Spending long hours out on the water fishing is a great way of spending your free time.
However, as enjoyable as the experience is, fishing does come with some risks – one of these is exposure to harmful UV rays from the sun.
As fishermen spend a large amount of time outside, exposed to the sun, making sure you have suitable protection is key to keeping yourself safe.
Obviously, making sure you wear sunscreen is essential as are sunglasses, but fishing hats can add a powerful layer of UV protection meaning you can simply focus on enjoying your fishing trip without worrying about the sun causing you issues.
In this article, we look at the 12 best fishing hats that offer high levels of sun protection, comfort, and some style too.
The Best Fishing Hat: Quick Picks
When out on a fishing trip, you need to be prepared for all types of weather.
The Simms GORE-TEX Guide Sombrero has a fully waterproof shell and an adjustable cord lock cinch to help it fit you regardless of head size.
A great bonus feature is its EVA foam brim which bounces back to its original shape so it can be collapsed down for transport and storage.
- Taped seams and a DWR (durable water repellent) coating makes this fishing hat fully waterproof
- On the front panel, there is a loop fly patch for convenient fly storage
- The underbrim of the hat is black to help reduce glare for extra sun protection
Best Fishing Hats: Full Reviews
When out on a fishing trip, you need to be prepared for all types of weather.
The Simms GORE-TEX Guide Sombrero has a fully waterproof shell and an adjustable cord lock cinch to help it fit you regardless of head size.
A great bonus feature is its EVA foam brim which bounces back to its original shape so it can be collapsed down for transport and storage.
- Taped seams and a DWR (durable water repellent) coating makes this fishing hat fully waterproof
- On the front panel, there is a loop fly patch for convenient fly storage
- The underbrim of the hat is black to help reduce glare for extra sun protection
This is a wide brim hat that has UPF 50 sun protection.
The Women’s Superlight Solar Sombrero has a foam brim to help it float if dropped in the water. Add to the mix its water resistance and you have got one very handy fishing hat.
- UPF50 protection from the sun
- 360 degrees wide brim to keep you protected from all angles
- Stampede strap for wearing around your neck when taking a break from your fishing adventure
If you want your fishing hat to protect your neck and ears from the sun as well as your head – the Simms Gallatin Sunshield Cap is a good choice for you.
It is made from a highly breathable and moisture-wicking nylon material and has tapered ear flaps that can be folded down for increased sun protection.
- The interior sweatband has moisture-wicking properties to keep sweat and moisture at bay
- Adjustable chin strap with cord lock to fit a range of sizes
- Black underbrim for a reduction in glare while out on the water
This Boonie hat protects you from the sun but also keeps you cool with its mesh vents and a moisture-wicking sweatband.
The Columbia Unisex Bora Bora II Boonie Hat also comes with an adjustable drawcord to help it fit you comfortably.
- UPF 50 sun protection
- 3″ brim offers all-round protection from the sun
- Moisture-wicking sweatband and a mesh panel for ventilation keeps you cool and comfortable while out in the wild
Made from stretch nylon for comfort, the Tilley LT5B Nylon Hat is buoyant, so it will float if dropped in the water and comes with a lifetime guarantee.
This is another fishing hat on this list that has a moisture-wicking sweatband and a DWR coating to make it water-resistant.
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Hidden pocket for storage of small items like flys
- Made from breathable nylon to help cool air circulate on hot summer days
This is a quick-drying, protective, and comfortable fishing hat.
The Patagonia Baggies Brimmer has a stiff brim that has a dark underside to keep glare to a minimum.
A great point about this fishing hat is that it is made in a Fair Trade approved facility, which promotes safe working conditions and sustainable livelihoods.
- A lightweight fishing hat that has mesh venting to help you stay cool in the hot sun
- Adjustable chin strap to make sure it stays on your head, even on a windy day
- Made from recycled materials at a Fair Trade approved facility
The Forge Hat from Patagonia has an extra-wide brim for added protection from the sun.
Made from recycled materials, it is a lightweight and environmentally friendly fishing hat.
- The chin strap has an adjustable drawstring for finding the best fit for you
- Lightweight but durable
- Fair Trade certified
The Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat is made from UPF 50+ fabric that protects your head, face, and neck while out in the wild.
