By Mary Webb
Probing the lake for Large Mouth Bass is more than satisfactory in the Cascade Hoody by Redington. The Cascade Hoody is perfect to wear while trolling alongside the fish finder or casting for Catfish along the California shoreline of Diamond Valley Lake. We found this three-season jacket satisfactorily protective from sun, water and wind. Worn in a regular fit, not too snug or loose, you will have plenty of mobility to cast out to the crags.
Let’s take it from the top! You will find shelter in the stand-up collared hood. When the breeze was hitting our face on our boat ride, towards the small islands of Diamond Valley Lake, the cold morning wind stayed off our temples and ears, making it a pleasant experience to enjoy the open air. The soft, interior lining in the hood not only provided extra warmth, but was also a welcome feel against the face.
As it heated up in the afternoon, the jacket was an ideal warmth; not too warm or cold. The 100-percent polyester fabric was breathable, although we were holding our breath for a closer view of the Stripers. The stand up collared hood came into play, once again, as it created a visor-type feature to keep sun off the face. The Antimicrobial treatments were evident after a full day of being in the sun and this one was quick to dry as well, especially when the wet Bass were shaking about on the hooked line.
The sleeves of Redington’s Hoody were no exception in protecting our fisherman from the sun. Elongated sleeves were held to full extension with reinforced thumbholes. We liked how this elongated feature helped protect the top of the hands, particularly important to help ward off age spots and chafing. The thumbholes were an initial concern as to how they were going to affect our tying ability of the lure, but it worked satisfactorily in this area. Another benefit to the sleeves was the same sewn in soft lining we enjoyed inside the hood. Located along the inside extension of the arm, this soft material provided moveably and breathability while reeling up a Crappie.
This jacket has a full sun protection factor of 30; coupled with its durable polyester fabric in color ways of yew, black and indigo, this jacket will continue to protect you on your next two day fishing excursion off the Gulf of Mexico.
We expanded our exposure to the elements when we stepped off the fishing boat and took a trek around the “main land” of Diamond Valley Lake. There are hiking and bike trails we discovered, and as the evening set in, the reflective motifs on the jacket kept us safe against motorists as we made our way back to the car along the roadside.
To zip things up here, we must discuss the red-zippered pocked on the left sleeve of the Cascade Hoody. This was an ideal location to store extra cash for purchasing a much-deserved soda back at the Diamond Valley Lake store. For car keys and slightly larger items, a red-zippered pocket near the hip is also conveniently constructed.
Here’s the catch, any way you look at this Redington jacket, inside and out, you will maximize your time out on the lake. And for a price point of $69.95, you will maximize your budget as well.