[dropcap]I[/dropcap]’m hoping to spare you the trouble of trial and error I’ve had to experience. Slowly but surely there are some great products coming or already are on the market for women. I’m not talking geared for women in the sense that they just made it pink and shrank it, I’m talking about actual product tailored for us lady folk. In a sport where performance is necessary, it’s not always easy to find something that actually performs the way it should. Allow me to change this for you.
1. Foul Weather Gear. Some days I’m quite confused as to why most of the fishing world assumes it doesn’t rain on women. Finding rain gear that actually fits me so that I can move about the boat in a safe manor, or move period has been a struggle. I’ve recently dove head first into Gill because of their strong background with women’s foul weather gear. There’s women’s designs but also XS men’s options, which I have found myself playing nice with. Other options will be gear for cold weather and hot humid Florida weather. So no matter where you’re fishing or what time of the year, you’re fishing Gill will have you covered properly.
2. Fish Fighting Aid. Here’s a tool for the wicked. Meet the snazzy simple ‘why didn’t I think of this’ Luna Sea Cush-It. If you find yourself in the blue water, then here’s a small tool that will keep your hips happy. Whether you’re a male or female, this is a wonderful accessory to have. The Cush-It has been a very popular accessor in fishing for years now, but I still find folks who wish they knew about them years ago. The Cush-It provides increased fighting comfort. It essentially slides right over the butt of any rod providing you with added protection from a gimbal or just added protection because you want it.
3. Gloves. Whether you’re looking for sun protection, gloves for leadering, or protection from the elements, Aftco has a few glove designs that are actually made small enough. They didn’t make a women’s version where we lost quality or performance. They’re the same gloves they’ve been producing for year, but offered in small sizes to fit anyone who might need them. I currently use the Short Pumps which are fingerless. These are great to have when handing lines, bill fish, or just basic protection from those blue water fishing elements.
4. Water Shoes. Yes, there are plenty of flip flop options on the market, but sometimes there’s a time and place for a water shoe. Being that I’m a kayak fisherman, I’ve found plenty of scenarios where they’re needed. Meet Astral, they’ve designed the most amazing water shoe. I had no idea my life could get easier by replacing bad water shoes with amazing water shoes. There’s a level of quality and comfort I’ve gained with the Astral Loyak’s that I’ve never reached before. They always say – good shoes take you good places.
5. Sun Protection. Here my biggest struggles have been with shirts and hats. I couldn’t seem to find hats that were small enough, or find shirts that tailored me. Introducing, if you haven’t already heard of this local brand, Avid Sportswear, then you’ll soon thank me for taking you out of the dark. Based out of Palm Beach this is a sportswear brand built to for the Florida lifestyle. Fortunately for us they have a series just for us ladies. You’ll find unstructured hats to fit those wee-little heads of ours, along with long sleeve performance shirts equipped with 50 UPF. Simple yet quality and built for performance.
Surprisingly this list has taken years to acquire. I truly like to push these products to the limit. Usually that’s to find out if they’ll actually handle the saltwater, kayak fishing and the Christina Weber test of time. Sometimes things seem great but when pushed in tournament fishing mode they don’t last. I’m confident these are five tools you’ll have a hard time finding in other brands. Five tools that I absolutely can’t live without or just five tools I don’t want to have to learn to live without.
Let’s face it, we’ve been fighting the fight without some of them long enough. Let’s set out in comfort ready to perform.
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