Every angler, today, seems to have his own opinion of what is necessary for being properly dressed to fish. Some are hard-core devotionals to specific labels. Many are committed to routine clothes that they must wear every time. (To get an idea about this, check out Fishing Myths). And other fishermen are focused on their perception of what the “only” acceptable safety measures are. For any new angler, the trick is to wade through all these ideas and philosophies to find what is actually right for her. So let’s break down some of these concepts, and I’ll let you decide what you feel is right for you.
Clothing brands for women are a bit limited.
Most clothing brands that produce fishing specific apparel will offer at least a few items specifically geared towards feminine anglers. The options may simply be a color variation from the male items or they may be tailored to the female structure. You may be able to find complete outfits or you could be limited to just tops or just bottoms. A basic Google search can result in a variety of options to start your exploration.
Coolibar
Coolibar has a rather diverse selection of products available, designed for women. They can range from bright and colorful to more reserved and traditional. Many of their products appear to be well suited to protection from the sun and insects which are inevitable adversaries to anglers. While their products appear to be reasonably priced for fishing gear, the cost will add up quickly if you’re a matching outfit sort of gal.
Huk
Huk Gear is substantially more price-friendly, but your coordination options are possibly less than ideal. You are likely to find very adequate, standard style clothing which is going to protect you from the sun, but not necessarily be appealing (visually). Color options are more limited, but that (I would think) helps to keep the cost to the consumer down. Many of their products are also designed more like a unisex style than female-specific. I, personally, know their products are proven to hold up relatively long term, making their price point encouraging.
Pelagic
Pelagic has a unique perspective on women’s fishing clothes that you have to see to understand. I would venture to say you’re paying for the label and the style more than sun protection or practicality. It’s also interesting to note how limited the selection is compared to the other options on today’s market.
Simms
Simms is a well-known, proven apparel company that has reasonably priced products in just about every category of clothing a woman might need for fishing. Some of their products that may be more adequately referred to as “trendy” or “modern” styled are a bit higher in price, but that is a small selection in their catalog. Their products range from shoes to hats and every layer in between. They even provide wader options for women who need the extra coverage (such as for flyfishing). While they offer a wider array of products, the selection in each category is a bit limited so a more selective woman may have difficulty putting a complete outfit together. That is, if you are trying to do a brand-specific outfit. I, for one, have always been content with completing my outfits between various brands so I don’t deal, as much, with this dilemma.
These are just 4 options that can be easily found doing an internet search. There are still hundreds of small companies out there working to build a reputation as well as the big box companies that carry a few of the cookie-cutter bulk items which can work relatively well for many of us. The moral of the story: Don’t limit your search. There are options out there and there’s bound to be an option suitable for you if you do a bit of searching. Don’t just rely on your local sports store to have all your answers.
But what do you look for when choosing your clothing?
If you are fishing during the day I believe you should have protection from the sun. Even in the winter or on overcast days, your exposure can result in sunburns. If you’re like me, you’re not particularly a fan of sunblock. A new option that is gaining traction in the fishing community is sunlight protective clothing. There are gloves, shirts, face and head shields, and a variety of combinations in-between.
AJ is particularly fond of fishing shirts that include a face shield and hood. Her shirts are SPF 50 rated which helps tremendously with her sensitive skin.
I, on the other hand, am a bit more hard-headed. I prefer to stick with the button-up shirts that give me more flexibility and room.
Still, other women tend to prefer the form-fitted styles that still allow them to feel more feminine while fishing.
None of these choices are wrong. The choice of fishing clothes is a personal choice each woman must make for herself. My one word of caution will be, keep in mind your needs rather than just focusing on your look. A bikini top with a pair of daisy duke shorts will look cute out on the pacific ocean during that bright July day trip, but even SPF 150 sunblock will wear off over time. Only you can decide what you need that will or will not outweigh what you want.
Also, be sure to consider insects. If you’re hiking through the woods to that secret spot that has “the best bites” you’re likely to come across a few undesirable creatures on the way. DEET is typically considered the best defense against insects, but there are a few words of caution. Many people are concerned about the effect these bug sprays will have on the fish.
Spray can make its way from your clothes to your hands, gear, etc. which will then seep into the waters or even your catch.
It is also important to note that there are studies out to indicate the chemical compounds within DEET can also damage plastics and other materials common to fishing gear as well as your clothes. I have heard more than a few anglers lament over soft baits being melted to the side of their bug spray can that was left in their tackle bag overnight.
There are numerous solutions to this dilemma, depending on your preference. You can choose from a variety of bracelets, clip-ons, nets, and sprays that may deter your insect adversaries. AJ and I have had little success with most of these products, however, it never hurts to try multiple options for yourself to make sure you pick what works best for you. Also, if your mosquitos are anything like the vampire bugs here in Texas, you’ll discover that even DEET doesn’t seem to deter them for long anymore.
Alternatives to DEET are becoming available to supplement your clothing choices.
