Wear the dang sunscreen!

[bassboogieman]

We/you have all heard it before but I'm tellin' ya AGAIN! Today I had a "small"
basal cell carconoma (skin cancer) removed from my ear and now that the anesthetic has worn off it stings like a female dog. Thumps a bit also. Anyway the Dr removed a patch of skin about 3/4" x 1/2" on the upper inside of my left ear down to the cartlidge and the wound was left open - that's right, not enough skin left for stitches. Should stop the stinging and moderate pain in a couple days and heal in 6 - 8 weeks. I expect a few guys have experienced this and can confirm that while it isn't very serious it still isn't a lot of fun. WEAR THE SUNSCREEN and a hat, maybe a buff, protective clothing, or sit in the dang shade and drink a beer.

[mikechell]

Thank you for the warning.
However ... I am 56, and I've done more in my life than any group of ten "normal" people will do in theirs.
At this point in my life, I am more like the Honey Badger in your avatar.
I do wear sunscreen, though ... but just because a sunburn keeps me off the water the next day. I wear a hat ... but just to shade my eyes so I can see better.
I fish in shorts and a sleeveless tee-shirt because that's what I like.

[Captmikestarrett]

I have a big floppy hat and a buff long sleeves and long pants.. Sun gloves also..

My already heavily spotted complexion does not need any extra sun.. When I was younger I would not wear a shirt all day and those darn baseball caps only now and then. Fellow fisherman who wear those caps have the tops of there ears loped off to remove the cancer..

Capt Mike

[bassboogieman]

Good point on clarification of the hat Mike. A ball cap was the only hat I would wear until a few years ago, mainly just to shade my eyes. Many days I burnt the tops of my ears pretty badly and my nose too. Now I wear a floppy hat that covers my ears and really cover my nose with sunscreen or zinc oxide on really sunny days. UV reflection off the water compunds exposure from direct sun. UV can also contribite to catarcts in the eyes (I have them also) so sunglasses should also be worn. Those of us that enjoy being on the water need to take precautions to limit sun damage and it is never too late to start. Problems result from long exposure to the sun, years if not decades, so cover up!

[mikechell]

This thread is a good lesson to any younger anglers in here. You might feel "invincible" NOW ... but when you're our age (yeah, I didn't think I'd live this long, either) you'll wish you'd made a few different choices.

Since I can't go back and change the choices I made, I am willing to pay the price. But it's liable to be a high price when it finally comes due.

[keithdog]

Been doing it for years, but rarely the top of my head, which is bald. I wore a hat instead. But when it got hot and sweaty, off came the hat for a few. But really, I often would take the hat off to get "color". Well, I had to have the same taken off my scalp last fall. Your message is true my friend.

[nofearengineer]

Luckily, my cranial region is extremely well protected by my lion-like mane of graying hair. But I have burned the tar out of my nose, shoulders, and hands. Unfortunately, being an ******* doesn't filter out UV rays, so I do worry a little about it as I get older.

[bassinbob]

My girlfriend fishes with me now. She always makes sure I apply sunscreen. Going to get the gloves and a wide brim hat this year. I have on of those ball caps with the neck sheild but it is uncomfortable to wear.

[Captmikestarrett]

Just to add some helpful info I wear an Australian duster hat with mesh top. Have been for the last 25 years.


Capt Mike

[Rebbasser]

Amen, guys. Wear that sunscreen! I also use bandana. I drape it over my head covering my ears and neck and hold it in place with a ball cap. That has saved me a lot of sunburn.