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The days of fishing shirtless or in a plain cotton t-shirt are over – not only because we’re much more aware of the potential for sun damage, but also because we know that the best fishing shirts can help you perform better. How? They allow for a full range of motion, keep you cool when it’s hot, and dry quickly when they get hit by spray or rain or doused in sweat. You’re not necessarily fishing for compliments when you wear them, but if you play your cards right and choose properly, you’ll catch more fish and look better in the resulting grip and grin photos or in the tournament winner’s circle.
- Best Hooded Shirt: Sitka Radiant Hoodie
- Best Button Down Shirt: AFTCO Palomar Vented Fishing Shirt
- Best Budget: Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri Shirt
- Best Crew Neck: Forloh Men’s SolAir LS Shirt
- Best for Sun Protection: AFTCO Samurai Sun Protection Hoodie
- Best for Bug Protection: Simms BugStopper Hoody
- Best Hooded Shirt for Hot Days: Aftco Adapt Phase Change Performance Shirt
- Best Button-Down for Hot Weather: HUK Tide Point Long Sleeve
- Most Versatile: Kuiu Gila LS Hoodie
- Most Comfortable: Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
- Marsh Wear Lenwood Tech Shirt
- Schaefer RangeTek Western Guide Snap Shirt
- Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Jacob Wheeler Tech Hoodie
How I Tested the Best Fishing Shirts
I have to wear a shirt in polite society, so unless I’m going to the office, a wedding, or a funeral, it’s often something fishing-themed. Most of my fishing is in freshwater, for bass, but I’ve also run the following options through the salt air of Panama and Guatemala. I’m rough on gear – It might sit crumpled into a ball for the last four or five days of a trip before getting washed, and once it’s ready to be cleaned, I want it either go in the dryer or dry quickly on a hanger. Yes, I realized that some technical gear needs to be treated with kid gloves, but that’s not what I want. I want shirts that won’t run when they get a hook in them, will shed tuna blood in the wash, and that don’t need a highly-specific cycle in the machine. If people notice them, that’s great, but I definitely prefer function over fashion.
The Best Fishing Shirts: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Hooded Shirt: Sitka Radiant Hoodie
Pros
- Ultra-soft, feels almost like loungewear
- Polygiene Odor Control Technology
- Solid mid-range price point for a premium product
Cons
- Limited Color Selection
Key Features
- UPF 20
- Thumbholes
- Hood has cinch adjustment
- Price: $59
I’m 55 years old, with a classic dad bod (despite having no kids), and I recognize that not every performance hoodie looks great on me. Some cling in the wrong places, which makes them uncomfortable and also makes me self-conscious. It doesn’t help that depending on the brand I’m somewhere between large and extra large, so I acquired both in Sitka’s Radiant Hoody, prepared to send one back. I was surprised that both fit well and looked surprisingly good. I fished in them and they were comfortable, cool and quick-drying, but I also found that this was a great shirt for running errands or even getting on Zoom calls. Despite being a performance-oriented products, it channels the best of the Silicon Valley leisure wear look, too. I didn’t expect that from a company known for hard core hunting gear, but they’ve somehow found a way to produce a product that I can use to take out the trash as well as for a business call – while also being one of my top choices off the pile when I’m going out to battle the elements on the boat.
Best Button Down Shirt: AFTCO Palomar Vented Fishing Shirt
Pros
- Superior sun protection
- Simple design with built-in features
- Comes in “big guy” sizes
Cons
- Limited range of solid colors
Key Features
- Ripstop woven
- Both long- and short-sleeved versions
- Single chest pocket
- Stain resistant
I’m color-blind so when I’m not sure what will match my pants or shorts, I stay with simple solids. The Palomar offers those, including various blues and charcoal, plus some rarer colors. But that’s not the reason that the shirt is often my first choice out of the laundry. Instead, I love it because it’s wrinkle-free, stain-resistant (even tuna blood comes out), and has features like button tabs to roll up your sleeves neatly and comfortable. I can wear this shirt in the boat and then out to dinner, and with the double back vents and lightweight but durable construction, it’s truly a set-it-and-forget-it operation. They also make it in “big guy” sizes up to 5X, albeit in a more limited range of colors. I have five of these in the rotation, in various colors and both sleeve lengths, because I know that it won’t fail me and will keep me protected from the sun.
Best Budget: Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri Shirt
Pros
- Remarkable number of features in an inexpensive package
- Solid range of color options, including neons for times when enhanced visibility is needed
- Durable hems and borders
Cons
- No built-in neck gaiter or hood
Key Features
- FreshIQ odor protection
- Cool-dri technology dries quickly
- UPF 50+
American t-shirt and underwear manufacturer, Hanes hit a sweet spot in the budget with this simple long sleeved crewneck shirt packed with moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, UPF 50 protection. It’s possible to buy two, three, or even four of them for the price of many of the other best fishing shirts, and that would be warranted if they ever wore down—but these are made to last. Simply put, they fit and wear like a much more expensive shirt. They don’t come with a bunch of fancy features or doodads, but if you need something to cover up your torso and arms, and you want something wallet-friendly, this widely-available option should be at or near the top of the list.
