
The Airflo Mesh Vest is Trout Fishermans top selling subscription gifts. It has been described as the “Ultimate lightweigth fly vest” and is ideal piece of fishing clothing for the angler who likes to travel light, wade deep or be able to carry everything.
Remember, a magazine subscription offer could be the perfect gift for an angler who has everything! The Airflo Mesh Vest is a Great addition to a year long subscription!
Features include:
- A pocket for every situation
- Horizontal pockets
- Vertical zip down fly trays
- Large and Medium vertical pockets
- Double front D-rings and back D-ring
- Straps and leashes to attach your gadgets
- Adjustable one size fits all system
Take advantage of this superb subscription offer and order in one of two ways…
- By Web : www.greatmagazines.co.uk/troutfisherman
- Call the hotline : 08448488872
Subscription benefits:
- Delivered straight to your door
- Pay in one quick easy payment
- Be the first to read the latest news
- Free postage and Packing
OFFER CLOSES Nov 14th, 2012!
Tags: airflo mesh vest, fishing clothing, subscription gift, trout fisherman | No Comments »
New Simms Fishing Clothing
Finding the right fishing jacket, fleece or softshell could be a long and tedious process. Trying on a jacket and walking around a fishing store isn’t the ideal environment to test a product. It could fit perfectly but as soon as you start waving a fishing rod around the garment could soon become uncomfortable. The designers at Simms have tried to make everything a little easier for the fly angler who wants everything at the click of a button.
Introducing the new Simms’ new fall line-up of technical fishing clothing. These garments offer serious protection from the worst the winter can throw at you.
The range of simms fall gear here at fishtec
Featuring the Bulkley Jacket, Simms have designed this jacket for the enthusiastic boat or bank angler who doesn’t need a jacket which they can deep wade in. By extending it’s length the bulkley will cover the back of all waterproof trousers eliminating damp patches and draught. Boasting a 2 layer GORE-TEX® outer shell with the innovative all-weather insulation of PrimaLoft® One technology.
Simms developed the Fall run jacket for the angler who like to travel light. This amazing piece of kit is lightweight and packable and will defiantly keep you warm on those cool winter mornings as you’re waiting on the bank for the mist to clear. Primaloft® One material traps and holds heat in its pours making it one of the best mid/top layers on the market.
The Simms Guide Windstopper jacket has been designed for the most extreme angler wanting the most out of their fishing clothing. This jacket is said to be the jacket for fall 2012 and Spring of 2013, featuring a Windproof, breathable and showerproof outer construction finished with DWR, this jacket is immune to the elements.
Tags: fishing clothing, Fishtec, gore-tex jackets, New Simms Fishing Clothing, primaloft, softshell | 1 Comment »
Fishing boots football off top sport spot
Fishing is more popular than football
The new football season is upon us, and it’s all to play for.
But if the thought of watching a bunch of millionaires kick a ball around turns you cold, or if listening to the waffling Gary Lineker makes you reach for your fishing boots, don’t worry; you’re not the only one.
In fact, this seemingly football crazed nation is not, as it turns out, quite as crazed as you might think.
Most people can name a team they follow – at least in principle. Many take a keen interest in the football premiership. But when it comes to participating in this most ubiquitous of sports, it turns out that we’d rather go fishing.
Yes, that’s right, a study by the Countryside Alliance has found that more people go fishing, than play organised football.
Fishing continues to grow in popularity
Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the countryside whilst fishing
For confirmed angling addicts, this will come as no surprise. But the growing popularity of angling owes much to the efforts of the bodies that control our rivers. Thousands of projects to improve river ecosystems, better environmental controls and partnerships with farmers and businesses have done much to improve the quality of British rivers.
Thanks to the work of the Environment Agency along with thousands of volunteers and charities across the country, our waterways are now some of the best in Europe. Salmon, otters and water voles are returning, in numbers, to stretches of water they long ago abandoned.
The peace and tranquillity of the countryside is key to the quality of the fishing experience, and with thousands of miles of riverbank scheduled by the for improvement by Environment Agency, things can only get better.
Fishing is fun for all the family
Why not take the family fishing for the day?
Just as organisers of the wildly successful British Olympics, have focused on getting young people interested and engaged in sport, so organisations like the Countryside Alliance are going to great lengths to get young people fishing.
Fishing for schools, is a programme run through the Alliance, and headed by angling legend, Charles Jardine. The scheme engages kids who may not thrive in the classroom, by giving them angling instruction.
