Recommended Clothing For Fishing

As fishing usually involves sitting down for several hours with little movement, choosing clothes that help you to stay warm is the prerogative. In the summer, your main problem will obviously be keeping cool, but given our typical British summers, you can‘t guarantee this! Here is our guide on what to wear whilst fishing.

Base Layers

A thin t-shirt should form the base layer. As this is the layer that will be directly next to your skin, it is important that the material can allow moisture to escape from your body. If sweat is able to dry on your skin, it can quickly make you feel cold.

Outer Shell Layer

On top of this base layer, a top made from wool will help to keep the heat in, and stop it from leaving your body, even if it rains. As any dedicated angler knows, this is especially vital once the weather starts to turn colder. Merino wool is a good option. A waterproof coat should form the outer shell (top) layer.

Socks

Many people view socks as merely something to cover your feet, but they are actually much more important than this. The wrong pair of socks can lead to unpleasant blisters, as well as contributing to sore feet. Chafing caused by ill-fitting socks, and sweaty feet are two of the worst culprits for these. To avoid this, you need a pair of socks that will direct sweat away from your skin, and dry it quickly. Some socks even have antibacterial properties added to them to help prevent the dreaded cheesy feet syndrome.

The layering rule also applies to your feet. A thin pair of socks will act as the base layer, while a pair of wool socks will insulate your feet, and keep them warm.

Like socks, a good pair of fishing boots makes all the difference to the comfort of your feet.

Hats

A hard hat liner might sound a bit unconventional, but it will keep your neck, ears and head warm in cold weather. In the summer, a wide brimmed hat will keep the sun off your face, but don't forget to slap on the sun cream anyway!

Gloves

Lots of anglers don't like wearing gloves whilst fishing, as it can make casting the rod and reeling in catches much more tricky. If you go on fishing boat trips, you'll probably want a pair though to keep your hands warm on the journey, before the actual fishing starts.

Additional Extras

Wearing all of these layers will make you top heavy, so a life jacket is an essential clothing item to put on top - if you accidentally fall in, the weight of the clothes will prevent you from swimming.

Wearing the right clothes is essential for anglers, as it's inevitable that you're going to be spending large amounts of time sitting around. Even when you're actively fishing, there isn't that much movement involved, so you can't rely on this to keep you warm, especially during the winter. In the summer, you'll have the opposite problem, and keeping cool will be the main priority.