What Is the Purpose of Fishing Wear & Which Pieces Are Essential?

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You’ve rounded up your supplies and you’re all set for a fishing adventure – you got the poles, the bait, tackle box and a cooler of beer – check! But what about your apparel? If you are planning to just throw on one of your old T-shirts that’s been hanging in the back of your closet for years now, I suggest you stop. Maybe it’s time for a proper fashion consult.

Fishing wear is specifically designed to keep you comfortable, cool, safe and well prepared for unexpected weather changes. There is a wide range of clothing pieces for fishing and what you should buy and wear depends on the type of fishing you are planning to do. For example, apparel for freshwater fishing is designed for rivers and lakes while the clothing for saltwater is designed for shoers and oceans. However, some pieces are suitable for both saltwater and freshwater environments.

fishing wear

The purpose of clothing designed for fishing is to help you have more enjoyable fishing experience. Generally, quality fishing wear can make fishing for hours comfortable as it will keep you dry and well-protected from the elements. For example, pieces like shirts, hats, and caps are designed to protect your skin, hair, and eyes from the harmful UV rays. Also, fishing apparel typically includes a lot of pockets for conveniently carrying your equipment. Some pieces may have some extra features such as convertible zippers that can turn the pants into shorts, adjustable waistbands, deep pockets, ankle zippers, etc. Apparel for fishing can be made from many different materials, so when buying, it is good to keep in mind the following things.

  • Nylon is generally flexible, strong and abrasion-resistant but it is not soft as other materials. Because of this, you may feel hotter in a nylon shirt worn in warmer temperatures compared to other materials;
  • Nylon ripstop is lightweight, water-repellent and resistant to most tears and rips;
  • Polyester is quick to dry, durable and soft but it is staticky and not as strong as nylon;
  • Cotton is breathable, comfortable and soft but it dries more slowly and tends to shrink;
  • Supplex combines the softness of cotton and durability of nylon and that’s what makes it highly breathable and quick to dry;
  • Coolmax material is breathable and fast drying. Also, it doesn’t shrink, wrinkle or fade;
  • Dri-release fabric is odor-resistant, quick to dry and very soft;
  • Ultra-dry fabric is a perfect choice for hot weather. The material is designed to dry quickly while preventing the spreading of bacteria.

When fly fishing in the winter it is very important to avoid cotton undershirts, socks or sweatpants. Because cotton absorbs water quickly, it will make it difficult for you to stay warm in cooler temperatures. Instead, you can opt for other breathable options like a 100% wool beanie, a skullcap, a pair of 100% neoprene gloves, fold-over mittens, a pair of lightweight socks followed by another pair of heavy wool ones, etc. If you are fly fishing in the summer, you will definitely need sunglasses and a hat. Additionally, you may also need fly fishing pants, a vest, a button-down UV resistant shirt with pockets and wading boots.

When ice fishing, choosing what to wear is crucial if you want to stay safe and warm. Here are a few ideas about what to wear on your ice fishing trip. A layer of thermal underwear, followed by a layer of flannel or wool. You will also need a heavy waterproof winter coat, a full ice fishing suit, mittens or gloves, feet and hand warmers, sunglasses, a hat made of wool or neoprene, a scarf and face maks, wool socks, and waterproof boots.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.