During the fall months, things change quickly. Whether it's the bite or the best areas of the lake that day, things happen quickly as the season progresses, winter creeps closer, and fish are on the move. Anglers who find success on the water stay ahead of the transitions with the best fishing patterns. This includes the weather and the best approach is to be ready for anything on the water, whether it's for selecting lures or choosing what to wear.
That's why Bassmaster Elite Series pro Mark Menendez uses this approach every year and knows that he may be fishing a spinnerbait in raingear and then throwing a shallow crankbait while trying to protect his skin from the sun on the same day. He's had his bouts with skin cancer-related issues during his long professional career and takes extra steps to avoid sun damage, no matter the season.
Layering Up
One of the best ways to stay warm when it's cold and also be prepared to peel off some clothes as the temperatures rise is by layering. It's always a good idea, but even more so in the fall, as cold temperatures in the morning can often be followed by sunny and pleasant weather later in the day.
Menendez starts with an AFTCO Jason Christie hooded long-sleeve performance shirt for a first layer. "It's a good balance because it keeps your skin warm and comfortable under other clothing," he said. "Then, when it warms up, it keeps you cool. It takes care of you no matter the weather."
His next layer is the Reaper sweatshirt. "It's such a good holder of heat that most of the time, you don't even need another layer in the fall," said Menendez. "The built-in face guard is a lifesaver for keeping the cold out on long runs in the morning."
Gloves and Face Mask
With his history of skin cancer, Menendez may be more cautious than most when it comes to protecting his skin. But, besides protecting his skin from the sun, he sees plenty of other benefits to wearing gloves and a face mask.
"I wear gloves like AFTCO's Solblok Gloves because they are a must for sun protection, but are also great for dealing with fish," he shared. "I like those gloves because the full palm is covered and you can grab fish to unhook them or get the fish out of the livewell. It's much easier for me, and I don't cut my hands near as much as I used to."
For his face, Menendez likes the vented Solido Sun Mask. "Wearing a face protection mark is an everyday deal for me, not just in the fall," he added. "I wear it to keep the sun off my face and it's also very good for keeping your face warm. It's a good double-up that's great for all seasons."
Raingear
Menendez will be outfitted with bibs and a jacket for days of extreme cold or anytime rain is in the forecast. He alternates between two different suits based on how cold it is.
"The Hydronaut is my favorite when it's cold out because it has a heavier gauge material," he said. "I fish a lot in the fall and late fall and it can get pretty cold. That's when I'm going to wear the Hydronaut and will use a lighter version when it's a little warmer out."
For more temperate conditions, he opts for the Anhydrous 2.0 3L Breathable Fishing Bibs and Jacket.
"Rain storms and weather fronts are always rolling through in the fall and that's a great suit to keep you dry," he said. "It's lightweight, breathes very well, and won't make you burn up when wearing it. You don't feel like you're going to melt wearing it, and I also like all the little things like double Velcro on wrists to keep water from running up your sleeve. All of the features add up to the perfect suit."
Fishing Pants
Comfortable fishing pants can go a long way and Menendez prefers ones like AFTCO's Gamma Ray pants during the summer and well into the fall.
"They're super comfortable and don't allow my legs to get sunburned in any shape, form, or fashion," he said. "They keep you amazingly warm in the fall and amazingly cool in the summer. They're great for all seasons and work well as a layering piece."
Being comfortable during the fall months can be just as crucial as dialing in the pattern. To eliminate the variables of being too cold or too hot, veteran professional angler Mark Menendez selects the proper clothing and accessories to maximize his comfort on the water.
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