-
1.
-
2.
-
3.
-
4.
-
5.
There’s no better time to go fishing than when the sun is shining bright. Unfortunately, this means being under the full glare of the sun, exposed to its fierce rays. To fish for as long as you want without getting sunburnt and compromising your health, you will need the best fishing hat to keep the harmful sun’s rays at bay.
In this article, we’ve reviewed the best fishing hats sun protection and compiled a guide to help you make the right choice so you can fish in peace and comfort even with the summer sun beating down on you. Below are the 10 best fishing hats that deserve taking our current hats off to.
OUR TOP PICK
Columbia Sportswear Bora Bora Sun Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Sun Protection, Cool Comfort, and Packability
- UV-absorbent fabric and wide brim provide UPF 50 protection
- Breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you cool and dry
- The elastic drawstring allows you to fine-tune the fit
Size: One Size (6 1/2-7 1/2inch), Fits 24 1⁄2inch Heads
Materials: Nylon Poplin and Polyester
EDITORS CHOICE
DDYOUTDOOR Summer Outdoor Sun Protection Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Excellent Coverage and Full Protection
- Full coverage design offers excellent all around protection
- UPF 50+ hat fabric blocks 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Built-in air holes and mesh panels ensure good air circulation
Size: One Size Fits All
Material: 100% Nylon
BEST VALUE
The Hat Depot 300N Summer Travel Bucket Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Budget Friendly Pricing, Versatility
- Finely woven cotton fabric and wide brim block ultraviolet rays
- Brass eyelets allow airflow to keep you cool and comfortable
- Comes in a wide assortment of both dark and vibrant colors
Sizes/Head Size: S/M: 22″-22 3/4″, L/XL-23 1/8″-23 7/8″
Material: 100% Cotton
Rothco Classic Military Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Military-spec Quality, Camouflage
- Cool fishing hats with the look and feel of a military boonie
- Branch loops for adding leaves when you want to blend in
- Nice brim size provides shade without getting in the way
Sizes: 6 3/4 to 8 inches
Material: 55% Cotton and 45% Polyester
LETHMIK Sun Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Balance between Protection, Comfort, and Price
- Thick fabric and wide brim provide UPF 50+ sun protection.
- Breathable fabric and vent hole buttons for comfort
- Withstand frequent folding without losing its shape
Size: One Size Fits Most (From 7-7 5/8, for 22-24 inches)
Material: 100% Polyester
Camo Coll Outdoor Sun Bucket Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Stylish Design, Lightweight and Cool Comfort
- Four grommets and a strip of mesh around keep you cool
- Crown flattens completely for space-efficient packing
- Reasonably priced and offers a wide range of color options
Size: One Size (7.5 inches inner and 13.5 inches outer diameter)
Material: Cotton + Polyester
Camo Coll Outdoor Anti-Mosquito Mask Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: 360 Degree Bug Protection, Broad Brim, UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Broad 3.5inch brim shades the head, face, and neck from harsh elements
- Anti-mosquito screen provides effective protection against insects
- Four ventilation outlets allow airflow to keep you cool and comfortable
Size: One Size (22.8inch Head Circumference)
Material: 100% Polyester
KBETHOS Summer Outdoor Bucket Sun Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Cool Factor, Sun Protection without Sacrificing Style
- The brim is just the right size to offer coverage without hindering vision
- Four meshed brass outlets ensure adequate ventilation
- Stylish women and men's fishing hats with attractive color options
Size: One Size for Medium-Large Head Sizes
Material: 55% Cotton / 45% Poly
S And W Military Camouflage Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Neck Flap Coverage for the Back of Your Head
- Neck flap protects your neck from sunburn, cold, and wind
- Four grommet eyelets with mesh keep you cool and dry
Sizes: Small to Extra Large
Material: Cotton 60% + Polyester 40%
Mega Cap MG Men’s Brushed Cotton Twill Aussie Side Snap Fishing Hat
- What Makes This Fishing Hat Stand Out
- Best For: Men’s Fishing Hat with Superior Fit
- Available in sizes small-extra-large for small and large heads
- Thick fabric and wide brim provide sun protection all around
- Ventilation holes on the crown to keep you cool when it’s hot
Sizes: Small to Extra-Large
Material: 100% Cotton
How To Choose The Best Fishing Hat – Buying Guide
Types of Fishing Hats
Fishing hats come in so many different styles that differ in the amount of coverage and protection they offer. As you evaluate the best fishing hats, here are the different types you will come across:
- A bucket hat is the most popular sun protection fishing hat. Bucket hats for fishing have a decent-sized brim that offers UV protection without obstructing vision.
- Wide brim fishing hats have brims extending 3-6 inches. Research has shown that broad-brimmed hats provide protection equivalent to an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 5.
- Sun skirts and neck flap sun hats for fishing have extra covers to offer additional protection for the neck and face.
- Baseball-style fishing caps look just like baseball caps. They offer good protection for the top of the head but little protection for other parts of the face.
