When on a fishing expedition, you’re one with nature and you’re able to relax as you breathe in the fresh air coming your way as you wait for fish to strike your bait. As fishing takes some time and patience to land various species, you’ll need the best fishing hats on your head.
After all, it’s necessary that you’re protected from harmful elements, remain cool, and maintain visibility while you’re fishing.
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Table of Contents
Best Hats for Fishermen
The best hats for fishermen protect the face down to the neck from the sun’s ultraviolet rays, which cause sunburns and skin diseases.
1. GearTOP Fishing Hat
It’s refreshing to be outdoors with this fishing hat’s breeze-inducing mesh vent that’s sure to keep you cool, fresh, and protected as you spend hours on a riverbank.
The built-in SPF50 and wide brim work together in blocking the harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s made of 100% polyester and fused with modern technology in creating an innovative option for your fishing exploits.
It’s waterproof, quick-drying, and breathable. Even if you go for a swim with the hat, you can just leave it directly in the sun and it will dry out in just a minute!
It’s not often you can find a stylish hat that has UPF 50+ and is breathable and very easy to pack at the same time. This is why thousands of anglers have taken notice of this product and given them the seal of approval. Unlike most summer hats, it’s not stiff and you can easily fold or roll it for storage.
The brand GearTOP is also popular for fishing gear and sportswear. The company recommends washing the hat with cold water should it get dirty then line-dried.
2. Phaiy Bucket Hat
If you prefer a bucket hat for fishing, this is a great choice. It’s a summer hat that’s great for other activities aside from fishing, such as hiking, boating, and camping.
Regardless of the outdoor activity performed in a harsh climate, you’ll be able to use the hat to protect your head, eyes, and neck from the sun.
The hat is made of 100% cotton, which means it’s a breathable and lightweight gear that allows your skin to breathe freely. It comes with a strap to secure and prevent it from falling during windy days. The drawstring is adjustable so it makes for a hat that fits anyone, regardless of the head size.
As for this sun hat’s brim, it’s approximately 8 cm or 3.25 inches, so it perfectly covers the face up to the nose to avoid sunburn while still providing complete visibility of the surroundings.
3. Dukars Unisex Wide Brim Sun Hat
Another fishing boonie hat that made its way on our list is the Dukars Wide Brim Hat. This one has a unique design and it’s recognized globally for its overall design and features.
A comfortable and functional headwear, this outdoor hat promises protection not only from the harmful rays of the sun but also from the rain as it’s waterproof. The weather-resistant feature of this hat is from the lightweight polyester fabric. Regardless of the weather, you can rest assured your head and face has sufficient protection.
This all-weather hat has a snug and cozy fit with an adjustable drawstring. But, that’s not its best feature. It’s, instead, the fact that it comes built-in with two side air vents and mesh panels!
Your head will stay cool and ventilated even on the most humid and hottest of days. If you’re looking for a certain pattern or color for your fishing hat that perfectly complements your style of personality, you’ll be glad it offers 14 different color and pattern options.
4. EINSKEY Sun Hat
Have you ever got burnt from spending hours under the sun on one of your fishing trips? If so, then you’ll definitely benefit from this hat. This sun hat offers complete protection as it comes with a neck and face cover. This means you can fish under the blazing sun and ensure your skin isn’t at risk of sunburn.
The neck and face covers are removable so you also have the option of taking them out when you get too hot. Fortunately, that isn’t likely to happen as the covers are made of breathable mesh. They can provide complete protection while ensuring you are cool and comfortable while wearing the hat.
The full coverage option effectively prevents the sun’s rays, dust, dirt, and even mosquitoes! The covers can be attached to this hat with buttons that hold them both in place.
As it’s one of the best fishing hats, it’s made of UPF 50+ fabric that is more effective than the majority of sunscreens in providing sun protection. The hat is also available in different colors and patterns.
5. KastKing Sol Armis Boonie Hat
This series of wide-brimmed fishing hats is from one of the top fishing gear and sportswear brands, KastKing. This is an indication of the quality you will be getting from a dedicated outdoor hat.
The KastKing Sol Armis provides UPF 50+ sun protection. But, what we love most is the fact that it has a wider brim which means it offers shade from the head to the shoulders. This means there’s no longer a need for wearing a gaiter on the neck.