Currently underway too, is National Fishing Month, a campaign to inspire families across the country to take up fishing.
Such efforts should be roundly applauded. An appreciation for the natural environment, gained at a young age, will last a lifetime, helping to protect our wonderful rivers, for future generations of anglers.
New Airflo Fishing Clothing – Thermolite Jacket
Sometimes a jacket is seen simply as a garment to throw on when things get a little chilly. Using a jacket which is loaded with specification and designed to keep you comfortable whilst out fishing will undoubtedly improve your performance and get more fish on the bank, the Airflo Thermolite Jacket will do just that.
Fishing clothing has been following a growing trend over the past few years with clothing becoming more trendy, something that wouldn’t look out of place when at the bar after a competition. Not so long ago anglers were wearing their favourite fishing jacket, usually a moss green waistcoat to the shops or out for a beer. Airflo has designed a jacket that not only appeals to the socially driven anglers but also the technically minded winter anglers.
New for 2012, this ultra lightweight filled jacket is set to become a firm favourite on the bank, out afloat or at the bar after a long days fishing. A great cut combined with modern materials make it a superb alternative to a fleece and will keep you warm even in the coldest of conditions. Use as an outer layer on mild days or as a mid layer under your shell in extreme conditions.
The Airflo Thermolite Jacket retails at just £49.99
Tags: airflo thermolite jacket, fishing clothing, fishing jacket | No Comments »
Dogs in fishing clothing
Fishing fashion for our furry friends is essential for safety, comfort and a bit of a giggle.
Fishing clothing for our canine companions come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny fashionable waterproofs to giant fluorescent life jackets.
Here’s a fishing fashion photo shoot for your amusement:
Tom’s dog sporting a lightweight fishing jacket with carry handle
Photo by Alex Laurie
Wilby ‘The Fish Finder’ in a practical red jacket
Photo by Jen DeVere Warner
Jax wearing a waterproof fishing coat
Photo by Eco Pup
Tonga shows off her fashionable fishing jacket
Photo by Margaret Hill
Howler fashions his full waterproof look
Photo by Mike C Peck
Nala in a racy red raincoat
Photo by Deborah Hustic
Wonder in her radiant waterproof coat
Photo by Peter Jackson
Honey the rescue dog in designer lifejacket
Photo by Florida Fish and Wildlife
Very foreign fishing clothing
Deciding what to wear for a fishing trip may be a fairly straightforward choice: dress for the weather and choose practical, quick-drying clothes.
But when you’re packing for a little angling abroad, there are more possibilities for exotic fishing clothing than you might think.
It’s not just about donning gloves in Greenland or shorts in the Seychelles – think a little outside the box and you could easily add a little local colour to your attire.
Italy
Italian fishing clothing
Italy is known for being one of the most important fashion centres of the world, and die hard fashionistas will find any excuse to dress up. OK, the model in the picture might never have fished in his life, but we admire his perseverance. Mixing your regular fly fishing clothing with an old suit will certainly turn a few heads on your fishing holiday in Italy.
USA
American fishing clothing
Just because it’s your wedding day, doesn’t mean you haven’t got time for some fishing, so if you’re going to America to tie the knot, be sure to take your fishing tackle with you. And don’t let your clothing hold you back – as this bride from New Jersey demonstrates, you really can fish wearing anything. We just hope she didn’t rent that dress.
Scotland
Scottish fishing clothing
Why not fish the Tweed in tweeds? A traditional country suit can be both warm and hard-wearing, and if you’ve never fished in a tie before you might just be tempted to try it. Tuck the trousers into your wellies and protect your head with a cap, and you’ll be fishing Scottish style in no time.
Yemen
Yemeni fishing clothing
With the recent release of ‘Salmon Fishing in Yemen’, the Yemen tourist board has had to warn potential holidaymakers that there isn’t really a salmon industry in the country, although there is a healthy sea fishing community. But if you could indulge in a little Arabian fly fishing, would you wear this country’s traditional long robes, in place of waders? Probably not, although the jambiya knife might come in handy with a particularly big catch.
Vietnam
Vietnamese fishing clothing
There are plenty of opportunities to go fly fishing in South East Asia and, although you may not be familiar with Vietnamese fishing techniques, why not take a leaf out the locals’ book and put on a nón lá? This is the pointed hat made from straw, and it’s perfect for keeping you cool while you fish.
North Pole
Father Christmas fishing clothing
OK, a fishing trip to the North Pole is probably unrealistic, and it certainly wouldn’t look like this. But you never know, if you make it there, you might just find Santa.