Best Crew Neck: Forloh Men’s SolAir LS Shirt
Pros
- Great Selection of solids and patterns, including various types of camo
- Multiple technologies used to fight different kinds of odors
Cons
- May be tough to find in retail
Key Features
- Brrr Pro enhanced cooling minerals, hyper-wicking, accelerated drying
- Sizes: S to 3XL
- 100% Sourced and Manufactured in the USA
- Price: $79
Forloh is a sneaky company, because while their name means “For Love of Hunting,” I’ve found their gear to be exceptional when fishing, too. From their rainsuit to their insect-repelling pants, I’ve found a use case for many of their products. Last year, I added their crew-necked short-sleeve shirt with a marlin on the front, and it became a staple for lounging around the house or back at camp after a day offshore. Then I added the crew neck SolAir long sleeve. It’s lightweight and cooling, but what I really liked about it is that I could do anything in it, and it never ripped, pulled, or stained. This is gear that’s been tested for hard wear, and keeps smelling good no matter how long you wear it. If you want to use it for a base layer, the various camo patterns are great, but the Ensign Blue with contrasting stitching is one of the sharpest and most visually arresting ones I’ve found. In fact, I liked it so much that after wearing the crew neck versions for a while, I added the hooded model, too.
Best for Sun Protection: AFTCO Samurai Sun Protection Hoodie
Pros
- Wide range of colors
- Quick-drying technology prevents sweat from building up
- Hood cinches down comfortably
Cons
- Only solid colors available
Key Features
- AFBLOCK UPF 50 sun protection
- Built-in hood
- Antimicrobial material
- Moisture wicking
Traditional saltwater brand AFTCO has spread their wings into other portions of the fishing universe in recent years with great success. This simple, lightweight hooded shirt explains a large part of their success. It’s so lightweight and comfortable that it never gets in the way yet prevents the sun from penetrating. Sweat in it, crumple it up in a ball, and it still looks fresh at the end of the day. Perhaps most importantly, it’s flattering to a wide range of body shapes and protects them all equally well. Anglers who want a built-in mask as well might opt for the similar AFTCO Geo Cool, which incorporates much of the same technology with added protection.
Best for Bug Protection: Simms BugStopper Hoody
Pros
- Full coverage
- Odor-wicking
- Doesn’t stretch excessively when wet
Cons
- Pricey
Key Features
- Treated with Insect Shield
- Lightweight
- Sleeves cut for full range of motion in arms
There’s no doubt that Simms has built a shirt to provide maximum performance while keeping no-see-ums and other critters off you. There are quite a few shirts out there that offer some sort of repellent fabric or additive—and you can do it yourself to any shirt with a dose of consumer-strength permethrin – but many of those shirts leave key areas exposed. When the insects are particularly bad, you need a “belt and suspenders” approach, so a crew neck or traditional button-down just isn’t enough. This one has an athletic build with tight sleeves that prevent anything from getting inside. Even with all this coverage it’s still eminently breathable. It stretches where you need it to stretch and protects you from both the sun and bugs.
Best Hooded Shirt for Hot Days: Aftco Adapt Phase Change Performance Shirt
Pros
- Lightweight but doesn’t bunch or hang awkwardly
- Ventilated and moisture-wicking
- Unique, temperature-regulating fabric
Cons
- Limited color selection
Key Features
- Sizes: Small to 3XL
- UPF 50 sun protection
- Available with or without a mask
- Price: $85
This shirt made the rounds for me in the tropics, and while I can’t confirm the scientific particulars of the Adapt “Phase Change” technology, which purports to cool or warm the body as needed, I can truly say that I never got too hot in it. When I did break a sweat, I was amazed at how it wicked my perspiration and dried off. On boat rides the hood stayed in place, and while I tend to get irritated by a hood while fishing sometimes, this one didn’t bother me in the least. I got this hoodie in both the Sliver Storm Camo pattern and a solid light blue heather, but beyond the colors I like the fact that you can get it either with or without a built-in sun mask, because sometimes (like in the Amazon) you can’t live without one, and other times it feels like it just gets in the way. It’s also available in a “tactical” version and a version cut properly for women’s figures.
