Coarse & Match Fishing Clothing

During summer it's important to stay comfortable, so dress appropriately for the weather. However, factor in sun protection, so a hat, sun cream and sunglasses are a must. But also be aware that depending on where you are going the undergrowth such as nettles, and thistles might be higher, so a long sleeve top or lightweight combat trousers as opposed to shorts are a good idea. They will also help, as it gets dark with protection from biting, stinging insects.

During the winter months, ensuring you are warm and dry is essential. If you get wet, or cold, you are not going to want to stay on the bank. There is an abundance of winter clothing options, however, the most important ones in my mind are a good quality pair of thermal boots/socks to keep your feet warm, a woolly hat, and gloves for your hands. You lose most of your body heat through your head, feet and hands. A set of salopettes for me, is another essential as they not only keep your legs and back warmer, but they help keep you dry if you get a waterproof as well as thermal/quilted pair. Ensure that your coat is thermal, and check its waterproof rating. If it's not waterproof you will likely want a second waterproof coat, or opt for a waterproof coat in a larger size, and go for thermal underlayers.

The best sunglasses will always be polarised. There is a wide array of polarised glasses on the market, from £15 up to £500+ including in prescription. A good pair will generally be around £50, but the higher you go, the better the materials and the optical quality will be.

Polaroids remove the surface glare, otherwise known as flat light, meaning we can see much further into the water to identify features or spot fish. (You will also see glare when driving when the rods are wet with the sun reflecting off them for example). Polarising lenses block this with a filter that is in the lens that is set to the opposite angle that the glare is reflected, therefore blocking out that glare enabling you to see much more, and helping you spot fish far more easily. Quite possibly the most important part in any anglers armoury.

This is ultimately down to the individual, as there are pros and cons to each. Boots are likely going to be more hard-wearing and durable to the elements, whereas wellies are much better when it's wet and muddy to keep your feet and lower legs clean and more importantly dry. However, they can be heavier, so trainers are nice when conditions do allow. In extreme wet and mud, or if the lakes/rivers are partially flooded, and bankside access is poor, a quality pair of waders might be considered.

PVC waders are more popular, for the simple fact they are much easier and quicker to get on and off, so you don't need to keep them on the whole time you are there. You can leave them rolled down until needed. However, neoprene is much warmer, so if you are going to be standing in the water for longer periods during the colder months, they are a much better option.