I’VE recently been wearing the Helios range of shirts from Desolve Supply Co whilst fishing. Here are some of the features of this shirt that are worth considering.
Firstly, unboxing products that have been shipped by Desolve is a great experience. Desolve is a company that has assessed its environmental impacts and made a substantial effort to reduce single-use plastics. Instead of taking the easy route of cheap square sheets of plastic bags to separate the garments, each item is wrapped in a paper bag. Even the string that is used to hold the tags on is made from twine.
They have prioritised the planet and ethical production over profits. Their products are also competitively priced and are making a difference, which gives them a huge tick of approval from Fishing World.
Having worn a bunch of fishing shirts, I have a few priorities. First and foremost is comfort. Can you wear this shirt all day in the heat, casting or jigging, without seams rubbing in the wrong places? The answer is yes – a soft, breathable fabric with a UPF 30-plus rating has clearly been designed for fishing. Using Bamboo Charcoal, they have been able to develop a fabric that naturally fights odours through its quick-dry properties. 21 plastic bottles have been repurposed and recycled into the construction of this 100% polyester fabric.
When it got hot, I pulled up the modular face shield and hood. I’ve used fishing-specific face masks for a while. Extended trips where all the fun is ruined with sunstroke on day one are avoided. Face shields are beneficial for fishos because they fight the sun without the need for using sunscreen, which might turn a tentative fish off the bite. Face shields can have the issue of fogging up sunglasses and being a little uncomfortable. The Helios shield has superior breathability compared to what I’ve experienced in other face shields to avoid these issues. When not in use, you hardly notice it is there. To tighten the collar, buttons avoid the sunburnt “V” on the neck and hold the hood in place for when you are taring off into the sunset on the open water. No unnecessary “U-turns” to collect your cap that has done a runner. The buttons used to lock the hood in are 100% biodegradable and non-corrosive.
I want a fishing shirt that dries off quickly. I get annoyed by fabrics that hold moisture, making you stink and eventually weigh you down. Helios supported my quirks with body-mapped breathability that reduces sweat and ultra-lightweight fabric that dries out before you know it.
The cuffs have thumb holes that maintain the structure of the shirt. The sleeves don’t ride up, and you get sun protection down past your knuckles.
The Helios range isn’t over the top with one to two colours in the minimalistic. I chose the design with the “kingfish” on the back, with other options being the Yellowfin or Bluefin Tuna, Brown Trout, Snapper and Giant Trevally. If they don’t float your boat, there is a completely plain option as well.
Overall, this is a premium quality fishing garment that is designed to maximise your time on the water. Any product that keeps you happily fishing for longer periods of time is a valuable asset. RRP is $110, and in my opinion, reasonably priced considering their environmental footprint and social consciousness of manufacturing.
Check out the Helios range and use the code ONTHESAUCE10 for 10% of full priced items.
