Before you go fishing, it can be helpful to consult a checklist to ensure that you have all the gear you’ll need to go out on the water.
One item that may not be on that list is a fishing shirt. While you can technically go fishing wearing whatever you want, a fishing shirt can keep you comfortable and safe during a long day of fishing.
Fishing shirts are designed to keep anglers cool and safe from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
The best fishing shirts have UPF protection, breathable fabrics, and lightweight, comfortable designs so you can focus on fishing, not on your clothes.
Top UV Blocking Fishing Shirts
We’ve compiled the best fishing shirts available, so you can choose your favorite for your next fishing trip. These fishing shirts were chosen based on comfort, protection factors, and customer reviews; they are sure to keep you comfortable while you reel in your next big catch.
These are the Best Fishing Shirts
- Baleaf Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Outdoor T-Shirt
- Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve Short
- Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt
- Columbia Men’s Tamiami II Fishing Shirt
- Southern Fin Apparel Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt
- Columbia Men’s Bonehead Short-Sleeve Work Shirt
- Piscifun Performance UPF Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt
- Denali Performance UPF 50+ ProtectUV Fishing Shirt
- AFTCO Jigfish Performance Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt
- Vapor Apparel UV Sun Protection Performance Long Sleeve Shirt
Baleaf Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Outdoor T-Shirt
The Baleaf Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Outdoor T-Shirt is a perfect shirt for sunny days out on the water. This shirt is 100% polyester and has a UPF factor of 50+, the highest UPF rating that sun protective clothing can have. The Baleaf Sun Protection shirt was made for fishing and other outdoor activities, so it is lightweight and breathable.
Baleaf’s Sun Protection Outdoor T-Shirt is quick drying and moisture wicking, so you’ll stay cool and dry on hot days. This crew neck shirt is tagless for extra comfort and reduced chafing. It is machine washable. The Baleaf Men’s UPF 50+ Sun Protection Outdoor T-Shirt comes in 10+ colors, and is available in short or long sleeve styles, so you can choose how much coverage you want for warmer or cooler days.
Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt
The Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt is another great choice for anglers. This shirt has a classic button-down style that is comfortable for fishing. The shirt is made of 100% nylon and has Omni-Shade UV absorbent yarn that keeps your skin safe. It has a UPF factor of 30 to keep out UVA and UVB rays.
Columbia’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt is lightweight, durable, and quick-drying. It has mesh-lined cape vents at the back to keep you cool, and its loose, relaxed fit is perfect for movement and comfort. This shirt also has two chest pockets with velcro closures, so you can store small tools while fishing. The Columbia Men’s PFG Bahama II Short Sleeve Shirt comes in over 40 colors.
Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt
The Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirt is a versatile shirt that is great for a number of outdoors activities. Hanes is known for making comfortable, quality basics, but this shirt is anything but basic. A performance shirt, the Hanes Cool Dri T-Shirt has UPF 50 protection, so your skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
This shirt is made from 100% polyester, with Cool Dri technology that keeps anglers cool and comfortable. It is quick drying and moisture wicking. Double-needle stitching in the neck, sleeves, and bottom hem ensure durability. Hanes Long Sleeve Cool Dri T-Shirts come in packs of two and come in 12 colors. They are also extremely affordably priced.
Columbia Men’s Tamiami II Fishing Shirt
Columbia Men’s Tamiami II Fishing Shirt is a favorite among anglers. This shirt is made of 100% lightweight polyester, and has Omni-Shade and Omni-Wick technologies. Omni-Shade offers UPF 40 protection from UV rays, while Omni-Wick protection draws perspiration from high moisture areas and disperses it for faster drying. This shirt will keep you cool and dry.
The Tamiami II Fishing Shirt is also antimicrobial to prevent bacteria growth. It is breathable, with mesh-lined venting on the back. This shirt was made for fishing, and has a rod holder on the chest as well as four chest pockets. This comfortable short sleeve button down comes in over 25 colors. There is also a long sleeve Tamiami II Fishing Shirt for those who prefer fuller coverage.
Southern Fin Apparel Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt
Southern Fin Apparel’s Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt is a stylish option for anglers. This comfortable, super soft shirt has UPF 50+ sun protection, and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The micro-fiber material is moisture wicking and quick drying to keep you cool. This unisex shirt is perfect for anyone who loves fishing.
The Southern Fin Apparel Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt is lightweight, movable, and incredibly comfortable. Unlike many plain fishing shirts, these shirts come with the Southern Fin logo down the arm and a fish drawing on the back, a different one for each color. It comes in 7 colors and styles, and ranges in size from extra small to XXX-large.
Columbia Men’s Bonehead Short-Sleeve Work Shirt
Another great fishing shirt from Columbia, the Columbia Men’s Bonehead Short-Sleeve Work Shirt is super comfortable for long days of fishing. Made from a 100% cotton polyester blend, this shirt is lightweight, breathable, and machine washable. The relaxed fit allows for extra comfort and movement.
Columbia Men’s Bonehead Short-Sleeve Work Shirt is made of breathable materials and also has a mesh-lined back vent to improve airflow. This shirt was made for fishing: it has four fly-box pockets on the chest and a rod holder loop for your convenience. It comes in fourteen vibrant colors and sizes from extra small to 5XL.
Piscifun Performance UPF Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt
The Piscifun Performance UPF Long Sleeve Fishing T-Shirt is a great pick for anglers. Made for fishing by respected brand Piscifun, this shirt has a UPF factor of 30 to keep your skin protected. Made from 100% polyester construction, this shirt is lightweight, breathable, and moisture wicking. It is sure to keep you dry during long hot days of fishing.