Best Button-Down for Hot Weather: HUK Tide Point Long Sleeve
Pros
- Breathable and quick drying
- Button down collar stays put
- Traditional, timeless style
Cons
- No hood or gaiter built in
Key Features
- Super lightweight material
- Quick-drying, moisture-wicking fabric
- Two-way stretch
- Built-in microfiber sunglass wipe
The Tide Point is the modern iteration of the Classic button-down fishing shirt, keeping anglers cool in a timeless style. It’s built to breathe and keep you cool without ever letting anyone see you sweat, and it even has a built-in microfiber sunglass wipe so you’ll continuously see your quarry clearly. The Tide Point is available in a number of standard solid patterns, plus gingham and plaid, which means you can wear it on the boat and then directly to dinner or possibly a casual business environment.
Most Versatile: Kuiu Gila LS Hoodie
Pros
- Wicks sweat well
- Hood is cut perfectly for little obstruction
Cons
- Heavier than some fishing shirts
Key Features
- Sizes: Small to 3XL
- Solid and camo colors
- Hooded
- UPF 50+ rated
I tested the Gila LS Hoodie for four months while fishing and getting ready for the 2022 USA Archery Outdoor Nationals. My testing started fishing for stripers in Roanoke Rapids where the temps ranged from 60 to 70 degrees and I wore the Gila as a base layer. As the temps rose my fishing moved to saltwater for redfish and striped bass, where high humidity and long kayak paddles tested the Gila’s moisture wicking ability. During that time I was also training for an archery national championship, which meant being in the summer sun for two hours a day. I also wore the Gila while competing at the championship.
While I own many of the best fishing shirts featuring SPF, the Gila became my favorite this summer. The fit is loose, but not too loose and runs true to size. The hood lays flat when not in use and doesn’t obstruct your peripheral vision when it’s up. The SPF protection worked fantastic when I spent over 8 hours in the sun. I live in the southeast where the humidity stays above 80 percent all summer, and the Gila managed to wick the inevitable sweat, which kept me comfortable in triple degree heat. Another noteworthy feature is that the shirt’s material didn’t hold odor like some synthetics do.
Most Comfortable: Free Fly Apparel Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
Pros
- Wide range of colors, including solids and patterns
- Odor-resistant
- Incredibly lightweight
Cons
- Requires different care than polyester or cotton fishing shirts
Key Features
- UPF 20+
- Crossover hood provides maximum coverage
- Durable thumbholes to keep sleeves in position
- Super-soft bamboo material
Free Fly’s hoodie is so incredibly light that you may forget that it’s there. Regardless of your body size or shape, it somehow drapes fashionably and comfortably, with no pinch or pull points. The driving factor behind that comfort is the 70 percent bamboo construction, but it also stems from the design, which includes a full coverage hood. I normally don’t like thumbholes on my sleeves, even though I recognize the value of sun protection, but these were comfortable and didn’t wear at all after repeated uses.
The colors are mostly muted, consistent with Free Fly’s palette, but I also live in their Barrier Island Camo, which hides in its pattern the sea islands of the company’s home state of South Carolina. Anglers who need a slightly heavier shirt or one with more sun protective qualities will be happy to note that Free Fly makes two additional hoodies in this lineup that are slightly heavier.
Marsh Wear Lenwood Tech Shirt
Pros
- Looks almost too fancy to be “just a fishing shirt”
- Mesh panels keep you cool
- Can wear it almost anywhere and not feel out of place
Cons
- Limited color selection (although other Marshwear shirts have more options)
Key Features
- Stretch ripstop 90% poly, 10% elastane
- Concealed collar button stays
- Mesh panels
- Price: $65
I almost hesitated to wear this shirt to fish at first, afraid to get something so classy dirty. It was fine for going out to dinner, even for some media events where I needed to be dressy but not too dressy. That was a mistake because it’s turned into one of my favorite button downs for fishing – and that’s not just because it looks great in pictures. While it’s not of insubstantial construction, it’s still super-lightweight, and the mesh panels keep me cool. Furthermore, while it’s relatively simple looking, just beneath the surface, it’s loaded with features like a sunglass lens cleaner, concealed collar stay buttons, and tabs to keep the sleeves rolled up. There’s just enough sass in the label and hidden chest collar zip to let you know it’s made to work, but even people who never fish can appreciate this shirt’s quality construction and good looks. If you’re looking for patterns, consider the very similar Lenwood Hagood.
Schaefer RangeTek Western Guide Snap Shirt
Pros
- Both solids and distinctive patterns available
- Antimicrobial treatment keeps it from smelling
- UPF 50+ protection
Cons
- Not inexpensive
Key Features
- Three front pockets plus pen/glasses slot
- Pearl snap buttons
- Mesh along back and vents to keep you cool
The standard, solid-color UV protection button down has been a staple for anglers for years, and while they’re still valuable, the styling has grown a little bit tired. That’s why I loved the RangeTek, which has all of the functionality of its predecessors but is having a lot more fun with it. The western-style flap pockets with pearl snap buttons make it stand out – indeed, every time I wore it, and particularly in Texas or where Texans were abundant, someone asked me where I’d gotten it. Tucked in, it’s great for going out at night, too, as the patterns in particular make them fashionable without some of the restrictions that make more traditional western shirts tough to move in or clean. It stretches in the right places, the collar stays snapped down, and the fishing features are present but hidden, so it does double- or even triple-duty in your wardrobe.