Another reason for you to love this product is its breathability. There’s a section on top of this hat that’s made of mesh.
This is intentionally done to allow air to reach even the back and furthest part of your head for ventilation. Even when it’s extremely hot and humid, your head will remain cool. This hat is also made of lightweight materials and it’s available in different colors.
6. Tru-Spec 3229 Boonie Hat
If you want a for men fishing hat that meets US military specs, consider getting the Tru-Spec 3229 boonie hat. It’s only available in one color, but it’s fully adjustable, which means you’ll get a snug fit. The hat can be worn brim down or cowboy-style by using the snap fasteners.
This one has the features you would expect from a reliable fishing hot. The adjustable wind and head straps offer a great fit and it has high UPF protection.
It also comes with holes on the top to improve the ventilation. As for the fabric, it’s 50/50 nylon cotton rip-stop, which means it’s quick to dry and breathable. While there are no mesh panels with this hat, there are brass screen vents around the hat to keep you dry regardless of the weather.
What’s really cool about this hat is the loops that offer additional camouflage and storage of small items. As it’s made for military use, you can trust it to perform when used for fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. It’s even perfect for daily wear.
7. HCHANA Bass Fishing Hat
If what you’re looking for is a baseball cap that’s perfect for fishing, try this one out. It offers the secure fit and comfort of a baseball cap, with added ventilation from the mesh back and top.
Although it doesn’t offer great coverage, you can still use a neck gaiter with it in case it gets too hot and you need more sun protection. It’s the best kind of fishing hat to use when bass fishing because it doesn’t get blown away.
It’s only available in one color and it’s made of mesh, polyester, and cotton. It’s lightweight and breathable, offering outstanding value for your money.
Should you and your hat get splashed, you’ll be amazed at how quick it is to dry. If you or your loved one spends a lot of time outdoors, it also makes for the perfect gift!
8. BASSDASH Sun Fishing Hat
A list of the best fishing hats isn’t complete without the BASSDASH Sun Fishing Hat. It’s a fantastic option for a fishing trip with its UPF 50 protection for keeping you safe from the sun.
But, it’s also perfect for a rainy day as it’s waterproof. It won’t only ensure your head stays dry, it will also keep rain from your face and neck with the generous neck protection. Attention to detail went into this hat’s manufacturing, which is evident from its sturdy stitching that gives the hat brim from flopping on your forehead.
The hat can be folded down for packing. Any angler will love how well-made and durable this hat is plus it’s designed to offer protection from the elements.
It even has mesh on the sides for airflow and improved breathability. The built-in moisture-wicking sweatband is great for when it gets too hot and humid. Take note: the brand recommends hand washing only for its cleaning.
How to Pick the Best Fishing Hats
The main factor that needs to be taken into consideration when choosing which fishing hats for men and women to purchase is the ability in giving protection from the intense heat of the sun when fishing. But, there are also other features that you need to consider.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we’ve run down all the factors that will help you find the right hat for you.
Weather Protection
This is an important feature to look out for when choosing a fishing hat as not all can offer sufficient protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
A hat’s wide brim can protect your head and face. There are some hats that come with neck and face covers for added protection. If you want all-weather protection from your hat, choose one that’s waterproof or water-resistant.
This way, you can still continue fishing even when you get splashed or it’s pouring as your face and head are protected from rain.
Type of Fishing Hat
There are different kinds of hats that you can choose from. The most common is the bucket hat which most people associate with angling. Others include a baseball cap and a boonie hat.
Bucket Fishing Hat
The bucket hat is a classic option for anglers. Its wide brim shields the head, especially the eyes from the glare and heat of the sun.
The best fishing hats we listed above are all made of breathable materials. A fishing bucket hat should have eyelets or mesh panels for ventilation.
Boonie Hat
A boonie hat looks similar to a bucket hat but it has a stiffer brim and it’s typically for military use. These days, the majority of boonie hats are sold as bucket hats.
This means the two terms are now used interchangeably. A common feature of the boonie hat is the additional loops that are around the top of the hat’s brim. The loops are for the storage of small tools and additional camouflage.