One solution that AJ and I have been experimenting with lately is Permethrin. It goes onto your clothes the night before your trip to have time to dry into place. There is little to no risk of damaging your clothes and gear, from the research we have done. Another factor is that it’s being reported to have less of a damaging effect on the environment since it is derived from plant-based oils. Best of all, after one application (when you’re wearing the same clothes to fish) you can be protected for up to 6 weeks, even after laundering the clothes. If you’re not having particularly good success with the DEET sprays, you’re looking for a more environmentally safe solution, or you’re just curious about these types of products; check out Sawyer’s page. They have information on their spray as well as to how the chemical works.
I would be negligent to not also remind you of the risks of Tick infections. Rubbing up against the smallest amount of shrubbery walking to your favorite bank fishing spot can result in a nasty tick infection when you are not prepared. Check out “Ticks, the Forgotten Enemy” for a bit more in-depth discussion on this particular risk.
Another challenge is when it’s cold and wet everywhere.
AJ and I fish year-round. Snow, rain, heat…We still fish. 108 degree Texas heat, you’re still likely to find us tucked away in the shade of various trees kayaking through a local creek. 20 degree, snowstorms, with a few inches of snow surrounding ponds that haven’t seen anything even similar to ice in several years didn’t stop us from casting a few lines. We have not always made the safest choices when picking our fishing adventures, but we definitely have stories to tell. And these experiences have allowed us to find solutions that are sometimes very necessary.
Rain gear can be good in cold or warm weather.
Rain gear is beneficial, even when there’s no rain in the forecast. Frogg Togg is a popular choice these days; as are LL Bean, Carhartt, and Simms. While women’s options are still limited, we do have choices available. A major take-home factor I really can’t stress enough is to remember functionality when picking your gear. It might look good in the mirror, but can you cast with it wrapped around your body? Will it keep you dry when a sudden cloud burst puts 2 feet of water on your head within 10 minutes as you’re rushing back to the docs? Are you going to be dry when you complete that mile run back to your car after an unpredicted downpour lets loose around your hidden pond?
When you mix water and cold, the risks become phenomenally more complicated. The risk of frostbite, hypothermia and other injuries become immediate threats when the temperatures drop. Clothing can make all the difference in the world. Water-resistant or waterproof gloves can help protect your hands from frostbite. There are numerous winter weather gear options to keep your entire body warm and dry when on the ice, in snow, or even while navigating waterways. When your health and life are at stake, and you still must get out there to fish, we suggest you focus on what will be best for your health rather than your appearance.
There are about as many options for gloves as there are people looking to keep their hands warm.
There have been many times I chose not to wear the most appropriate clothing because I don’t like the look or prefer not to take the extra gear, only to be faced afterward by frostbite and hypothermia concerns. I was lucky to only experience mild cases that resolved quickly. From my experience, I strongly recommend putting in some research time if cold weather fishing is going to be one of your adventures.
Are specialty clothes really necessary?
Every angler’s opinion is different and everyone must choose for herself…That being said, we strongly recommend weighing the options for yourself when making that kind of decision.
Do you have to wear waders to fish in a stream?
Do you have to wear waders to fish in a stream? The short answer is, no. The real answer is, maybe. Waders will keep you dry under most circumstances which reduces the need for spare clothes and a location to change out of the wet clothes you’ll be wearing after fishing. If you’re fishing in a particularly cold stream the waders can help with warmth reducing the risk of discomfort and even frostbite under some circumstances. Women with circulation issues or neuropathy restrictions can put themselves as added risk by exposing extremities to temperatures they may not immediately recognize. Check out “Disabled not Unable” for a more in depth look at these types of concerns.
Is it mandatory to wear a wetsuit or drysuit when kayak fishing?
Is it mandatory to wear a wetsuit or drysuit when kayak fishing? No, Maybe, and Yes can apply here as well. Like we talked about in “The 10 Things Every New Kayaker Should Know,” your circumstances, skills, and personal needs are more influential in your decision than anyone else’s personal rules. If you’re fishing in 40 degree waters that you’ll be highly likely to take a soak in, you’ll probably be more inclined to wearing a suit than someone here in Texas kayaking in 80 degree waters with a heat index around 108. Some people tend to feel the wetsuits can be overly restricting in movement. Others feel they are less restrictive than “normal” clothes. Just remember, even the wetsuit or drysuit is not going to be a substitute for wearing a PFD…
How do you put all this together?
Even with the one-size-fits-all mentality that is common among the fishing world, you have a wide array of options to choose from. You can mix and match gear, styles, and purposes to create a system that works for you. All that’s required is putting in a bit of time researching your options. Are you going to find the “perfect” fit? Possibly. But one of the biggest advantages for female anglers is that you are already in the mindset of trying new and different things. Use your skills in being flexible with your fishing to explore your options in clothing as well. With a bit of creativity and a lot of ingenuity, you’ll find the clothes that fit your clothing style and fishing needs.