Tom Stokes spends a lot of time out on the bank in the spring, chasing big carp and often on larger lakes, where he feels the full force of whatever weather conditions get thrown at him.
He needs to know that he can rely on his clothing to keep him feeling comfortable, especially during this period of the year when the weather can be very changeable, quickly pivoting from a warm sunny day to cold nights, heavy showers, or even hail storms!
Korda Clothing means that he can fully concentrate on his angling, and leaves him ready to face any weather. This fishing apparel ensures you are wearing the right gear during the winter months, summer months, or any time inbetween, and is designed to meet all your fishing needs.
Here is what Tom normally opts to wear at this time of year when he is out on the bank:
Minimal Tee from our extensive range of t-shirts
When it comes to clothing, Tom tends to prefer to blend in with his surroundings and is quite under-stated, so it is no surprise that his choice of t-shirts from the Korda Clothing range is one of the more subtle versions
The Minimal Tee comes in a choice of colours – Tom prefers the black version – and unlike some of our more colourful designs, with large logos covering the back, this tee is plain apart from a simple signature type logo with the ‘Korda’ name on the left breast.
Not only does this t-shirt look great – and continue to do so after many times of wearing and washing it – but it also feels really good as well, thanks to its soft velvety texture that comes from the fabric used to make it. It helps to keep you cool by wicking moisture away from your skin, as well as drying quickly, and if the temperature does drop, then it makes the perfect layer to wear under other clothing.
Original Kombats or Lite Joggers
When it comes to trousers, Tom tends to alternate between our Original Kombats and Lite Joggers, depending on where he is fishing and the type of weather he is expecting to face.
The Original Kombats lend themselves to a more rugged environment traditionally, as they are based on a classic military design, although these days that is also stylish to wear and won’t look out of place in any setting.
Theses combat trousers have been built to last, with a ripstop material that is durable enough to withstand undergrowth, including brambles, and is also lightweight. Plus this fabric has enough stretch to be comfortable to wear even with the tailored fit that these trousers have, and won’t feel restrictive to your movement, even when taking things to the extreme such as climbing trees.
They are also quick drying, so if you get caught out in rain or get them wet whilst photographing a fish, then they will soon be dry and comfortable again. They also have loads of secure storage space for all your valuables, plus things such as boilies when baiting margin spots, or evening casting gloves when not being used.
Our Lite Joggers are very comfortable to wear on the bank, whether sitting around in your swim, or being more active around the lake, so it’s easy to see why Tom is also a fan of them.
The material is lighter weight than a traditional pair of joggers, meaning that even in hotter weather you won’t end up sweaty and uncomfortable, but they’ll still withstand regular bankside use, including sitting on the ground, and the like.
Polar Fleece Jacket
Rather than wearing a hoodie or jumper, Tom prefers to wear one of our Polar Fleece Jackets directly over the top of his t-shirt, and then if he really needs it and the temperature drops enough, he can add a coat over the top.
These fleeces are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, so much so that although they can be used as a jacket, they also make a good replacement for a hoodie when used in the same way.
The Polar Fleece Jacket is very warm, but without being too hot for this time of year, when you do need another layer in the evenings or early morning, and has a snug fitting hood, and collar that comes up around your neck, but without feeling restrictive or annoying.
It has been tailored for a good fit to your body, whilst still being comfortable and allowing plenty of freedom of movement. Tom favours the charcoal grey colour.
Hybrid Jacket
The Hybrid Jacket is the perfect choice when you want a warm outer layer – either worn over the top of just a t-shirt, or a hoodie/jumper/fleece if it gets really chilly, as it can at this time of year when we are sometimes prone to periods of cold easterly winds, which can make it feel much colder than the actual temperature suggests.
This jacket is a great compromise in the spring as it offers all of the warmth of a puffer jacket around your core, via our hollow fibre Thermalite technology, but with lightweight Polar Fleece sleeves to make the overall garment much lighter and less bulky.
It has a tailored fit, including a longer back panel to stop cold draughts getting in, plus a snug fleece hood, but still allows for ease of movement and doesn’t feel restrictive at all when you are casting, playing fish, or similar.
Tom favours the charcoal grey colour Hybrid Jacket, and knows it will keep him warm and able to concentrate of catching carp.
Korda Clothing waterproofs
A set of spring fishing clothing for outdoor use wouldn’t be complete without waterproofs, as the weather can be very unpredictable and can change quickly.
The last thing Tom wants is to end up getting soaked whilst getting his gear round to his swim or getting his rods out – or whilst still having to wait for the rain to ease before he can do either.
So, he carries a set of DryKore MK2 waterproofs with him, especially the jacket, knowing that if it does rain, then these will keep him totally dry and able to fish on through it.
During warmer weather, if it does rain then these DryKore MK2 Jackets and Over Trousers still remain comfortable to wear as they are breathable, and unlike some waterproofs, you won’t end up as wet from sweat as you would have done from the rain!
They have an active fit, so are perfect for fishing where you need freedom of movement to cast, and are packed full of useful features, such as sealable wrist cuffs so that water doesn’t run down your arm, inside the sleeve, when you lift your rod up.
Classics polarised sunglasses
Polarised sunglasses are one of the most important items that Tom takes fishing with him, as he relies on them to help him find the carp, as well as clear spots, or even just being able to stare at the lake for extended periods of time watching for signs.
The Korda Classics are, as the name suggests, based on a classic design which will look good on anyone, plus will fit your face well so that you get the best from the polarised lenses.
The large lens offer good coverage for your eyes and the shape of the frame means that light can’t easily enter from around the sides of the lenses – which impacts their performance. Plus the frames fit very well and feel secure, even when peering down into the water, and don’t feel in danger of slipping off or moving around on the bridge of your nose.
There are three different versions to choose from, with Tom preferring the matt black frames with grey lenses, which are great in brighter conditions – there is also a tortoiseshell frame option with polarised lenses in either brown (a good all round option), or yellow (perfect for low light as they enhance any light that is available). All three lenses will help to enhance contrast when looking down through the water, meaning that not only can you see deeper due to the lens being polarised, but will also spot fish more easily as they will stand out more against the background.
Logo Patch Cap
When it comes to hats, you will often see Tom wearing his faded and well worn bucket style hat which he has had for years, long before he joined Team Korda.
He is also a big fan of our Logo Patch Cap as well, with its stylish Dark Kamo pattern and a design which keeps your head feeling comfortable even on very warm days.
The Logo Patch Cap has the typical curved brim design and structured front that you would expect from a traditional cap, and which is brilliant for keeping the sun out of your eyes, especially when combined with polarised sunglasses.
The rest of it though is made from a soft black mesh material, which allows plenty of airflow to keep your head cool, whilst the cap as a whole still protects you from the sun.
It is the perfect choice for fishing, or any other outdoor activity, and not only looks great, but also feels nice to wear and is very functional.
