This insect-repellent clothing is a game changer for anglers

If there’s one thing I absolutely detest about fishing in the warmer months, it’s the biting insects that seem to follow me around every body of water I visit. If, like me, you’ve been burdened since birth with blood that insects just simply adore, you’ll sympathise with how horrific it can be when these annoying pests are out in force.

Enter the Nosilife range from Craghoppers. While this clothing wasn’t designed specifically for angling, it’s absolutely perfect for anyone who spends time by the water. Fishing clothing can often be too heavy, poorly made, or just doesn't fit quite right, but this gear has been trialled and tested by camping and walking enthusiasts to ensure it's both durable and comfortable.

Not only that, but it’s been impregnated with insect repellent fibres and while the scent isn’t detectable by us, the insects are clearly aware of it, as I can honestly say they came nowhere near me during any of the sessions I wore this clothing. The repellent, which is claimed to be 90% effective, isn't diluted by washing either allowing you to keep the clothing clean without worrying about diminishing the anti-insect properties, which is a huge plus after a slimy session on the bank!

If you’re not typically affected by mosquitoes, this might not make a huge difference. Yet for someone who’s been forcibly driven off the bank by biting insects, it makes for a vastly improved experience, and has even helped me catch more fish simply by allowing me to stay out longer and focus better. Plus not waving my arms around in the air like an idiot also makes me look cooler and has certainly spooked less fish.

Nosilife Pro Trouser III

My favourite item of clothing from the Nosilife range is the Pro Trouser III. Not only are they practical and incredibly comfortable, they also lend themselves perfectly to fishing. If you're anything like me, you're constantly on the move in pursuit of fish, whether it’s targeting barbel on the river or chasing carp around a lake, I like to stay active.

This usually means I’m often climbing trees, bending down, crouching, or even crawling under fences to try and get a bait in front of a fish, which is incredibly merciless to clothing.

In the past, this kind of movement has completely ruined trousers, unless I wore joggers which aren't always practical, I frequently felt restricted when crouching or climbing while fishing. The Pro Trousers, however, fit well, feature multiple zipped pockets for all the bits of tackle you might need (plus your valuables), and have just enough stretch to ensure that, no matter what position you find yourself in, you won’t feel like your blood supply is being cut off.

Nosilife Long Sleeve Neck Top

If you go match fishing or spend a lot of time lure fishing, you may have noticed more anglers wearing base layers during the warmer months. These not only offer unrivalled protection from UV rays, but depending on the material, they can also help keep you cool by wicking sweat away from the body.

Some base layers can feel quite tight, but the Nosilife Long Sleeve Neck Top is excellent quality and non-restrictive. That’s particularly important when choosing clothing for fishing, as anything that affects your ability to cast or reel in comfortably can quickly become frustrating.

Personally, I wear a base layer for all my angling now, summer and winter, as I find them comfortable and well-suited to the way I like to layer up when I’m out fishing. They’re not for everyone, I get that, but if you’re into base layers, this is amongst the most comfortable I’ve worn, and I have probably used the majority over the years. What I particular like is how the material feels especially cooling, this is a real bonus on hot days when you want to concentrate on your fishing rather than applying suncream every hour. Great when you spend a lot of time on the bank, boat anywhere really!

NosiLife Ovis Reversible Jacket

As I mentioned earlier, this clothing range wasn’t designed specifically with fishing in mind and the Ovis Reversible Jacket is the only item I’d say has somewhat limited functionality for anglers. That’s not because the jacket isn’t good quality, it is, but because it’s designed to be quite thin, it could easily tear if you accidentally snag it with a hook, barbed wire or get caught in brambles.

That said, this jacket has really shone for me when bass fishing on the coast. The weather there can change quickly, and a lightweight coat like this is perfect for keeping the sea spray off your body, which makes a big difference in preventing any breeze from cooling you down. The breathable material dries quickly too, so should a rogue shower or wave hit you, you aren't stood in soggy clothing for the remainder of your session. You can even roll it up and stick it in your pocket if it gets too hot!

I have to say the jacket looks great, especially with its reversible design, and the zipped pockets, adjustable hood, and drawcord hem do a solid job of blocking out windchill, making it a fantastic lightweight option for summer. If you enjoy quick lure sessions or a few hours on the coast, the Ovis Reversible Jacket is ideal, but for other, more rugged styles of angling, its uses are definitely more limited.

Nosilife Cargo Trouser III

Cargo trousers have become increasingly popular in the angling world, with a wide range of disciplines embracing them for their comfort and functionality. This particular pair is outstanding, and honestly, if you'd told me they were made by one of the major fishing brands, I wouldn't have questioned it. They’re absolutely spot-on for us anglers.

Not only are they incredibly soft and comfortable to walk in, they’re also packed with practical features. There are plenty of pockets, and the zips include a clever hook system to keep your items secure, so there’s virtually no chance of losing anything. Perfect If you like to rove, carry only the essentials, or just prefer to keep your gear on your person, you'll find these trousers extremely useful.

On top of that, they come with a waterproof pouch that attaches neatly inside a pocket, perfect for storing valuables like your phone or car keys that are susceptible to water damage. If you're anything like me and have ruined more electronics on the bank than you'd care to admit, this feature alone could save you a lot of frustration and money. I also find when my phone is in the pouch, it prevents me needlessly taking it out scrolling through socials when I should be enjoying my fishing, something we are all guilty of!

The Nosilife Cargo Trouser III also look great, meaning you’re not limited to just wearing them while fishing, so you’ll easily get more use out of them in everyday life as well.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Digital Editor at Angling Times.