We've all heard how important it is to wear clothing that blends with our surroundings while fishing, heck in some quarters camo gear for just about every environment is available. Then we open up a magazine and see top anglers in orange, ocean blue and floro green shirts, happily fishing away and holding some huge trout!
Where does this leave you? The truth is wearing bright colours means fish will spot you easier than when wearing subtle more natural shades. However if you stand still and make use of bankside cover, they are unlikely to spook. Maybe they saw your bright shirt, though until you move they have nothing to fear and won't waste energy.
Taking things a stage further, look at the photo taken of a client casting this winter. Yes the image is not great, however I kept it to demonstrate how we stand out!
The angler is dressed in natural tones and makes use of marginal reeds, plus trees behind to disguise his presence. Absolutely text book.
See what stands out? Yeah his pale face and hands, not just against the dark background, also in the reflection shown on the water surface. Fly line also stands out against the background, though providing limited false casting is performed I would not be too worried in these very low light conditions.
Hands are easily covered with gloves, your face after winter is going to be pale, leaving us 3 options. One grow a beard, not inviting, it itches like hell. Two buy one of the new Buffs to hide your face, looks a bit extreme, though I can hear plenty of comments on how I would look better! Three use this as a great excuse to go on holiday to somewhere warm to get a tan, making you less visible to your quarry. Sounds good to me!
So was the gentleman in the above photo successful you ask? Yes he stalked a new personal best rainbow from that very spot!
Tight Lines
Steve