Magellan Outdoors Men’s Pro Jacob Wheeler Tech Hoodie
Pros
- Four distinctive designs to advertise your love of fishing
- UPF 50
- Antimicrobial, anti-odor technology
Cons
- If these patterns are too bold for you, consider the other Jacob Wheeler hoodies
Key Features
- 74% polyester, 19% Tencel, 7% spandex for lightweight stretch
- Single zipper chest pocket
- Sizes up to 3X
I tend to try to keep things simple on in my look, so as not to draw too much attention to myself. That’s why I have a closet and drawers full of solids and muted patterns. At the same time, there’s nothing wrong with having a little fun and showing off your passion for fishing. I noticed that every time I wore the “Water Ballet Bait Print” of this shirt, people either commented or smiled as I passed by. In a sometimes hyper-critical world, that felt good. I also think the other patterns, like Monument Bass Topography and Sailfish Waves, will shortly make it into my rotation. But this shirt is not just about whimsy. Rather, it’s a serious piece of fishing gear befitting its namesake Jacob Wheeler, arguably the top bass pro in the world right now. It keeps me cool and prevents fish and sweat stank from ruining everyone’s day, while the hood is comfortable. The sleeves, while tighter than some others, aren’t burdensome, and I never felt hot when wearing it.
How to Choose the Best Fishing Shirt
Style
I limited this inquiry largely to long-sleeved shirts because, as I’ve gotten more concerned with sun protection, they’ve become my default choice. Some of these do, however, come in short-sleeved models. Even among those with long sleeves, however, there are multiple types – button downs, crew neck pullovers and hooded pullovers. I like button-down versions for the overall look (more forgiving of the old man body) but also keep a good stock of technical non-button shirts. When possible, I try to buy the hooded versions of the latter, because even though I’m not a devoted hood-wearer, I figure some use is better than none. Several hooded models have ended up in the donation pile, however, because the hood flapped around or didn’t stay put during boat rides, an annoyance that distracted me.
Features
I prefer a shirt with little for my line or anything else to catch on across the front, although I do like pockets at times, so that’s a balance you’ll have to strike. For the same reasons that I dislike some hooded shirts, I dislike collars that flap in the wind, so some sort of buttons to keep them in place is a plus. Beyond that, the key for me is cooling capabilities – even in mild temperatures, heavy exertion will cause you to sweat. Any sort of hidden vents or other aeration helps a ton. Beyond that, things like sunglass lens cleaners are great, but they’re rarely a deal maker or deal breaker when I go to purchase.
Washability and Odor Control
To quote comedian Mitch Hedberg: “This shirt is dry clean only….which means, it’s dirty.” I don’t want any special care obligations for my fishing shirts. They should go in the washer with everything else, and then either hit the dryer or be quick to dry on a hanger. They should also rid themselves of the unavoidable odors that come with time on the water, whether they be due to fish or human exertion. Furthermore, I spend a lot of time around tuna blood and other nasty substances – if they won’t come out easily, the shirt won’t get put in the trash, but it will find its use more limited.
Sizing
We’re all built differently. As noted above, I’m a large in some shirts and an XL in others, but even those that fit “properly” aren’t necessarily comfortable. I want something that isn’t tight, but isn’t like living in a garbage bag, either. If it binds or hangs or gets in the way, that’ll distract me and/or hurt my fishing, which is an absolute “no” in my book.
FAQs
While a regular shirt can get the job done on the water, the best fishing shirts integrate special features that protect you from the elements while also recognizing the unique physical elements of the sport. Those might include articulated sleeves, a built-in neck gaiter, or a way of securing your rod while you unhook the fish of a lifetime.
As fishing shirts have become more advanced, with added features like hoods and insect repellent treatments, their cost has increased, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some bargains out there. Also, a cheap shirt that falls apart may cost you more in the long run than one with a higher initial price tag that lasts you multiple fishing seasons.
While short sleeves are acceptable in some circumstances, it’s generally better to wear long sleeves while fishing. They protect you from the sun, biting insects, and even your buddy’s flying hooks. Just make sure the cuffs are comfortable and don’t hang down over your hands or ride up while casting.
Read Next: The Best Base Layers
Final Thoughts on the Best Fishing Shirts
Even though a fishing shirt might seem like least important piece of gear you’ll need when hitting the water, it can be the one thing that keeps you fishing longer. And more time on the water means more opportunities for landing fish. If you haven’t given much thought to your fishing shirts, this review is a great place to start. These are the best fishing shirts for keeping you dry and protected from the sun, so you can spend more time casting for those personal bests.