Marsh days, what to wear when it gets messy

The marsh is the most demanding water on this coast for clothing. Not because it is extreme, but because it is relentless: a long run out, no shade at all, humidity that never drops, and mud that gets on everything.

The run out is half the day

Most marsh trips start with a run of twenty minutes or more, often in the dark, often into spray. That run is cold even in July, and then you stop and it is instantly not.

A hooded long sleeve handles both ends of that better than a jacket you have to take off and find somewhere to put in a boat with no storage.

There is no shade anywhere

No trees, no bridges, no dock to duck under. Whatever you are wearing at eight in the morning is what you are wearing at two in the afternoon, and the water throws light back up at you the whole time.

This is where a hood earns its keep. Necks and ears take the reflected light and they are the spots you cannot see to check.

Mud, and what it does to light colours

Marsh mud stains. Light grey and white pick it up and keep it, so darker and patterned fabric is the practical choice out here. It is also worth having something on your hands before you start dealing with a bull red in a boat full of it.

Bugs at both ends of the day

Mosquitoes and no-see-ums are worst at dawn and dusk, which is exactly when the fishing is best. Fabric is the only repellent that does not wear off, so a long sleeve is doing double duty before the sun is even a factor.

Tuck the hood in when you are running and pull it up when you stop. That is usually enough without spraying anything on your face.

The short version

1. Hooded long sleeve on before the run out.
2. Darker or patterned fabric, not white.
3. Gloves before you handle the first fish.
4. Rinse everything the same night, marsh mud sets.

Gear for it. Have a look at the Louisiana marsh, the hooded performance shirt or what to wear fishing the Gulf Coast.