Beat The Florida Sun & Bugs While Fishing

Whether you’re patrolling the flats looking for a push, tromping through the backwoods to whip your 4wt for panfish, or chikee hopping in the Florida Everglades – two things remain a constant: Sun & Bugs.

Here’s some things I’ve learned over the years.

Beating The Florida Sun When It’s Beating on You

I have to admit, heat is heat and very little will take that away. That said, there are a few things you can do to bring comfort back in your corner.

I have to start with the wet rag trick. Keep a rag on you (preferably without bait juice on it), dip it in the water, and place it around the back of your neck. This is an old trick but does the job in the moment. Unfortunately, the relief from this is usually temporary, but for a temporary moment – it can take the edge off completely.

Moisture wicking shirts and even pants can provide relief in a couple of ways. While shedding the sweat away from your body, the effects of this transition from liquid to vapor can create a cooling effect. At the same time, these types of clothes also allow the breeze to, well, breeze on through.  When combined, almost nothing beats this overall cooling effect.

Find some shade, for real. While not always accessible on the flats, and never available near or offshore, if you can find some shade – leverage it. Take some moments under the edge of a mangrove line, take a quick break on a spoil island, or park it under a bridge and let the shade there do the work. Having these breaks in the shade can make your entire day more manageable.

Wearing a hat also provides some shade for your face when all else is unavailable. Sometimes it sure doesn’t feel like much, but when you take the hat off – the difference becomes night and day.

If all else fails, hit the water. If you have access to a nice clear sandbar or something similar, dive on in – this is something we do on near every trip out. Of course, avoid jellyfish, stingrays, and gator or shark infested waters.

Lastly, whenever possible, try to plan your fishing trips outside the peak sun hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During these hours, the sun’s rays are the strongest. Early morning or late afternoon trips can be just as productive and far less taxing on your skin.

Skin Protection

While beating the heat is a game of shade, water, and adaptation; protecting your skin is a game of science.

Investing in sun protective clothing is one of the best steps you can take. These garments are designed with tightly woven fabric that blocks out a significant portion of UV rays. Look for items labeled with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating.

A UPF rating of 30, for instance, allows only 1/30th of the sun's UV radiation to reach your skin. Long-sleeve shirts, pants, and even gloves and neck gaiters made from such fabrics can make a huge difference.

For comprehensive coverage, consider wearing a lightweight breathable fishing hoodie shirt paired with a hat. These items are perfect for protecting your neck, ears, and face from the sun. The hoodie provides full coverage for your upper body while allowing air to flow through, keeping you cool. The neck gaiter can be pulled up over your face and ears, offering an extra layer of protection against UV rays.

Wearing a hat provides protection for your face. A regular baseball-style hat can be effective, especially when combined with other protective gear like sunglasses and hoodies. While it may not offer as much coverage as a wide-brimmed hat, it still shields your face from direct sunlight and can be a convenient option for anglers.

Your eyes are also susceptible to UV damage. Wear sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays to protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them. Polarized lenses can also reduce glare from the water, helping you see better while you fish.

Despite your best efforts to cover up, there will always be exposed skin. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply generously to all exposed skin about 15 minutes before you head outside. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, and the tops of your feet. Reapply at least every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or swimming.

Your lips are often overlooked but are just as vulnerable to sunburn. Use a lip balm that includes SPF protection to keep your lips moisturized and protected.

Fighting Biting Bugs

Ah, the thorn in the side of many inshore, flats, and backcountry fisherman – and nearly everybody at the boat ramp – bugs that bite.

Florida is home to many coastal and backcountry biting bugs, most of us know which varieties, but beating them seems to be a matter of constant evolution in regard to what works for you.

It’s funny, I’ve been fishing in Florida since the late 80’s, and so have many of my friends, but even just yesterday we are standing there at the ramp asking each other what bug dope is working the best. It’s a near never ending battle.

That said, here are my three favorite options:

1: Repel Sportsmen Max Formula Insect Repellent Lotion

This stuff is thick, can be messy, but it works. My favorite part about this stuff is it stands up to sweat and even rain. Many other options wash away fast, this one hangs on.

I generally use this when swamp hiking, camping, or doing multi-day fishing trips out of Everglades National Park (and sleeping on Chikees). The reason is pretty basic, I don’t have to constantly reapply it. Depending on conditions (and what you put yourself through) I’ve had one application last 3 days straight.

Again, it’s a little thick and greasy, but that’s sort of why it works.

2: Bullfrog Mosquito Coast Insect Repellent plus Sunscreen SPF50

This is my favorite all around; you get a two for one in this deal – sunscreen and mosquito repellant. Although this is a DEET-free product, I’ve noted that it works extremely well in most cases. Because of the sunscreen (and they also add Aloe) it sticks better than standard sprays. Not as good as the Sportsmen Max Lotion, but better than the thinner stuff.

It claims some water resistance, and again maybe compared to a standard spray this is true, but it will wash away fairly easily when compared to the lotion option. And for many this may be the exact middle ground you want, as mentioned, Sportsmen Max Lotion is extremely thick and greasy, you may not like that – but want something close. This is it.

3: A Good Old Can of Off

At the end of the day, I have a can of this hidden somewhere in my boat, kayak, truck, and backpack. I forget to prepare for bugs quite often, and these cans are a life saver in these circumstances.

Choose whatever flavor floats your boat: Deep Woods, Active, Familycare, Clean Feel, etc.,. Any of these are better than nothing.

Bonus Round: Thermacell

I don’t always carry my Thermacell, but it sure does work in the right circumstances. If the wind is blowing, well, it only works in that direction – which is a game of placement.

I just don’t like that I know my clumsy butt will most likely knock it overboard or drop it somewhere hard. So, I pretty much save this for family camping, sitting in the tree stand, or on the porch.