Baseball Cap
A baseball cap may be a great option for you if you’ll be on a short fishing trip. It will be enough to protect your eyes from glare. It, however, can’t provide the same protection as other types of hats for fishing.
If you’ll spend long days under the sun, we suggest you protect your neck and ears with a boonie or bucket hat and wear polarized sunglasses. While a baseball cap looks more fashionable, it’s not recommended for use on fishing expeditions.
Color
This is a factor that’s often overlooked when deciding on a fishing hat to purchase. It’s, however, important if you will spend long hours under the sun. A lighter color will deflect the rays of the sun, which means a hat with a light color will keep you cooler.
A darker color for a fishing hat will absorb heat, but it won’t matter if you’re fishing in cold or cool weather. If you’ll opt for a light-colored hat, you should also consider the color of the brim.
The underside should be dark so it won’t reflect light into your eyes. This is important for maintaining a good view of your surroundings, especially the water on sunny days.
Materials
Breathable or cool fishing hats are made of nylon or polyester. Apart from being breathable, they are also very durable and easy to clean.
There are hats made out of cotton, which offer additional comfort. If you choose cotton for the material of your fishing hat, make sure it has a sweatband inside as you will need additional moisture-wicking.
Both polyester and nylon dry quickly, but cotton takes a longer time for it to dry as it absorbs moisture. Consider if you’re willing to sacrifice your comfort over quick-drying ability.
Size and Comfort
Aside from offering protection, the top hats are also comfortable to wear. They are lightweight when worn as you need protection that isn’t bothersome as you focus on landing fish. Moreover, they are not too loose or too tight, or else they will be less comfortable for you to wear.
Fishing hats, including a fishing hat with neck flap and face cover, are either fitted or fit all sizes. A hat that fits any head size is a great option for anglers as the internal headband is elastic and it will create a secure hold on your head.
However, if you want more comfort and/or your head is smaller or bigger than the average, it’s best to get one that’s fitted.
Durability
The fishing hat best for you is one with robust material construction if you want to make the most use of it.
A durable hat made of high-quality materials and has a solid construction will be able to withstand harsh conditions, such as strong winds and rain.
In addition, make sure your hat comes with a drawstring that doesn’t snap or deteriorate quickly as it’s a crucial portion of a fishing hat. A drawstring will ensure that the hat will remain secured in your head even when you’re moving around.
Ventilation
The ideal hat for fishing can release heat from portions of the user’s head that are covered by the fishing hat.
It’s worth noting this is important to consider as there are hats that don’t have the breathability feature and will trap heat on your head, resulting in you sweating more.
The best fishing hat has mesh vents or fabrics around the hat. They will provide the ventilation you need from a hat and allow you to appreciate the breeze.
Adjustability
As an angler, you know that zipping across a body of water while on a boat will lead to a lost hat.
Fierce winds will catch the brim or bill of a fishing hat, then off it goes onto the water, never to be used or seen again. To avoid losing a nice hat, consider getting one that’s adjustable.
It should be cinched down tight as you are using it then loosened easily when it’s no longer necessary. After all, you don’t want a headache from wearing a tight hat.
Retention
You may not want a tight hat on your head. If so, you can opt for a retention strap. Although some may find it unfashionable, the chin strap serves an important function and we can attest to it.
Most fishing hats have adjustable chin straps for securing the hats. This is useful when you’re fishing on a windy day or when you’re boating.
Additional Features
Some hats come with neck flaps and ear flaps for full coverage and they can be attached to buttons around the hat.
The flaps can be removed when they’re no longer necessary. If you’ll be packing the hat in a fishing bag or backpack, get one that can be stored easily through folding.
Conclusion
The features above are the primary elements to take into consideration when choosing between the best fishing hats. Remember that the best choice for you will depend entirely on your preference.
If you’re still torn on what to pick, we have found that the best of the best fishing hat is truly the GearTOP Fishing Hat. It’s lightweight, it’s stylish, and has a wider brim that gives extra coverage.
More importantly, it has UPF 50+ protection, which is important if you want to have a comfortable and safe fishing experience. This particular hat has all the features that are necessary, so you won’t have to improvise when you’re fishing.
Protect your skin, especially the eyes, from the sun with a high-quality fishing hat, and fish on!
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