Not Your Father's Fishing Shirt

The latest crop of performance fishing wear keeps you cool and comfortable while protecting you from the sun

- Joe Albanese

In the beginning, fishing shirts were stodgy, stuffy affairs. Sports took to the water in clothes that were more befitting a Sunday service than a day of fishing. Fortunately, a slew of companies developed fishing-specific clothing that offers better performance out on the water.

SUN PROTECTION

There are myriad sun-related maladies that can plague anglers, ranging from sunburn to life-threatening illnesses. Traditionally, anglers relied on sunscreen for protection. But sunscreens have major downsides, including damage to fishing lines, tropical corals and even boats. Now high-tech apparel provides defense without the need to slather yourself in chemicals every few hours.

"Columbia PFG has always focused on keeping anglers on the water," says Connor Allison, brand manager of Columbia Performance Fishing Gear. PFG has long been known for its iconic fishing shirts that feature vented backs and roll-up sleeves, but "we are constantly adding technologies to create a better on-water experience for anglers," says Allison. This includes proprietary sun protection used throughout the PFG line. In 2023, Columbia introduced OmniShade Broad Spectrum Sun Protection, which blocks both harmful UVA and UVB rays.