- Legionnaire-style sun hats for fishing are baseball caps outfitted with long ear and neck flaps. Some even include veil-like extensions to protect the eyes.
Ventilation
When fishing for long durations in the sun, sweating is unavoidable. Choosing a hat with good ventilation and cooling features ensures that you remain comfortable and don’t get too hot and sweaty. Look for well-ventilated hat construction with mesh fabric panels and small ventilation holes on the crown.
Adjustability
Adjustability in a fishing hat is very important. The best hats for fishing have an adjustable chin strap and drawcords, allowing you to customize the fit. As for a fishing hat with a neck flap or face mask, it should allow you to detach the flaps and masks when you don’t need them.
Retention Methods
Many a fisherman’s hats have been lost in the waters never to be seen again. This is why the best fishing sun hats have an adjustable chin strap that prevents the hat from flying off. Some other features that ensure you don’t lose your hat in the water include foam-stiffened brims and lightweight and water-repellent designs that allow the hat to float for easy retrieval.
Size
Fishing hats should be neither too tight nor too loose. You can determine whether a hat will fit you well by measuring the circumference of your head and comparing it with the hat’s size chart. Most fishing hats have one size fits the most sizing system and an adjustable lock for fine-tuning the fit.
Waterproof
Your fishing hat is inevitably going to get wet so water-resistant or waterproof fishing hats are essential. If you happen to be fishing in the rain, waterproof hats for fishing keep water away from your face without getting drenched themselves. Water-resistant hats made of quick-drying materials are also great.
Sun Protection
An essential feature in a fishing hat is the ability to protect from the harmful rays emitted by the sun. Here’s what to look for when looking for the best hat for fishing for sun protection:
- Sun Protection Factor (SPF): The recommended fishing hat sun protection rating is at least UPF 50+. This means that the hat will filter at least 98% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun.
Related Review: Sun Hat
- Wide Brim: Fishing sun hats with broad brims extending 3-6” or more and angled downwards offer the best protection against sunburn because they cover the head, ears, face, and neck. Caped hats with a neck cover or face skirts or both also offer excellent sun protection.
The Cool Factor
While the best hats for fishing are meant to be more functional than fashionable, looking cool while fishing in a stylish fishing hat isn’t a bad thing. On the other hand, some of the top-rated fishing hats for sun protection including wide brim bucket hats and full coverage fishing hats with flaps are pretty ugly.
FAQs
Q: Why Do I Need A Fishing Hat?
You need a fishing hat to protect your head, face, neck, and ears from harmful UV rays. These parts are directly exposed to the sun and are a lot more prone to sunburn and more sensitive to UV damage than the rest of your body. Besides wearing sunscreen and sunglasses, skin experts recommend putting on a hat as a physical barrier against the sun’s rays.
Q: Will a Fishing Hat Be Applicable for Winter Fishing?
Yes, there’s a need for a fishing hat even when fishing in the winter. A fishing hat for winter fishing not only protects you from invisible UV rays but also from the winter chill and wind keeping your head and neck warm.
Q: How Do I Keep The Fishing Hat On My Head In Windy Days?
Your fishing hat will probably have an adjustable chin strap to prevent the hat from flying off in windy conditions. To ensure your fishing hat stays on your head on windy days, be sure to tighten this chin strap. If your hat doesn’t have a chin strap, you can add DIY retention straps.
Q: What Is The Brim On A Fishing Hat?
The brim on a fishing hat is like the bill on a baseball cap only that it goes all the way around providing 360 degrees coverage. The brim must be big enough – at least three inches wide – to offer sufficient sun protection for the nose and cheeks without limiting your field of vision.
Q: Does The Season Of Fishing Affect What Kind Of Fishing Hat Should I Wear?
Yes, the seasons will affect your choice of a fishing hat. In the summer, you’ll need a lightweight and breathable sun protection hat. For this reason, fishing hats for warm seasons are usually made of cotton, polyester, nylon, or a blend of these materials. The winter season requires a well-insulated, windproof, and waterproof fishing hat.
Q: Why Do People Put Fish Hooks On Their Hats?
The main reason people put fish hooks on their hats is to look cool. Some anglers also put hooks on their hat simply because it’s convenient. A hook on the hat is easy to access when needed in a pinch.
Globo Surf Overview
A fishing hat is a must-have item on all your fishing excursions. It helps to protect you from the sun’s rays and other elements. Whether you’re looking for the best hats for fly fishing or boat fishing, the best fishing hats with sun protection reviewed above are well-designed to ensure you’re protected and comfortable while fishing in the sun.
More Fishing Reviews:
- Braided Fishing Line
- Walleye Lures
- Fishing Sunglasses
- Ultralight Spinning Reel
- Kids Fishing Poles
- Hooks For Catfish
- Fly Fishing Waders
- Crappie Bait
- Crab Traps
- Tackle Box
More Hats Reviews:
- Sailing Hat
Do you wear a hat when fishing? Which style do you prefer and why? Share in the comment box below