What To Wear On A Fishing Boat Trip (+ What NOT To Wear)
It's important to think about what to wear fishing on a boat before you ever get out on the water. If you bring the wrong type of clothing or accessories, you might be spending a miserable and cold trip back to shore by the end of the day. The proper attire is needed for safety, comfort, and enjoyment of your trip. In this post, we'll cover weather-appropriate clothing, footwear, and accessories. We also have some recommendations on what NOT to wear, as well as safety gear and what you should pack.
Essential Clothing for a Fishing Boat Trip
Weather-Appropriate Clothing
On warm or hot days, you want to wear clothing that is lightweight and breathable, preferably with water-wicking properties. Our Gemlux hooded fishing shirts are lightweight and dry quickly when wet. The long sleeves and hood can also protect you from a long day in the sun's rays. Nylon pants are a better choice than blue jeans or cotton sweats because of their water-wicking properties.
For cold days, thermal wear and waterproof jackets are essential. It doesn't hurt to dress in layers and then shed something if you get too warm. Have waterproof and windproof outerwear on board just in case it starts raining.
Footwear
A pair of high-quality, non-slip boat shoes is essential for a fishing trip. You can avoid a lot of slips and falls while on board with a proper pair of boat shoes. It's always tempting to wear a pair of sandals or flip-flops while you're on a boat, but remember the tops of your feet could be exposed to the sun for a long time if you wear these. They're not the best choice if the weather turns cold or rainy!
Accessories
A quality pair of sunglasses with polarized lenses is great to bring along on a fishing trip. It offers protection from the sun and also from the glare of most boats. A wide-brimmed hat will also keep the sun out of your eyes over a long day. On colder days, bring along a beanie instead of the wide-brimmed hat. A pair of fishing gloves is one last accessory to bring as they'll provide better grip and protection for your hands when fighting a big fish, and provide a little bit of warmth.
What NOT To Wear on a Fishing Boat Trip
Unsuitable Footwear
When thinking about what to wear on a fishing boat, there are some things you'll want to avoid. When it comes to footwear, heels and dress shoes are a bad idea. They offer zero traction or stability when you're on deck and it gets even worse if the deck is wet. Heavy-duty work boots are another poor choice for a fishing trip as they can easily become waterlogged and uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
Inappropriate Clothing
Avoid any clothing items that are made from heavy fabrics. These tend to absorb water and dry slowly. Cotton sweatpants and denim blue jeans are examples of things you'll want to leave on shore. Also, in some parts of the country, bright colors will attract insects while you're out on the water. You can still be fashionable but try to avoid being too flashy!
Accessories to Avoid
It's a good idea to leave your jewelry onshore when you're headed out for a fishing trip. There's a risk that you can lose jewelry when fighting a fish or simply being jostled around the boat in choppy water. Not wearing jewelry can also help you avoid injuries on a fishing trip. Another thing to avoid is fragrances - perfumes, colognes, aftershave, and other fragrances can attract insects and in some cases will even scare the fish away.
Safety Considerations
Life Jackets
Life jackets are a must for any trip out onto the water. Make sure that you have a life jacket for yourself and every passenger on your vessel. Life vests should fit properly and be made from high-quality materials.
Sun Protection
Just because you're out on the water doesn't mean you can't become too hot on a fishing trip. Sunburn and heat exhaustion are real risks when you're out on the water. Bring sunscreen and apply it generously to any exposed areas, and keep UV-protectant clothing that will help keep the sun's rays from wearing you down. Also, remember to stay hydrated throughout the day by bringing plenty of fluids for everyone.
First Aid and Emergency Gear
Accidents have been known to happen when handling fishing knives and hooks. Always keep a well-stocked first aid kit on board and have enough knowledge to apply at least basic first aid skills.
Tips for Packing for a Fishing Boat Trip
Layering Strategy
Two layers of clothing will be fine during the warmer months. Three layers are necessary when it's colder. A base layer T-shirt, shorts, and a wide-brimmed hat make a good inner layer. Top that off with a long-sleeved shirt or fishing vest/jacket, and a good pair of water-resistant pants. The outer layer should be a high-quality raincoat.
Packing Light
You don't have to bring the kitchen sink along with you, but you will appreciate that extra pair of dry socks or boat shoes if you need them. Think about what you will truly need on a fishing trip and pack light.
Storage Solutions
Storage space might be limited depending on the size of your boat and how many passengers are on board. The main thing to remember when bringing extra clothing is that you need waterproof storage solutions for it, such as waterproof bags and containers.
Shop for What to Wear While Fishing
Now that you know what to wear while fishing on a boat (and what not to wear), it's time to start shopping for some high-quality clothing to make your trip as comfortable and successful as possible. You might want to make a checklist of essential items for every trip so you don’t leave the important things behind!
While we do carry some boating and fishing apparel, we would encourage you to check out companies that specialize in apparel such as Scales Gear, Pelagic, and Free Fly! Let’s make your next boating excursion one to remember while in style!