It has piping along the brim which offers good levels of wind resistance so you can be protected from all of the elements and not just the sun.
- It is water-resistant and quick-drying
- Breathable mesh lining on the crown for improved air circulation
- Removable chin strap
If you want a fishing cap made by one of the most well-known fishing brands out there – the Simms Trout Icon Trucker Cap is a great choice.
It is made from washed cotton and nylon mesh so it is fast drying and offers good levels of sun protection.
- Low-crown fit
- Mesh vent panel on the back
- Adjustable snap closure
The Simms USA Walleye Trucker is a statement-making fishing cap.
It is breathable, comfortable, stylish, and one very good fishing hat.
- Low-profile fishing hat with a pre-curved visor
- Breathable with mesh back panels to keep your head cool while still offering UV protection
- Snap closure so you can make your fishing hat fit perfectly
The Patagonia Fly The Flag Label Trucker Cap is a fishing hat that helps spread the word on protecting our coastlines and oceans.
It is a mid-crown trucker cap that is made, in part, from recycled fishing nets.
- Fair Trade certified
- Made from recycled materials including recycled fishing nets
- Mesh panels and adjustable snap closure
This is another lightweight, comfortable, and environmentally-friendly fishing hat from Patagonia.
With a mesh back and snap closure – it fits nicely and it is made from recycled materials to help do your bit in keeping our planet in good shape.
- Made from recycled materials making it a very environmentally-friendly fishing hat
- Mid-crown profile
- Breathable
What To Look for in a Fishing Hat
Finding a high-quality fishing hat can seem quite challenging considering how many are out there.
By taking the below points into consideration, you will find it much easier when shopping for the best fishing hats for you.
UV Protection & Coverage
One of the most important factors when looking at fishing hats is the amount of protection they offer you against the sun’s rays.
A good fishing hat should have at least UPF 50+ protection. In simple terms, this means that your new fishing hat will filter 98% of the UVA and UVB rays that are emitted by the sun.
You should also look at the coverage fishing hats offer when worn.
The greater coverage a hat offers, the higher levels of sun protection you will benefit from.
Things like a wide brim, a long neck flap, material that covers your neck and ears can all provide good sun protection.
Materials
Most fishing hats are made from polyester and cotton. Although nylon and recycled materials are also fairly common.
Fishing hats need to be breathable, durable and have the ability to wick moisture away from you to help keep you dry, cool, and comfortable.
Make sure the fishing hats you are considering are made from a material that best fits your needs.
Ventilation
Fishing hats need to offer excellent sun protection, but they also need to be comfortable to wear.
A key part of this is the amount of ventilation your hat offers.
Fishing hats with mesh side panels or back panels will have good levels of ventilation.
A chin strap that is adjustable is also useful as you can change how tightly your hat fits you so you can loosen it off for more ventilation or tighten it if you want a closer fit.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
Fishing hats don’t necessarily have to be fully waterproof as the idea is that they stay on your head to protect you from the sun.
However, sometimes you can get caught in an unexpected shower or you might accidentally drop your hat into the water.
Having a water-resistant fishing hat will mean it dries quickly if it does get wet. This is very useful as wearing a soaking wet hat is never comfortable.
Fishing Hat Size
A lot of fishing hats come in a one-size-fits-all model. This type of hat doesn’t work for everyone though so you may need to do some additional research to make sure the fishing hat you are looking at will fit you as you want it to.
Some brands offer their hats in various sizes so you may be able to find a better fitting one by shopping around a little bit.
Buttons, Straps, and Other Features
Adjustable chin straps are useful if you are going fishing in heavy wind as you can shorten the strap so your hat fits more snuggly to your head reducing the risk of it blowing away.
If you have a bucket hat, you may have buttons on the sides of your hat where you can attach the brim to the side of your hat if you do not need as much protection on your latest fishing adventure.
Adjustable bands and clasps are also common features that help you get a comfortable fit for your fishing hat.
Best Fishing Hats – Final Thoughts
Fishing hats play an important role when out in the wild.
With skin cancer being a major issue with sun exposure, standard baseball caps aren’t always enough to keep you protected.
With the right fishing hat on your head, you can be confident you can enjoy your time on the water knowing you are as protected as you can be from the sun’s rays.
