Wearing the right clothing while fishing is always important, but during the summer months, that becomes even more critical with the sun blazing. If you plan to fish a lot this summer, it pays to protect your skin with good clothing and accessories so you don’t end up sunburnt or have to cut your trip short due to the heat.
Here’s a quick rundown of some items that are perfect for anything the summer heat throws at you.
Sun Shirts, Pants, and Shorts
A proper shirt and pants or shorts that protect your skin from the sun can go a long way toward keeping you comfortable in the heat. Here are some options across various price ranges that are perfect for summertime fishing.
Bassdash UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Fishing Hoodie with UV Neck Gaiter - $29.99
This is a budget option for fishing shirts, but the Bassdash shirts do not lack in features or quality. This version features the same UPF 50+ fabric as most other shirts on the market. It also comes with a hood and, as a bonus, a built-in neck gaiter to protect your face. The sides, underarms, and hood are also vented with mesh material to help you stay even cooler on the water.
Huk Drift Performance Hoodie Tee - $60
Unlike most fishing shirts, this performance shirt feels more like a standard long-sleeved t-shirt or lightweight hooded sweatshirt that is very comfortable to wear, while still protecting you from the sun. It has a hood and drawstring and is made from a breathable, antimicrobial material that keeps you feeling fresh on the water.
FORLOH SolAir Button-Down Shirt - $129
This fishing shirt from FORLOH has all the features you would expect from a sun shirt, like a UPF 50+ rating and great ventilation, but perhaps the most distinctive thing is that it is made in America. The company doesn’t just assemble them here; the materials, components, and all of production are here in the U.S.A.
The button-down style looks good on or off the water, and it features a stretch fabric (polyester-spandex blend) with cooling minerals in the fabric for added comfort. It’s also quick drying and comes in solid colors as well as camo patterns. It’s not an inexpensive shirt, but it’s packed with features and built to last in America.
Huk Icon Shorts - $70
The Huk Icon shorts (and pants) are built for fishermen. They have a quick-drying, stain-resistant fabric with UPF 50+ protection. There are also pockets in all the right places, and they have enough stretch to be very comfortable to wear. There is also an adjustable stretch waistband. Whether you go with the shorts or the pants, these are perfect for you the next day on the water.
FXR Tech Air Dryseat Pants - $129.99
These pants from FXR are similar to most modern fishing pants in that they have a bit of stretch, plenty of pockets, and sun protection for your legs, but they also have a few other cool features. One is the added waterproofing in the seat, which prevents wetness when you sit on a damp boat seat or carpet after it rains. They are very comfortable to wear, look great, and come in a shorts option if that's more your style.
Rain to Shine
While protecting yourself from the sun is one of the biggest things for summer fishing, this is also a time of year when rain can be a factor, and you’ll need a good suit that will keep you dry, without being too hot. Then, when the sun comes out, a good pair of sunglasses is a must. Here are some options that cover your bases no matter the conditions.
FXR Adventure Lite Tri-Laminate Jacket and Bibs ($259 each piece)
As the name suggests, this is a very lightweight rain suit, but it doesn’t lack any waterproofing. It boasts a 20k waterproof rating, which is more than enough for summer storms and is also very breathable. The bibs have some neat features, like waterproof YKK zippers on the legs, a fly zipper, and pockets. It’s also a very packable suit, which doesn’t take up much space in your compartments. The bibs also have just the right amount of stretch, and the entire suit is very comfortable to wear.
Smith Backcast Sunglasses – Starting at $277
Smith Optics makes some incredibly clear lenses, and their ChromaPop technology uses tints that adjust to changing conditions. The Backcast is a new frame style and comes in some unique lens colors, such as Polarchromic rose blue mirror, brown/green mirror, and opal mirror, to name a few.
Ombraz Azzurro Armless Sunglasses - $195
At first glance, these sunglasses look like just about every other pair of fishing sunglasses on the market, but they lack arms. It’s an interesting concept: the lenses are attached by an adjustable cord. This allows you to loosen it and hang the glasses around your neck when not in use, but you can tighten them to your face when needed. This eliminates the pinching and discomfort that can happen when wearing standard sunglasses with a hat. Aside from just design, they are ultra-premium lenses with great polarization, perfect for summer fishing.
Fishing in the summer can be some of the best of the year, but it takes a little more preparation to stay hydrated, focused, and comfortable on the water. The products listed above will work in many seasons, but they are ideal for summertime bass fishing.
