Fishing Shirts
Many people wear regular old t-shirts when fishing. Maybe you have a favorite “lucky” fishing shirt, ratty and stained, that you just won’t fish without, or maybe you just pick out a t-shirt because it is quick and easy. Most of the time, it is just too early in the morning to think about what to wear. Besides, you don’t care about making a fashion statement – you’re fishing!
The fishing shirt you choose however, can make a big difference between your feeling miserably hot out in the sun and protecting your skin from over-exposure.
There are all types and styles of shirts for fishing that have been made to increase your comfort.
Coolmax is one of the fabrics on the market that is advertised as being fast drying, breathable, and resists shrinking, fading and wrinkling. Coolmax t shirts are designed to keep you cool by moving perspiration and moisture away from your body and drying quickly. This design is built into the fibers, so no chemical treatments are required.
Under Armour has also come out with a new fishing shirt that has a collar, mesh under the arms for venting, and a special pocket for your sunglasses. It features an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 30+ and a topical antimicrobial treatment to help fight odor. Typical of their other clothing, it is lightweight and very breathable.
Columbia Fishing Shirts have been a favorite for several years. Many of the professional anglers wear them because of the comfort and protection they provide. Most are rated with a UPF of 30+ or 40+ and have features such as a sun protection collar, mesh venting at the front and back, an action pleat in back for maneuverability, pockets and even a rod holder! They have short sleeves and long sleeves, both are light enough to wear on a hot and humid day.
Many of the brands are now making fishing shirts tailored to fit women – something that has been difficult to find. Places like Bass Pro Shops and Cabelas have shirts for woman anglers that are more fitted through the waist and come in a variety of colors and styles. They are also cool, vented and provide UPF protection like the men’s versions, just designed to better fit a woman's body.
