The right clothing is key for a fun and comfortable experience on your boat fishing trip. Wearing cotton sweatpants or old jeans is not a good idea because the sea spray, wind and strain from casting and reeling in your catch will cause them to become soggy.
Look for shirts made from quick-drying breathable fabrics that also have UV protection. You can even find some designed specifically for fishermen!
Base Layer Shirt
As the layer closest to your skin, this shirt must be breathable and wick away moisture. It should also be light and dry quickly. The best material is nylon, which is durable, comfortable, and allows for freedom of movement. A good nylon shirt is designed specifically for fishing or aerobic activities and should have venting throughout to keep air circulating.
Avoid cotton shirts that absorb sweat and are slow to dry. Instead, look for a women’s fishing shirt that is made of a stretchy fabric that can withstand all the straining and bending required on a boat while handling gear and reeling in the big catch.
A jacket is a must when fishing on a boat, even in summer. It protects you from the wind, sun and chilly water spray that’s inevitable when you’re out on the open sea. It’s important to wear a jacket that is waterproof and windproof for any fishing trip. You also want to wear closed-toed shoes that have a rubber deck-gripping sole to prevent slipping on the wet boat floor.
Layers of Clothing
If you plan on spending all day outdoors on a boat, it’s important to wear layers to protect yourself from sun and wind. The outermost layer, the jacket, should be waterproof and windproof to protect you from the elements. You should also choose an insulated mid layer to keep you warm and comfortable. A fleece zip shirt or wool sweater will do the trick.
The base layer should be made from a moisture-wicking material that keeps you cool and dry while fishing. Look for fabrics that have a 50+ UPF rating. The top should have a collar to protect your neck from the sun’s harsh rays.
For the bottom, choose a pair of pants that are light, quick-drying, and stretchy for comfort. Avoid cotton, as it holds onto sweat and can become cold and clammy after being wet for an extended period of time. Instead, choose polyester or other synthetic sweatpants that are designed for exercise and allow you to move comfortably.
Pants
You wouldn’t run a 5K in Wrangler jeans and boots, so don’t go fishing in them either. Deep-sea fishing requires pants that are quick-drying, water-wicking, and even have UV protection.
Nylon is the preferred material for these types of pants because they can be easily cleaned, they move with your body, and are lightweight. They’re also available in a variety of colors and styles, from khaki to camo. Some have zippers above the knee that can turn them into shorts, which is handy on sweltering days.
If it’s raining, a good pair of waterproof pants is also essential. It would be a good idea to get a high-tech material like gore-tex that’s both warm and waterproof, allowing sweat to evaporate without letting the water in. A specialized rain jacket is also a must. It can be quite expensive, but will protect you from the cold rain and wind. It can even be zipped into your base layer shirt or jacket.
Undergarments
Women fishing on a boat can wear an old pair of jean shorts with a t-shirt or tank top. The shirt should be made of a stretchy, water-friendly fabric such as those used for bathing suits that is quick to dry and wicks away moisture. Look for a shirt with UPF ratings to protect against sunburn. It should be long enough to cover your cleavage and can be rolled up to the elbows if you get too warm.
Women can also wear a sports swimsuit, or even a jogging suit under their regular clothes. Avoid tight, straight skirts because they restrict movement and could snag a fishhook. A hat is important, whether for warmth in cold weather or to keep the sun off the head and neck in summer.
Finally, don’t forget a pair of shoes with non-skid soles. It can be slippery on the deck of a boat with all the fish slime, and you don’t want to fall and hurt yourself.