Late summer and early fall may be the best time of the year for fishing. Whether you’re working the Eastern Coast beaches for big stripers, paddling quiet lakes in search of bass, or headed to your favorite trout stream, waters after Labor Day are generally uncrowded and wide open. Early fall sees big runs of hungry rainbows and brown trout heading upstream to spawn and lakes haven’t turned over yet, leaving bass and panfish ravenous.
Having the right accessories can make your fishing adventures even more enjoyable. Here are some items every fisherman will want to consider whether it’s keep your catch cool or to keep yourself warm on those breezy evenings and brisk early mornings.
Helly Hansen is a name synonymous with high-quality rain gear. Their Odin 1 World Infinity Shell Jacket is no exception. Originally designed for professional mountaineers, this extremely waterproof shell is right at home on the water. Built with next-level waterproof, breathable, and sustainable technology, this lightweight, durable shell jacket features the most purposeful weatherproofing you’ll need for your next fishing trip. This shell features Helly Hansen’s LIFA INFINITY™ technology—a professional grade, waterproof/breathable membrane and a PFC-free water repellent treatment achieved without the use of chemicals. The exterior shell fabric is made from recycled materials. Designed with input from search-and-rescue teams, this jacket also has a helmet-compatible hood, a Recco® transponder so you’re findable in the wilderness, and an emergency whistle in the chest pocket.
Pair it with Helly’s new Odin Light Stretch Hooded Insulator 2.0 for late-summer/early fall days when you need a little additional warmth, and this light-stretch, hooded jacket for men and women with 40g Primaloft® is all you’ll need to keep temps optimal as you cast your way throughout the day.
Finally, a soft cooler that offers peak performance without breaking the bank. TheCarry Out™ soft coolerfrom Hydro Flask is the perfect fishing companion with room enough to pack all you need, and more. The top zips wide open for easy access and quick cleaning, and the lightweight insulation will keep your catch fresh for up to 24 hours. The Carry Out also features water-resistant, durable 600D fabric and it holds 38 cans without ice.
Other features include:
Fishermen are particularly vulnerable to the ravages of the sun. Protect yourself with Kuhl’s AirKÜHL Hoody. Incredibly soft with superior moisture management and breathability, this lightweight top features excellent abrasion and snag resistance for increased durability for long days on the water or the trails.
Maximum sun protection (UPF 50+) paired with odor resistance keeps you fresh and confident, whether you’re casting from the bow or relaxing dockside after a day on the water. Thoughtful design details include a five-panel, lay-flat hood, and saddle-stitched seams for less bulk.Thumb loops and elastic binding at the sleeves and hood-opening ensure that this shirt will be your go-to for fishing with plenty of room to make casting easy. I just tested one in 90-degree Florida heat and it kept me cool and sunburn free.
A throw-back to the classic Kelty packs of old, The Asher 24-liter daypack (plenty of room for a lunch, lure box, and water bottles) is loaded with features that will make a trek into your favorite fishing hole a breeze:
All of us have a “secret lake” that would be awesome to fish if we had the right craft. Now we do with Kokopelli’s—inflatable Platte kayak. Launched in April 2023, this new lightweight, packable option is perfect for fishermen looking for the best balance between paddling performance, weight-saving materials, durability, and portability. The two-piece design packs down to an impressively small size and weighs 24 lbs. when fully equipped with key accessories (the minimum boat-only weight is just 13.75lb.) Its 1000 denier reinforced PVC construction makes up the two pontoons and a removable drop-stitch floor provides stiffness, added flotation, and enhances tracking capabilities.
The Platte comes with everything you need to fish those hidden waters:
Late-summer is a perfect time to do a little wade fishing and Roark’s Layover Hybrid Trail Shorts are just the ticket. This new and inspired 18-inch outseam hybrid adventure short is constructed of 4-Way stretch, providing a quick drying, durable fabric for any adventure.
The latest Layover Trail short now features a self-stowing back pocket so you can pack tight and always have a trusty counterpart on hand. Featuring a drawstring closure waistband with zipper fly and front extended long zip pocket, these shorts are a fisherman’s dream. A back patch pocket with button closure and a small stash pocket at the back yoke offers quick storage for cell phones. Just drop you phone in a waterproof pouch and you’re all set.
Lady anglers finally have a gorgeous new line of fishing shades made just for them from SMITH. The new Shoal sunglasses combine SMITH’s best-selling innovations into a stylish frame for on-water and around the dock. The casual wrap-style frame is comprised of lightweight and durable Evolve™ bio-based material in a cat-eye-inspired shape for a subtle, retro feel that includes low-profile side shields for peripheral light coverage.
The Shoal is offered in ChromaPop™ polarized glass lenses to cut glare, and enhance contrast, definition, and color while being highly scratch resistant. Smudge- and moisture-resistant coatings are added to the lenses for crisp, clear optics. The spring hinges self-adjust to the face for a customized fit, while the megol temples and nose pads provide a no-slip grip so even on those hottest days when perspiration and moisture are a challenge, these glasses stay put—every cast!
The four-piece Carving Set from Camp Chef is the perfect companion for fishermen looking to honor their catch whether you’re cooking on the boat, in camp, or right at home. This set is equipped with the best all-stainless-steel tools including a 10-inch chef knife, santoku knife, a pair of grill tongs, and a handy carving fork. And the whole set wraps up in a canvas roll knife case for easy stowing.
The set incorporates Pakkawood handles that provide be a comfortable, natural grip with a clean finish—perfect for your boat, outdoor kitchen, home kitchen, back patio, or campsite. Other features include:
·Durable wax canvas case with finely stitched seams
·4 slots for securely storing tools and gear
·Case neatly ties up for safe transport and protection
·Box Includes 10" Stainless Steel Chef Knife
·7-inch Stainless Steel Santoku Knife
Whether you’re hopping in and out of boats or just want something comfortable on your feet to do a little wade fishing, Forsake’s new Rogue unisex sandals are just the thing. Available in four color options, these open-toe adventure sandalsare designed for both performance and sustainability.
The midsole and outsole are made from recycled EVA and BLOOM® Algae foam, with a topsheet that depicts the wild and scenic Rogue River in Oregon. The upper, constructed of recycled PU and PET, offers a three-strap design with an air-mesh heel pad for comfort and stability. And when it comes to dealing with slippery decks or surfaces, the Rogue’s durable, multi-grip rubber outsole with its dense rubber on the heel and inner lugs for increased wear resistance and softer rubber on the outer lugs for enhanced grip provide ultra-sure footing.
Keeping your head protected on those sunny days on the water is paramount whether you’re flats fishing in the Florida Keys or hanging with your fishing buddies on the boat. Duck Camp’s crushable Flats Hat is super comfortable and designed to keep you fully protected against the sun while you stay cool.
Made of tightly woven palm, this hat is made to stand up to the rigors of travel and abuse while offering your own little piece of shade all day. (I took one on a recent trip to Florida and it kept my head and neck fully protected.) A comfortable wicking sweatband keeps sweat from dripping into your eyes while casting and a handy chin strap that stows away in the crown of the hat is handy for when the wind picks up or you need to make a quick exit to the next fishing hotspot in the boat.
