Why Do Fishermen Wear Face Masks?
Have you ever noticed some folks wearing face masks down at the river? They look like they belong to the latest Star War movie. Actually, they’re fishermen. Wearing face masks doesn’t mean they don’t want to reveal their identity.
So, why do fishermen wear face masks? Fishermen mainly wear face masks for comfort and protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, too much wind, flying insects, salty seawater, stray hooks, bacteria, and viruses. As they have to spend long hours out on the water, face masks are quite essential for them.
Apart from that, there are some other reasons why anglers wear face masks. In this article, we’re going to discuss all that. Here is another article for you:
Another Fishing Guide:
- Why Guys Put Fishing Hooks On Their Hats? Read here
Why Does Every Angler Need Face Masks?
1. Protecting from UV Rays
The main reason for wearing a fishing face mask is to protect the face from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Also, fishermen wear masks to keep their necks protected while fishing. UV rays can also damage your skin even on cloudy days.
Unfortunately, all fishing face masks don’t protect you against UV rays. If you’re serious about purchasing a fishing face mask (also called a neck gaiter), go for the quality products that feature a UPF rating of 50.
As per the UPF rating of 50, here are some quality fishing face masks for you. The link takes you to Amazon.com. But what is UPF and how does it work?
Skincancer.org says that UPF is Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s used to determine the amount of radiation a fabric allows to penetrate your skin. If a fabric has a UPF rating of 50, this means it can block 98% of UV rays.
2. Protecting from Bacteria & Viruses
Many fishermen have been using neck gaiters for years to protect themselves from bacteria and viruses. While there is no scientific evidence behind this, many fishermen believe that they do.
There are a few reasons why fishermen believe that neck gaiters protect them from bacteria and viruses.
- First, the neck gaiters cover the entire neck and face, which helps to keep bacteria and viruses from entering the body.
- Second, the gaiters are made of a material that is known to be bacteria and virus-resistant.
- And third, they help to keep the fishermen’s head and neck warm, which can help to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
3. Being Cool During the Summer
Fishermen wear face masks in order to be cool during the summer. Sounds strange? Face masks are made with breathable materials, which are able to keep fishermen cool during hot days.
Besides, neck gaiters are usually made of moisture-wicking fabric that can always keep fishermen’s faces and necks dry. For comfort, many anglers dip their masks into the water and put them on their faces or necks.
4. Protecting from Too Much Wind
If you’re a fisherman, a neck gaiter can protect you from too much wind, especially when you’re on the water for catching fish. However, there is no definitive answer, as each fisherman’s experience will likely be different.
But neck gaiters create a layer of insulation between the fisherman and the cold air, protecting fishermen from the harsh wind. Wanna give a neck gaiter a try? BASSDASH UPF 50+ Neck Gaiter is what you might be looking for.
5. Protecting from Insects
Another reason fishermen wear face masks is to keep themselves protected from insects. Do insects bite fishermen while fishing? The answer is yes. But neck gaiters offer the best protection against biting and stinging insects.
How do neck gaiters protect fishermen from insects? There are a few different ways neck gaiters can protect fishermen from insects. One is by using the gaiters to cover the fisherman’s neck, preventing insects from biting or stinging.
Neck gaiters can also protect fishermen’s faces from insect biting or stinging, preventing insects from getting into fishermen’s eyes and mouths.
6. Protecting from Salty Seawater
Many fishermen use neck gaiters to keep themselves protected from salty water while fishing in the sea or ocean. Neck gaiters might not be 100% effective yet are good stuff to keep your eyes and face away from salty water.
If you’re planning on wearing a neck gaiter for this purpose, make sure to get a waterproof one. For the best protection from head to toe, you have to wear a wet suit or thermal underwear. But a good mask could be a great start.
7. Protecting from Stray Hooks
Another important reason fishermen wear face masks is to keep themselves protected from errant hooks. Newbie fishermen are more vulnerable to this. But if you’re an expert in casting, then this might not be a big deal for you.
Hooking yourself is quite painful. Removing a hook from your skin is also painful and needs medication. If you wear a good layer of fabric on your face or neck, it can save you from getting accidentally hooked.
For this purpose, we would like to recommend Terra Kuda Face Clothing Neck Gaiter Mask from Amazon.
8. Looking Gorgeous
Some fishermen wear face masks not only to protect themselves from the sun but to look more attractive. A recent study found that when fishermen wear face masks, they’re considered more attractive to the opposite sex.
In the study, participants were shown photos of fishermen with and without face masks. Those without masks were considered less attractive than those with masks. Face masks make fishermen look more mysterious and intriguing.
What Are Fishing Face Masks Called?
Fishing face masks are called neck gaiters or simply gaiter. Some people also call them sun masks or face shields. Wearing a neck gaiter is easy; just wear it like a scarf around your neck or pull it upwards to cover your whole face.
Neck gaiters are made of a variety of fabrics, such as polyester, nylon, or neoprene. Apart from that, they’re available in different colors and styles. Some of them feature a strap that helps keep the masks in place.
Is A Neck Gaiter The Same As A Buff?
A buff is actually a neck gaiter. Technically they’re not the same. There are a few differences between them. A neck gaiter is usually made of a thicker fabric. It typically has a higher collar that keeps your neck warm.
A buff, in contrast, is made of thinner fabric and doesn’t have a high collar. It’s shorter than a neck gaiter. While a buff is designed to be worn in a variety of different ways, a neck gaiter can be worn around necks only.
Neck Gaiter Vs Sunscreen: Which One Is Better?
When it comes to fishing, some people believe that sunscreen is the only way to protect themselves from the sun. Others find neck gaiters to be more comfortable and prefer to wear them to protect their necks from the sun.
So, which is better for fishing? Sunscreen is better for areas that are not covered by a neck gaiter, such as your face and arms. Neck gaiters are better for areas that are covered, such as your neck and head.
However, both sunscreen and neck gaiters have their downsides. Sunscreen can be messy and needs to be reapplied often. Neck gaiters can make it difficult to breathe. Finally, it’s up to you to decide which is better for them.
Will You Catch More Fish Wearing A Face Mask?
Some anglers believe that wearing a mask will help them to catch more fish, as it will keep the water out of their mouths. This may be true, as keeping the water out of your mouth will help you be focused on the task.
However, others believe wearing a mask will actually have the opposite effect, as it will prevent you from being able to smell your bait. When it comes to fishing, the human sense of smell is incredibly important.
Final Words
When it comes to fishing, there are many different pieces of gear you can use to increase your success rate. One of the most important is a fishing face mask. This helps protect your face from the sun while you’re fishing.
However, we hope you have learned a lot about why fishermen wear face masks. If you still have any queries regarding this matter, comment down below asap. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
