When it comes to enjoying the outdoors, every season offers something a little different. An important part of having fun and staying safe while fishing is to come prepared with the correct clothing. Different seasons will require different outerwear so that you can effectively stay comfortable while catching fish. Let's take a look at the best fishing clothing for every outing.
Things To Consider
Most people’s first instinct when doing anything outdoors during the summer is to wear as little clothing as possible in order to stay cool. The problem with this is that it exposes you to the sun, wind, rain, and insects. The smarter route is to wear comfortable clothing that protects you from the elements. Choosing the right clothing will keep you fishing for longer, and more time on the water equals more fish.
When it gets cold outside, bundling up seems like the obvious choice, but that is only half the battle. Staying dry is just as important as staying warm. Wearing clothing that insulates while breathing to release moisture is key to staying comfortable when the temperatures drop.
Before your next outing, be sure to check the weather and consider what type of fishing you want to do.
Weather
July and August are typically the hottest summer months in the northern hemisphere, but that doesn’t mean the weather won’t throw you a curveball every now and then. It’s important to try and anticipate any possible changes in the weather so that you can plan accordingly with the proper clothing.
Bluebird skies and the reflection of the sun off of the water are a recipe for sunburn and dehydration. Sunny days call for breathable outerwear like a performance shirt that protects your skin from harmful UV rays and keeps you cool at the same time.
Summer showers and windy days can put a damper on your day of fishing as well if you are dressed head to toe in cotton clothing. Cotton is lightweight and comfy when it's dry, but it absorbs rain and sweat like no other. I think we can all agree that a wet angler on a windy day isn’t going to be having much fun. That’s why it’s important to wear clothes that have a solid waterproof rating or wick away moisture.
Fishing at night and through the ice brings a whole different set of needs to the table when it comes to protective and comfortable clothing. You still have to contend with wind and rain, but they make it very hard to stay warm when the sun isn’t around.
Anglers are no strangers to biting flies and mosquitos, especially around bodies of water or after a rainstorm. A little wind can be your friend in this regard, but you can’t always count on it to keep the insects at bay. You can count on clothing that covers your skin to prevent those annoying and unrelenting insects from eating you alive.
Fishing Technique
Everyone has their own favorite species of fish to catch with their own favorite tried and true techniques to fill the livewell. This is where the comfort of your clothing comes in. A long day of casting from shore will call for different clothing than if you are sitting in a boat trolling the bottom.
Casting spinnerbaits for bass or jigging for bluegill can get tiresome after a while, so it’s always a good idea to wear something loose or elastic that doesn’t hinder your casts. Wearing restrictive clothing only creates more work on a hot day.
If you prefer to sit and wait for catfish at night or jig for walleye through the ice, you can get away with wearing thicker clothing since you won’t be casting all day long. Just be sure that your clothing breathes so that you stay nice and dry as you wait for a bite.
Headwear
Wearing a brimmed hat is a great way to keep the sun off your head, face, neck, and out of your eyes. Ideally, your hat should be vented and have a dark-colored underside. Vents will help release moisture and let in fresh air so that you don’t have to deal with sweat and sunscreen in your eyes. Darker colors will help keep the sun from reflecting in your eyes so that you can make sure your line gets where it needs to be every time.
When it gets cold after the sun sets, you no longer have to worry about sunburn, but keeping your body temperature up becomes paramount. We lose a lot of heat through the top of our heads, so you will want to wear an insulated hat to keep your head and ears nice and toasty.
Neck gaiters are another awesome way to stay comfortable, no matter the weather. They are great at wicking away moisture to keep you dry in the summer heat and during the dead of winter. They also provide a protective layer from pesky insects.
Sunglasses
Wearing eye protection is vital when fishing, especially on sunny days. Not any old sunglasses will do, they should always be polarized. Polarized lenses help protect your eyes from the sun reflecting off of the water, plus they allow you to see under the surface. This can be very helpful when fishing in shallow areas or spots that have suspended vegetation floating around.
If you want to save yourself from buying multiple pairs every year, invest in sunglasses that float. You may not expect to drop them in the water, but all it takes is one good wind gust to steal your glasses and leave them sitting at the bottom of the lake.
Shirts
When picking out the best shirt for fishing, ditch the sleeveless t-shirts and opt for something with more protection from Mother Nature. As we mentioned earlier, it is best to cover the skin with a fabric that can breathe and combat sweat.
The most protective fishing shirts have long sleeves, hoods, and gaiters to help shield your entire upper body from UV rays, cold temps, wind, and insects. As long as they are made from a breathable material, you will have no problem putting in those extra hours on the water year-round. Some even come with extra pockets for storing things like your phone or tackle so that you are always prepared.
Gloves
Keeping your hands protected is something that many anglers don’t consider before heading out to their favorite fishing hole. Seeing as how you need your hands for every aspect of fishing, it only makes sense to make sure they are taken care of.
When the weather is hot your hands are going to sweat, so gloves that breathe and dry quickly are key, especially on a good day of fishing as you pull fish after fish out of the water.
Anyone who fishes in cold weather knows that your hands can go numb which makes baiting your hook next to impossible. Keep your hands flexible by keeping them warm with an insulated glove or mittens. The best of both worlds comes in a convertible mitten that allows you to flip them open into gloves when you need to use your fingers and don’t want to lose your heat by removing them.
Jackets & Bibs
Jackets are a cold-weather fishing necessity, but they also have their place on those warm and wet days. No matter what you are fishing for, you are going to get wet through sweat, rain, or pulling fish out of the water, so prepare accordingly.
Waterproof pants and bibs are non-negotiable when it comes to ice fishing or sitting in the boat during a downpour. Nothing ruins a good day of fishing like being cold and drenched.
Look for jackets and pants with a high waterproof and breathability rating so that you can keep fishing comfortably even if the weather doesn’t want to cooperate.
Final Thoughts
Before your next outing, take the time to consider your needs so that you can wear or pack the proper attire. At the very least, it will make your day fishing that much more comfortable and enjoyable, but more importantly, it will keep you safe and allow you to spend more time on the water.
