Meet Texan native and saltwater enthusiast Bryan Barnard, creator of FishHide, innovative fishing apparel that allows you to hide in plain sight.
Interview by Kelly Groce
Can you start by telling our readers a little bit about yourself?
Around the early 90’s I started venturing off with a high school buddy going to Port O’Connor when we were old enough to drive. First night was sleeping in the bed of the truck stealing showers late at night at the Texaco (Fishing Center) from the water hose. Night two we treated ourselves to a $40 room at the Port Motel. We would fish ALL day, crush Josie’s Mexican Food for dinner, then fish with super light weight rods for the worlds biggest hard heads off the Fishing Center Docks. In 2011, I got my captains license hoping I could earn some extra money while having fun and paying for my extreme fishing habit. I guess you could say some of the early thoughts about Fishhide came from those days of guiding.
When did you create FishHide and why?
Ultimately Fishhide was created to fill the need of being able to be seen when desired but blending into your background so not to unnecessarily spook any redfish you might be tracking. I was prefishing the possum tournament in August 2011 in Mule Slough (POC), the guys had dropped me off near a boat lane but far enough away that I wouldn’t get run over or so I thought. Not too long after they left a boat did come within 25 yards of me without even noticing me and that gave me a cause for concern for the next day when we were going to be dropped off even earlier. The next morning I had decided to wear a highway vest in order to be seen by the spotlights the boaters were using to navigate through the backwaters. I can tell you it definitely worked when a boat came towards me held the spotlight on me for at least 10 seconds and then change course giving me plenty of room. I was very proud of my decision and I felt very confident that I could start fishing without having too much to worry about. As the sun starting to come up I was chasing redfish in calf deep water moving slowly and quietly as I could, but I could not seem to get close to them. It dawned on me that the sun was reflecting off my highway vest and making me stand out like a Roman candle. I took the highway vest off put it in my belt and proceeded to catch big enough fish to help put us in second out of 52 boats.
What makes your fishing apparel unique from others?
FishHide is a TRUE performance fishing shirt. Meaning it comes included with: • 2 chest pockets • Comfort cuffs with thumb holes (acts as gloves) • Built in lens cloth • Built in sun collar • Built in kill switch loop • SPF 50 micromesh material that dries fast and is breathable.
FishHide Outdoors founder, Bryan Barnard, with a nice redfish.
What’s your favorite lures to throw for inshore fishing?
I have narrowed down my favorite lures to Corky’s, Down South Lures, Home Recker Paddle Tails, Paul Brown Devil Flappers and topwaters. Oh, and 3” Gulp! Shrimp for those flatties.
What can we expect to see in the future from FishHide?
Fishhide will likely officially change names from Fishhide Sportswear to Fishhide Outdoors in 2018 or early 2019 due to some other nonapparel gear coming out. Stay tuned with Fishhide on Facebook and Instagram to follow along with my new product that should come out summer of 2018.
- www.fishhidesportswear.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/fishhidesportswear
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Fishhide
