FF foundations - Essential clothing

by Ken Collins - February 22, 2026

Sunburns are never a good way to start an adventure. All outdoor enthusiasts, and especially those traveling to southern destinations, need to consider sunburn prevention techniques. The question most commonly asked is, do I sunblock with sun lotion only, or do I combine this with technical SPF sunblock clothing?

However, with the new developments in SPF clothing - legitimate sun protection - with or without lotion -  is conquered. In fact,  there are no disadvantages! Lightweight fabrics that are quick-drying and easy to maintenance provide perfect solutions to saltwater destination travellers. 

Head-to-toe coverage is mandatory for full strength mid-day sun protection. To start with, a wide-brimmed hat or flop down back of neck baseball cap. Add this with a face buff and a sun hoody shirt. With this your ears, face, neck and head are totally protected. Sunglasses and eye protection are not mentioned because if you are not wearing sunglasses full-time while fishing, you should take up knitting.  

The back of the hands is a nasty place to get sun burnt. Sun gloves with fingers free allow full dexterity of fingers for the ease of knot tying. Look for gloves with extra layers (preferably thicker material like suede) on stripping fingers and palms to ensure added durability for the routine fishing habits like line stripping and holding fly rod grips for long periods of time.

To protect your legs, a pair of  SPF lightweight, wickable,  fast drying pant. For some, the option for zip-off leggings that quickly adapt to shorts is a feature worth considering. Wading without leggings is easier, but make sure to apply waterproof sunscreen lotion to bare skin areas. 

Now for the feet - saltwater wading flats booties are key. But comfort is paramount. Wide-footed fishers beware, most flats footwear is normally sized narrow and causes huge discomfort. This footwear should be easy to take on and off. But MUST be able to be snuggly fit so when sunk knee deep in pluff-mud sand compositions, they don’t get left behind when making steps. It is recommended that the soles of these shoes be rigid enough to walk on sharp coral without puncture. Pressurized fresh water washing daily is crucial to preventing stinky shoes and malfunctioning shoe laces/zippers. 

Here is a time-on-water experience suggestion. Most flats fishing is done by the use of a boat and Fishing from the boat deck is a critical part of a successful day flats fishing. Please be aware flats boots will be extremely warm while standing on casting deck and will always find a way to tangle with your slack line at the wrong times. The numbers of fish missed because of unknowingly standing on fly line will upset you. Hence, the easy on and off option mentioned earlier. Standing barefoot on deck is not an option either. Literally too hot to bare and sunburns are assured. So diving booty sockettes are recommended. Super thin sun protection cloth on your feet that gets frequently submerged makes for a perfect boat casting deck solutions.