The last month of summer in the Lowcountry still offers long sun-filled days to provide ample fishing time, but it also brings in a chance for tropical rains. A rain jacket and rubber boots should be added to one’s boat attire for such occasions, and since its still warm, not much else in additional layers is required. The brim of a baseball cap will serve to keep raindrops away from polarized sunglasses that improve your vision when casting light action rods into flooded spartina grass in search of a redfish on the prowl.
Sometimes one can steer the boat clear of the rain, but other times there is no option but to drive straight through. And in the case of coastal low pressure systems when the rain will be constant, it doesn’t mean canceling your trip, because the fish are already wet. Locally-based Huk gear company makes the Pro Series Jacket that is waterproof and breathable, which is the right combination for the steamy and sticky tropical weather season. Made from a stretch nylon for maximum range of motion, it comes with an adjustable hood and a two-way weatherproof front zipper. And when the rain pauses, this top-tier jacket includes an elastic strap system to wear the jacket over your shoulders when not in use.
Making sure you have good footing while on the boat, and in the rain, is the next best thing to keeping dry. The Huk Rogue Wave deck shoes were designed for traction in wet conditions with their Grip-X Slice soles with microchannels to handle wet decks. These slip-on style boots are comfortable enough to wear all day, and offer a lower profile design than the popular pull on rubber boots made by other brands. The outer sole is non-marking and the inside of the shoe has breathable mesh liners. Need to try some shoes on first to know your size? Huk has a store at Tanger Outlets, and these shoes are also on shelves at Bass Pro Shops.
Using a trusted inshore fishing combo like the Penn Battle IV gives anglers confidence when they are fishing long days. Each reel has a carbon fiber drag system and every rod has a cork handle and a graphite composite blank. Penn’s proprietary one-piece stainless steel dura-guides eliminates insert pop outs in the future, which can sideline a rod in an instant, sending it to the rod repair shop. The 7-foot Medium Light rod and the 3000 reel provide a fast-action casting platform to cover the water when fishing shell banks at low tide, and it has enough backbone to handle any large inshore fish including flounder, trout and redfish. A good selection of Penn Battle combos can be found at Haddrell’s Point Tackle.
Bajio sunglasses are becoming the go-to sunglasses for many anglers, and they just claimed the Best Eyewear trophy at the 2025 Icast show. The Palometa frames with grey glass lenses provide a medium-sized fit with a wrap-around style for light-blocking and wind-stoppage. Rubber nose pads for comfort and rubber temple tips for grip are two added features, plus the pre-made keeper holes at the end of each arm make it easy to attach a leash. All Bajio lenses block 100% of UV light and come with a limited lifetime warranty.
Finally, keep your fishing tackle secure in a Plano Edge 3700 tackle box with Dri-Loc O-ring watertight seal. The Water Wick divider sections allow anglers to customize for different lure sizes like the 3.5-inch Savage manic shrimp, or the 5-inch Berkley Cull Shad.
To view the feature article in the Post and Courtier click on Tideline.
