Being comfortable in your clothes is always important, but even more so when it comes to fishing. When you’re moving around a lot, sweating even more, and facing the elements, you want to be as protected as possible. But how do you prepare for your fishing trip? Where do you start? Whether you’re a beginner in need of advice or a seasoned angler looking to upgrade their wardrobe, what to wear fishing is a topic worthy of your time and research.
Don’t worry! While fishing apparel options are growing every day, it doesn’t have to be a hassle to choose something that works for you. We’ll take you through different pieces of clothing and point out why they’re important. Then it’s up to you to decide on your preferences and go shopping.
What to Wear Fishing – Basics
We’ll start you off with a “beginner’s package.” While the apparel of shore and boat fishermen differs significantly in certain aspects, the basics remain the same. The trifecta of good quality fishing clothes is protection, comfort, and camouflage. These are the things you should keep in mind when choosing what to wear fishing.
Seasoned anglers swear by layers, layers, layers. A recreational fisherman’s attire usually consists of three layers – bottom, middle, and top. On hot summer days, just two layers will do the trick. Each of these layers has its purpose in allowing you maximum comfort and optimal performance. Here’s what every angler should have in their wardrobe sooner rather than later.
✓ Baselayer Shirt
Whenever you’re being active, whether it’s running, hiking, or fishing, having a good-quality baselayer shirt can be a lifesaver. These are lightweight, breathable t-shirts, usually made from polyester, nylon, merino wool, or a polyester-cotton blend. These materials help wick away sweat and keep you dry and comfortable. While your first impulse might be to get a good old 100% cotton shirt, we don’t recommend it. You want something that will dry fast and won’t stick to your skin, and cotton is the opposite of that.
If at all possible, get a sun-protective baselayer with a strong UPF – that way you’re protected from the ultraviolet rays from the start. Some brands offer shirts that minimize odor and are water repellent if you feel like covering all bases.
✓ Long or Short-Sleeved Fishing Shirt
A display of camouflage fishing shirts
Moving on to the middle layer, this is the one that serves as insulation in the winter, and offers protection against the elements when the weather is warmer. We’d always recommend getting a long-sleeved shirt because it provides better coverage. If you’re thinking “I don’t want to wear long sleeves on a 90ºF day,” think again.
These shirts are specially designed for fishing. They‘re made of nylon, and have plenty of ventilation all around the torso. Your arms and upper body are protected from the sun, but you won’t feel stifled or hot. These shirts are made to dry off quickly, and some are stain-resistant, which is always a welcome perk when fishing. Our advice is to choose the color depending on the surroundings of your fishing spot. Especially if you’re doing shallow water fishing, you’ll want to blend in with your environment, so anything that includes muted greens, grays, browns, and blues is a good choice.
Other Essentials: Hats, Gloves, Sunglasses
We can’t talk about what to wear fishing without mentioning hats, sunglasses, and gloves. These might seem like accessories, but trust us, they become essential when you spend your whole day outside.
A good hat is probably the most important out of three. If you’re standing in the sun for hours on end, you’ll need extra protection. Anglers have different preferences, and anything from a simple ball cap to a buff is a good choice. Some people even use hard hat liners. Light hats with a wide brim seem to be the best solution – they cover your face and neck and protect you from overheating.
Good polarized sunglasses are another important item on every fisherman’s checklist. People often think they don’t make much of a difference until they try fishing in them. Not only do you see your prey better because you’re protected from the glare of the water’s surface, but you look good too.
Having gloves while handling fishing tackle or wearing them in the summer might not make a lot of sense. But in order to prevent sunburn on your hands, having sun fishing gloves is a must. You can get the fingerless kind if you want to handle your hooks and bait without losing your touch. You can also get light gloves with UPF protection. If you have any questions about fishing shirts and accessories, feel free to consult me at any time.
Post time: Jan-31-2024
