When it comes to fishing, choosing the right clothing can make all the difference. The choices you make when deciding what to wear fishing can ensure a comfortable and successful day on the water, but those choices can also help protect you from long-term and sometimes devastating effects of the sun.
Last updated on October 22nd, 2023 at 10:06 am
SUMMARY: Fishing attire plays a crucial role in your comfort and safety. From polarized sunglasses to clothing that covers your skin, including hats, fishing gaiters, and gloves, your decision on what to wear fishing can help you avoid sun damage and discomfort and help ensure a successful fishing trip.
My father took my brothers and me fishing a good bit when we were growing up, usually in the summer, when we were off of school and itching for some outdoor excitement. If we thought about clothes at all, it was to try to wear as little as possible: Muscle shirts, sometimes even made of mesh. Shorts. Flip-flops. And certainly no socks.
If we were on a trip of any distance, we’d open the side windows of Daddy’s old truck and dangle our arms out in the swirling wind the entire way. By the time we arrived, you could tell who rode on which side of the truck by which arm was the most sunburned. Our noses stayed red and our backs peeled all summer long.
Caution: Serious Content Ahead
Years later, my dad, my brothers and I have all dealt with sun damage and regular trips to the dermatologist — sometimes to “burn” off a suspect spot, sometimes to schedule a procedure to surgically remove basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers. Sorry to drop that serious stuff on you in the middle of a website about the joys of pond fishing for bass.
The good news is we’re all smarter now, and there are some pretty cool ways to protect yourself with today’s lightweight hooded fishing shirts, gloves, boots, gaiters, sunglasses, and even fishing pants. And a thousand types of fishing hats. (Though, I’m forever in search of a cool, comfortable, low-key fishing hat that contains no neon or leather patches and doesn’t look like it was inspired by rap culture but still makes a subtle nod to my status as a bass fisherman without being cliche or a traveling billboard. A simple request, right? If you see such a hat, let me know!)
As you can see, there are lots of options out there and no reason you can’t be both protected and comfortable while fishing.
Tips on What to Wear Fishing
General Guidelines
- Cover up your skin as much as possible, and slather on sunscreen for the parts you can’t cover.
- Dress for the weather: Check the forecast before you head out and dress appropriately. Rain gear included.
- Wear clothes you don’t mind getting funked up by mud, fish slime, sweat, and even blood.
- Wear muted colors – dark blues and greens, greys, etc. Remember, fish can see you, and loud patterns and colors are sure to put them on alert. (See that? And you actually doubted the idea that fishing clothes could actually help you catch fish!)
- Wear long sleeves.
- Dress in layers, so you can add and remove items as changing weather dictates.
- Choose clothing with pockets.
- Protect your eyes and face.
- Protect your legs and feet.
- Be generous with the mosquito and bug repellant of your choice.
Regarding that final item, I just want to say upfront that wearing clothing that covers your legs, arms, face, etc. presents the added benefit of making it harder for mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks to have their way with you. Also, if you encounter a snake ― scratch that. WHEN you encounter a snake ― you may find yourself grateful that you’re wearing sturdy shoes or boots and stiff jeans.
What to Wear Fishing: Top to Bottom
- EYES: Polarized sunglasses should be a permanent part of your fishing attire, for several reasons. Most importantly, they’ll protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. The wrap-around kind will offer added protection from glare, but that’s up to you. (Find these in the fishing department of your favorite store; the glasses at the gas station or the Dumbo glasses you got at Disney won’t be nearly as effective.)
As an ADDED BONUS, polarized sunglasses will help reduce glare on the water, making it easier to see fish and improve your chances of catching them. Yes! They will help you see UNDER THE WATER, where in addition to fish, you can spot logs, grasses, spawning beds, and other features that will help you catch fish. Depending on what you’re using, you may be able to see the fishing line much more clearly, which is very helpful for detecting a subtle bite. - HEAD: I have a good supply of hats to wear while I continue my quest for the ultimate fishing hat. (See rant above.) On a quick run to the neighborhood pond, a baseball cap will do the job, IF you’ve been generous with the sunscreen on your face and neck, with special attention to your nose and ears.
On a longer trip or if you’re going out in the hottest part of the day, a larger, sun-resistant, wide-brimmed hat will give you more coverage. Some of these have cooling features. I received one as a gift that claims to repel mosquitoes. Claims … - NECK AND LOWER FACE: Fishing gaiters can be found everywhere these days and can be used to protect your neck as well as your ears, nose, and mouth if it is pulled up to the lower part of your face. OK, you’d look weird wearing this at Chili’s, but on a fishing pond, it won’t appear goofy at all. The same is true for fishing facemasks. Many pros wear ’em. And some shirts and hoodies come with built-in facemasks.
- UPPER BODY: Whether it’s hot or cold, wear something with sleeves. Walk through the fishing apparel section of any Walmart or outdoors store, and you’ll see light-weight, stretchy shirts, often with hoods, that are ideal for keeping your upper body covered while keeping you cool. (A hoodie will do the job in colder weather.)
A good breathable baselayer shirt, with a sun-protective feature, is a good place to start. These can be polyester, nylon, or a blend that will dry fast and won’t stick to your skin; 100% cotton is the opposite of that.
For the top layer, you’ll find that fishing attire can be pretty “out there” with graphics and product advertising. Go as gaudy as you’d like, but remember our advice to stick with muted colors that won’t spook the fish. My style is understated, and I find the basic blues and greens I wear are also appropriate for the beach, or working in the yard. - HANDS: I’ve never felt a need for fishing gloves, but maybe one day I’ll try ’em and marvel at all the benefits. I do agree that any extra sun protection is a plus. Let me know if you try fishing gloves and have a good experience.
- LOWER BODY: As a bank fisherman targeting bass, I contend you should be on the move and not camped out in a chair on a nicely groomed grassy area. In my view, you’ll likely be walking through high grass, bushes, or wooded areas to get to that perfect spot. If you’re wearing shorts, you’re likely to bring home scratched-up legs and possibly a case of poison ivy. Not worth the risk, if you ask me. There are nylon fishing pants available that some anglers swear by, but I like a plain-old heavy-duty pair of jeans, which feels like armor as a trudge my way around the lake. And pockets, which are handy for carrying your tools, lures, extra hooks, etc. (Actually, a good backpack or even a fishing vest is better for this, but pockets are good for giving you options.)
Now some people fishing rivers or streams may want to get in the water with the fish. Not me; I’m sticking to the bank. But if that sounds like you, and more power to you, you’ll want to invest in waders, which can keep you dry and comfortable while you catch all the bass I can’t reach from the shore. - FEET: As a bank fisherman, you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that also provide good support. And socks! (Thin and breathable if you’re worried about heat; thicker if you’re worried about blisters or keeping warm.) There are a variety of boots that do the job. (Waterproof hiking boots are my favorite. Rubber tends to get hot and uncomfortable, in my experience.) As mentioned above, you’ll be walking through some rough and possibly wet areas (where you may run across snakes and other slithery creatures), so a sturdy boot gives you that peace of mind that sandals or flip-flops can’t. Something with a closed toe is mandatory, as well as footwear with non-slip soles for negotiating a slippery bank.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared with the right clothing for your next fishing trip. Remember to also bring along any necessary gear, like your fishing rod and reel, lures and baits, and a valid fishing license. Happy fishing!
Other Resources
- What to Wear Fishing: A Handy Guide
- What to Wear Fishing This HOT Summer
- What to Wear Fishing: A Practical Guide for Anglers
- What Makes a Fishing Shirt Special?