This shirt was made for fishing, but as a high performance shirt, it works well for a variety of sports and outdoor activities. It is super lightweight and comfortable, so even in long sleeves you won’t overheat. Piscifun Performance UPF Long Sleeve Fishing Shirt comes in white and blue or red and black, and is available in sizes small to XXX.
Denali Performance UPF 50+ ProtectUV Fishing Shirt
The Denali Performance UPF 50+ ProtectUV Fishing Shirt is another great choice for anglers. Made of 100% microfibers, this shirt not only has a UPF 50+ rating, it was awarded a Seal of Approval from the Melanoma International Foundation. The Denali Performance ProtectUV Fishing shirt was proven to block out 97.5% of UVA and UVB rays.
Aside from sun protection, this shirt also has WiKZ moisture management system for moisture wicking and cool drying that lasts, even after multiple washes. It also features a Zyptron Stain Release system to keep it looking fresh and clean – it can even keep out tough stains like fish blood. This shirt is antimicrobial as well, blocking bacteria and odors. It is lightweight and comfortable, and comes in 20 colors. You can also buy the Long Sleeve Denali Performance Fishing Shirt, and some colors feature fish graphics.
AFTCO Jigfish Performance Long Sleeve Shirt
The AFTCO Jigfish Performance Long Sleeve Shirt will keep you safe and dry over long days of fishing. This shirt is made for fishing and has a 100% polyester construction. It is lightweight but durable, so this shirt will last. With UPF 50 protection, the AFTCO Jigfish Performance Long Sleeve Shirt blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
This shirt is made with QuickDry technology and has a breathable, stretchy fabric. The AFTCO Jigfish Performance Long Sleeve Shirt is moisture wicking as well, so you’re sure to stay dry and comfortable. The shirt also has some style features, with the AFTCO fish logo on the chest, AFTCO on the arm, and a marlin puzzle logo on the back. It comes in 7 colors.
Vapor Apparel UV Sun Protection Performance Long Sleeve Shirt
The UV Sun Protection Performance Long Sleeve Shirt from Vapor Apparel is another top choice for anglers. This unisex fishing shirt has UPF 50+ protection, and is made from a microfiber fabric that is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The fabric also has PURE-Tech moisture wicking technology, so the shirt will absorb, evaporate, and quickly dry sweat.
The Vapor Apparel UV Sun Protection Performance Long Sleeve Shirt also features M-Shield Anti-Odor technology, so you don’t have to worry about body odor on hot days. This shirt is lightweight and breathable, so your comfort is guaranteed no matter how strenuous your day of fishing becomes. It comes in 26 colors, including some camoflage.
Why You Need a Fishing Shirt
You may be thinking that you don’t need a fishing shirt; you can go fishing in any of the shirts you already own. While this is true, a fishing shirt can be much more comfortable and safe when fishing long hours in the sun.
In an article titled “Men on the Hook” the Skin Cancer Foundation comments on the dangers of UV rays and the connection between skin cancer and men over 49, who are particularly at risk. Many men who fish don’t put enough thought into their skin care, which makes it necessary to wear protective gear like fishing hats, sunglasses, and fishing shirts.
UV protected fishing shirts tend to work better than sunscreen, and you don’t have to reapply or feel greasy throughout the day. The fishing shirts on our list are made with UPF treated, lightweight materials, so you’ll be comfortable on hot days even if you choose a long sleeve shirt.
Fishing shirts are also made for the sport, so they are more lightweight, durable, and comfortable to wear while fishing.
What To Look for in Fishing Shirts
How do you choose a fishing shirt? There are plenty of factors to consider, and depending on the weather and season you may change your needs. In the winter, you’re probably bundled up, in which case your shirt is less important since it’s hidden by layers. In moderate to hot weather, however, look for these factors.
UV Protection Fishing Shirts
You can get sunburn and cause skin damage even on overcast days. It’s incredibly useful to wear a shirt with UV protection and a high UPF rating to stay safe, even if it doesn’t seem that sunny out. The highest UPF rating is 50+, so aim for a shirt with the most protection possible.
Breathability
If it’s hot and you’re sweating, you’ll want a shirt that stays comfortable regardless. Shirts made with breathable or vented fabrics will keep airflow through the shirt. These shirts are usually moisture wicking and quick drying: two elements that will keep you comfortable and dry, even on hot days. Our fishing shirt recommendations are made with breathable materials to keep you dry and comfortable all day.
Fishing Shirt Styles
There are different styles to consider when it comes to fishing shirts. You can choose between long or short sleeved, t-shirt or collared button down, and more.
You may not be inclined to wear a long sleeve shirt on hot days. With lightweight and breathable fabrics, however, a long sleeve shirt is not a bad idea. On particularly sunny days, it’s better to choose a long sleeve to keep your arms safe from the sun. If you’re worried about overheating, however, there are plenty of short sleeved options.
A classic fishing shirt style is the short sleeve button down, a few of which are featured on our list. These shirts usually have the added benefit of pockets, which is useful for carrying small pieces of fishing gear you may need in case you don’t have a fishing vest or backpack. Some of these shirts also have rod holders to free up your hands. For a timeless fishing shirt, a button down looks great while also keeping you comfortable and protected from the sun.
Fishing Shirts and More on Fishmasters
Choose from the top UV protection fishing shirts, and find other apparel like fishing boots and shoes and more on Fishmasters. Fishmasters has all the information you need to make your next great catch, with product reviews, top 10 lists, how to’s, and more.
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