Traditional Angling Clothing
The clothing we wear is an outward expression of our soul. The clothing we wear whilst fishing traditionally (a time when our guards are most down and we are most in tune with our inner selves) should most reflect who we really are and what we believe in. Society or work dress codes might prevent us from wearing traditional clothing every day, but when out and about in the countryside there's no reason why be can't be flamboyant. Traditional country clothing is rustic and honest. You don't have to dress like Jeremy Fisher, well, not if you don't want to...
Waterproofs
I’m a big fan of Barbour waxed jackets. I like a longer jacket such as the Northumbria, Bedale or Solway Zipper, as these keep my thighs drier than the Border model, which I find too short. Jackets with a large game pocket at the back are ideal, as these pockets can be used to carry bait (especially loaves of bread). My favourite wax jacket is a Barbour Trench Coat. Barbour doesn’t make these any more, but you can still pick them up on eBay. Their extra length is great as I can fish in one without the need of an umbrella (the jacket hangs lower than the top of my wellies, thus keeping me perfectly dry) and I can also place it on the ground should I wish to lie down without fear of getting wet on damp ground or dewy grass.
I also have, and recommend, an ex-army poncho. Ponchos are great as they can be packed away into a fishing bag and used if an unexpected shower comes. I also carry some cotton rope that I use to string the poncho up tent fashion between trees. Some ex-army ponchos also have press-studs that enable them to be fixed to an ex-army sleeping bag, thus providing extra protection should you sleep out without an umbrella.
Wellington boots
I’m a fan of Le Chameau and Aigle Wellingtons. The latter are ‘Rolls Royce’ quality, and the former are the most comfortable. I have a pair of Le Chameau Vizernord neoprene-lined wellies that have lasted me for the past 15 years. They were expensive, but they have lasted and are far more comfortable to walk in than a cheap pair of wellies. (Cheaper wellies tend to be too stiff around the calves and thus flap against one’s legs, or they might have too much ‘give’ to the sole and thus bruise one’s feet when walking long distances, or they might just rub one’s heel due to a poor fit. I’ve found, through trial and error, that it’s worth spending the money on a good pair of wellies.)
Walking boots
I like to wear walking boots when fishing, if possible. Chris Brasher makes modern boots that are traditionally styled (brown leather) but which have the benefit of being Gore-Tex lined so to keep out water. I also like Dubarry boots and brogue boots with rubber ‘commando’ soles, though these are best reserved for fine days or special occasions. Le Chameau gaiters or the waxed gaiters from Barbour complement the vintage look and, when worn with walking boots, provide an alternative to Wellingtons. I tend to use this option when river fishing, or when a long walk is anticipated (such as when fishing the mountain lakes of Wales for wild carp or brown trout).
Tweed jackets
I love traditionally styled tweed shooting jackets. I have two of them that I use for fishing: a Norfolk jacket in Derby Tweed and a standard-cut jacket in Harris Tweed. I use the former for my carp and barbel fishing (and most of my fishing in the colder months, when I wear it beneath a wax jacket) and the latter for fly-fishing on the southern chalkstreams. Derby tweed is the most durable but is on the heavy side; Harris tweed is lighter and more flexible, but is a looser weave and thus more prone to wear or pulls from brambles, hooks or barbed wire.
Trousers or breeks?
My preference is for breeks, in either tweed or moleskin. They are just so comfortable, especially then wearing Wellington boots, although I think it has more to do with the fact that I wore short trousers for the first 11 years of my life. If you’ve not worn breeks before, then I suggest that you first wear them in the right company. They are not an everyday item of clothing and can be perceived as ‘over the top’. Expect some sarcastic remarks from ‘they who don’t understand’. (One of my friends is so conscientious of wearing breeks that he changes them for trousers before returning home, in case he has to stop for petrol.)
Trousers are better at protecting one’s legs against nettles, and are warmer. Olive green or lovat moleskins are my favourites, although cords or dark brown jeans are more durable. I find the moleskins and cords from John Norris of Penrith to be the best value.
Hats
Hats are possibly the most defining item possessed by a traditional angler or countryman. A hat says a lot about the person who wears it. I have many. Some suit me, some don’t; it doesn't matter. I just love wearing them. Mrs H says that I look best in a flat cap, of which I have three favourites. The first is a York cap (known as the Eccy-Thump, purchased from Snooks of Bridport), and is especially wide with a pronounced peak; the second is my writing cap, a plain tweed flat cap that’s a bit on the small side but sits nicely on my head when writing or drawing; the third is the son of the August Dumpling, a huge, podgy thing that can only really be worn in safe company else it might shy into retirement. I also have felt Trilby’s, tweed deerstalkers (with and without ear flaps) and straw hats. The latter is great for use in the summer, but does make me look like a cricket umpire.
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