Would you believe me if I told you that upgrading your fishing shirts and fishing pants for warm weather is worth the investment?
Before I found proper fishing clothes, every warm weather fishing trip included a combination of:
- Slathering on sunscreen (or getting burnt to a crisp)
- Fighting biting bugs
- Wet cotton clothes
- Too Hot or Too Cold
The right fishing clothes alleviate these issues, make great gifts, and don’t need to break the bank. This article is oriented towards warm-weather fishing clothes.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
What is Special About Fishing Shirts and Fishing Pants?
Fishing clothes are purposefully designed for long periods of sun exposure in the great outdoors with a high likelihood of getting at least a little wet. They have key features that make them more comfortable than regular cotton clothes.
Sun Protection
Whether boat or shore fishing, the sun is likely beating down on you. Save that sunscreen, because modern fishing clothes have built in UPF (UV protection factor). Cover yourself with fishing clothing and you will be protected from the sun.
Most UPF rated fishing clothes on the market indicate a 30-50 UPF rating which equates to 96-98% UV blocking ability! Normal clothes will block UV rays to varying degrees but may not be as reliable as selecting UPF rated fishing equipment.
Quick Drying Breathable Materials
Let’s face it – most fishing trips you will get a little wet. It could be anything from sea spray while motoring the boat or reaching into the water to rinse your hands. Fishing clothing is made of quality fast-drying breathable materials that won’t stay wet long.
You will be more comfortable if your clothes dry out quickly.
Breathability is key for fishing in the summer or in warmer climates. Quality fishing clothing is thin and breathable. From experience in Texas summers – I am more comfortable in a long sleeve fishing shirt and long pants than cotton shorts and t-shirt.
Long Sleeve Fishing Shirts and Long Fishing Pants to Maximize Comfort
Shorts and t-shirts sound comfortable on a summer day but they leave your arms and legs exposed to the sun and any biting bugs. It seems counterintuitive, but lean towards more coverage with long sleeve shirts and long pants when selecting fishing clothes.
Note that I now exclusively wear long sleeve fishing shirts. I mostly wear long fishing pants but sometimes wear shorts if I’m beach fishing (and usually regret it when the sun and biting bugs come out!).
Pro Tip: Add a fishing neck gaiter or get a fishing shirt with a hood to protect your head and neck
Best Fishing Shirts and Pants
Quality fishing shirts and fishing pants will be:
- Made from fast drying, breathable materials
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants (shorts ok in certain circumstances)
- Have a 30+ UPF rating for all-day sun protection
Pick your favorite brand and look. Just make sure they meet these criteria!
Here are some great options I have experience with:
- Columbia Terminal Tackle shirts (pictured below on yours-truly)
- Huk has a slick lone sleeve line in fishing camos
- I like these lightweight breathable pants by Huk (also shown below)
You’ll thank me next time you’re out fishing!
Gifting Fishing Shirts and Pants
I think fishing clothes make great gifts for anglers. Most people think of new fishing poles or general equipment, but getting a premium clothing option is almost always welcomed.
I recommend going ‘premium’ for fishing gift ideas. Most anglers are cost sensitive (as they should be – there’s a lot of gear needed for fishing!) and won’t buy the top-of-the-line option for themselves if they don’t think they need it.
A premium fishing clothing item will not break the bank (compared to buying a premium rod or reel! Oof!).
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
