Fall is here, and the fishing will be some of the best it will be all year. However, this is a time of year when things change rapidly, including the weather, and fishing trips often require you to bundle up in the morning for the cooler temperatures and remove much of that clothing by the afternoon.
As a result of the drastic changes in temperatures, even on the same day, the gear and clothing selection for the fall months runs the extremes. Here are some items that have been tested in real-world fishing situations and work as advertised to keep you comfortable this time of year.
Fishing Pants
Depending on where you live, shorts may already be out of the question for you by now, so a lightweight fishing pant is a great option. They cover enough skin to warm you on early morning boat rides and are comfortable enough to fish in warmer temperatures and underneath rain gear. Here are two fishing-specific pants that look great and are easy to wear while fishing.
Huk Icon Pro Pant - $80
These pants fit like your most comfortable and favorite pair of jeans or slacks, with the right stretchy material that allows you to move freely when fishing. They have pockets in all the right places and feature 50+ UPF protection, with a material that is neither too thick nor too thin. They can be worn at any time of year, but are particularly ideal for the changing weather conditions we experience on the water during the fall months.
Under Armor Mantra Cargo Pants - $75
Designed with a looser fit, these pants are lightweight and comfortable. They utilize a 4-way stretch material for added comfort and are crafted from a water-resistant, quick-drying material. They look and feel great and would be suitable for on or off the water.
Shirts and Sweatshirts
While it's finally getting cooler, wearing shirts that help to protect your skin from sunburn and long-term damage is still crucial. That's why sun shirts are still perfect for fall fishing and will also be a great item to wear underneath your sweatshirts, jackets, and rain gear. Here are a few good ones, along with an excellent hooded sweatshirt that will keep you fishing in comfort.
Under Armour Fish Elite Printed Hoodie - $65
The unique material Under Armour uses in this shirt makes it incredibly comfortable; it feels light, stretchy, and helps protect you from sun damage. There are also a few little details that make this shirt unique, such as the slightly smaller hood opening, which allows you to fit it over your hat and still run wide open in a boat without your hat flying away. Additionally, the thumb loops help protect the top of your hand from the sun. Some added color choices with prints are new for the shirt, but they have several options, including solid colors and camo designs.
HUK Atoll Long Sleeve Half Zip Hoodie - $60
This unique sunshirt features a half-zip for added comfort and a hood that easily fits over your hat, helping to protect your face and neck from sun damage. It's lightweight enough to be comfortable in hot conditions, yet also works well as the first layer when wearing multiple clothing items. It is a polyester and spandex blend, so it feels great with enough stretch to keep you comfortable all day on the water.
AFTCO Reaper Sweatshirt - $79
As the weather gets cooler, a standard hooded sweatshirt may not be enough, and that's why a warmer version of the Reaper is a good choice. It features a built-in neck warmer and face mask, keeping you warm and toasty, regardless of the temperature. It's also made with a warm microfleece material and comes in various colors, as well as standard, women's, and plus sizes.
Raingear and Boots
When the temperatures begin to fall this time of year, a good pair of boots and rain gear is a must. Even if no rain is in the forecast, these two items will keep you warm all day. There are some great choices, including this suit from AFTCO and boots from Gill.
AFTCO Hydronaut Heavy-Duty Bibs ($249) and Hydronaut Jacket ($269)
For a well-built and comfortable rain suit, this is a great option that includes several unique features. One of those is the SpeedVent Hood on the jacket, which allows you to cinch down the hood and run down the lake as the air is vented out of the back. It also features a double cuff system to keep your arms dry, regardless of the conditions, and is rated 30k waterproof.
The bibs are also very comfortable, with a Velcro system on the shoulders instead of bulky straps. For colder climates, an insulated version costs slightly more but is built for extreme cold-weather fishing.
Gill Hydro Mid Boot - $115
There are many choices for footwear, and the rubberized boots that have become so popular are great for cool weather, rainy days, and launching your boat in the fall. This version from Gill features a neoprene liner and rides higher up on your calf, making them perfect for wearing under rain bibs or pants. They feature a non-slip sole for enhanced stability and are very comfortable to wear, while also being easy to put on and take off.
Gearing up with the proper clothing and accessories for the sometimes crazy fall weather is a critical part of being prepared when going fishing. The items listed above have all been tested, heavily used, and are worth a spot in your fall fishing wardrobe.
