Anyone use a buff for fishing?

[MudPuppy77]

I have seen several of the guys on the Bassmaster tour wearing a buff to cover their face/neck from the sun and I am wondering if anyone has one and uses it regularly? Does it get annoying to wear after a while? Is it hard to breath through?

I would think it would be good protection from the sun for a day on the water. I know sun block is an option but I never seem to reapply as much as I should.

[mainbutter]

I have a handful of times in Texas and Florida when the sun and heat was just too much for me. I also have worn it in December in the Australian Outback.. absolutely necessary IMO in those conditions.

Sunscreen just doesn't compare to actually blocking that radiation 100%. I highly recommend it for people who get out fishing a lot or those who feel they'd like more sun protection.

Part of my enjoyment getting out fishing here in MN is being able to enjoy the sun a bit rather than hiding from it. I don't get outside nearly as much as I'd like to, so a bit of vitamin D generation is nice!

[JimBuck]

I use mine sometimes on really hot days with a high UV index. I've only used it to cover my neck but I think they are great. I've been badly burned too many times that I won't let it happen again. Sunburn is just miserable and a serious concern of mine if I'm out in the sun all day. Well worth the cash.

[Eric_Kruger]

a couple weeks back I spent a long day on the boat in the heat, and sun.....I came home with the most miserable sun burn on my neck, ears, and lower portion of my face and was severely dehydrated......I use a buff in the spring on late Ice from time to time and will wear one on open water if needed now as well.....

[MNice]

Until I read this thread....I had no idea what the he// a "buff" was. I load up with sunscreen & wear a big lightwieght floppy hat, I don't think Id look good in the "buff'

[Tom7227]

Wouldn't you risk getting sunburn in unfortunate places if you went fishing in the buff?

[ted4887]

I use one, and I think the thing about buffs that is overlooked the most is it's ability to keep the bugs away from your face. Nothing bothers me more than having mosquitoes or black flies pecking at my ears and neck. Sure it helps keep me from getting sunburn on my face and neck, but it's main purpose as far as I'm concerned is to keep the bugs away.

[Chode2235]

I don't use the buff... yet, but I have a great sun shirt that is nice and cool to wear in the hot sun when out fishing.

I like it as it is cooler than going shirtless, and I don't have to grease up with sunscreen. Mine is a patagonia, but there are a lot of good ones out there.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Wouldn't you risk getting sunburn in unfortunate places if you went fishing in the buff?

Ha! I love a little humor thrown in once in a while

As for the buffs, where do you buy them? I had a chunk of cancer carved off my nose and need to hide from the sun. I hate sunscreen.

[OnAFly]

Tom - If you build up a good tan, it doesn't bother you one bit

[CAMAN]

I see Pete Maina uses one now because he's become allergic/sick from the sun. It apparently works really well for him.

[ted4887]

As for the buffs, where do you buy them?

Plenty of outdoor retailers will carry them, but I know for sure that Thorne Brothers will have them. Would be worth checking out Dick's, or Gander Mountain since they'll be closer to you.

[swampbuck]

I have been using a flying fisherman sunbandit for the last year. It is great to keep the sun off your neck, face and ears! It actually helps too cool you down on hot days great incold too to keep the wind off, I put it on when I get in the boat and usually forget about it. if its supper hot I soak it about every half hour and its amazing how much it helps at the end of a long day

[itchmesir]

I'm in the same boat as Ted.. I use mine to keep bugs off my face... It's also nice to wear as a hat on really hot days when you don't want to wear a real hat.. i usually keep it at least around my neck

and +1 to someone who mentioned a fishing shirt.. best investment of my life.. keeps me so cool on those hot days.. and the UV blocking is always a plus.. I never really had in mind to cover myself from head to toe with UPF gear.. but my whole fishing outfit now is UPF.. Not gonna lie.. I feel a little better knowing I'm protected

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

What shirt do you have?

[Bushwacker7]

I use one - they're really great and keep you cooler. I just bought a second one yesterday because they can get grody pretty quick - that way I always have one ready to go.

[Dirt_Esox]

I use one as well, stays cool and keeps the sun off without greasy sunscreen, keeps bugs off in the evenings too. Cheap and versatile, plus I look like a Mahi Mahi when I'm wearing it!

[itchmesir]

What shirt do you have?

I picked up a button down gander guide series shirt awhile back on sale.. it's nice.. got it in long sleeve that can be rolled up and buttoned in place... never know when you'll have to tredge through head high parsnip or thistle.. has a back vent which really helps keep you cool.. and a couple pockets.. rod holder.. sunglasses holder(?? not sure what it's supposed to actually hold.. but holds my shades in place pretty well)

I really would love one of the Columbia Airgil shirts... but at a $100.. not sure I wanna drop that much on a shirt.. would be great right about now though with all this 90*+ weather