Top 5 Fishing and Boating Hats for Every Angler - Our Picks

When you spend much time on the water, a good fishing hat will likely be part of your regular ensemble. A boating hat should protect you from the changing elements including sun, wind, and rain, while also saying something about your personality. In this post, we'll explain the qualities you should look for in fishing hats and share our top 5 picks.

What to Look for in a Fishing/Boating Hat

• UV Protection: Look for a boat hat with UPF-rated fabric to protect against the sun.
• Breathability: Ventilation will keep you cooler, especially on those hot days on the water.
• Water Resistance: Sudden rain showers or ocean spray are always a risk, so why not be prepared?
• Fit and Comfort: Adjustable bands, chin straps, and comfortable materials will ensure that your fishing hat fits well and feels good.
• Style: You want a practical hat and of course, there are bonus points if you look great in it!

Top 5 Hat Picks for Every Angler

Hat #1: Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat

This style of boating hat is perfect for maximum sun protection and all-day wear. A sun hat with a UPF 50+ rating is perfect for protecting your head, face, and neck from UV rays. It has a wide brim that helps keep your face shaded. It's lightweight and it has a lot of surface area, which means a gust of wind could pluck it off your head at the worst moment. Look for one with an adjustable chin strap to prevent this! This style is perfect if you're going to be exposed to a full day of sunshine on open waters.

Hat #2: Classic Baseball Cap with Neck Flap

You can't go wrong with a classic baseball cap and most people look good in one. Richardson hats are widely loved by boaters and fishermen and Gemlux has a selection of them in our Boating Apparel category. We have hats with a swordfish patch on the front in several colors. These are made from UV-resistant material that is still breathable. A neck flap can provide added coverage to protect from the sun. They're also lightweight and adjustable. These are perfect fishing hats for warm, sunny days with light breezy conditions.

Hat #3: Waterproof Bucket Hat

If the weather forecast calls for rainy conditions, a waterproof bucket hat is the right choice. These provide great coverage for your head as they're made from waterproof fabric. They're also compact and packable, so you can easily stow them away when they're not needed. These offer full coverage for your head and will keep some of the rain off your face. Bucket hats are ideal if the forecast calls for possible rain, or if you're heading into an area with choppy waters.

Hat #4: Visor Hat for Ventilation

Visor hats are a simple and stylish choice. If you want airflow on your head with some sun protection for your face, a visor hat should be on your list of possible headwear. The open-top design allows plenty of airflow on your head so you won't overheat. The adjustable band means you don't have to shop for one in your head size (they're one-size-fits-all). It can also double as a boat hat and a golf hat. Visor hats are the perfect choice for hot and breezy days when there's minimal chance of rain.

Hat #5: Insulated Beanie for Cold Weather

The nice thing about insulated beanie hats is that they're available in many different styles, which allows you to shop for something practical that you'll look great in. If you're heading out on the water on a cooler morning or taking an autumn fishing trip when the temperatures are lower, an insulated beanie will keep your head warm. There are also water-resistant options available. They provide a nice, snug fit on your head. Beanie hats are ideal for cold-weather fishing and early morning trips out onto the water.

Choosing the Best Hat for Your Needs

Choosing the right hat will depend on your personal needs and the climate where you do most of your boating. The good news is that there's no rule saying you have to confine yourself to just one fishing hat! You might want two or more depending on weather conditions and the time of year when you prefer to fish. Just choose the ones that are best suited for your fishing and boating lifestyle. Don't forget to check out our selection of boating hats and accessories to complement your next adventure on the water!