What to Wear on A Fishing Boat

What to wear on a fishing boat is determined by safety, comfort, and of course, style.

The biggest trick to dressing successfully for a fishing trip on a fishing boat is to account for the weather changes.

That means dressing in layers.

Doing so, allows you to shed or add clothing so that you are as comfortable as possible.

There are a few other items that you should wear that are not clothing.

Those include sunscreen and lotion.

Here’s more about clothing options for fishing on a boat.

Bringing additional layers to the boat allows for flexibility

What Should I Wear to Go Fishing on A Boat?

From the bottom up, let’s go.

  • Shoes with non-skid soles – Start with quality shoes that have a non-slip sole. It can get wet and sometimes slippery onboard a boat, especially if people are catching fish. All that fish slime can make the deck slippery. Non-skid soles can help you avoid joint injuries and falls.
  • Socks that Wick Moisture – Even if your shoes do not get wet, your feet may sweat. Including socks that wick moisture is a good way to keep your feet comfortable all day. Add to this any form of orthotic that your feet need. Fishing involves a lot of standing and your feet will thank you for providing them with cushion and support.
  • Pants and or Shorts – Many anglers fish in shorts, but that may not be the best dress code. Unless you know where you are going and what your environment is going to be like, dress in pants. You want to protect your legs from scratches, cuts, and from objects that can cause bruises or punctures. Pants made out of breathable fabric will help. Denim, while super protectant takes a long while to dry if it gets wet. Lighter nylon or rip-stop fabric will dry quickly and keep you comfortable while affording you some protection for your legs. If you are not fishing on a boat, waders or hip boots are a good option.
  • Base layers for your top and bottom are ideal. You may not need them in summer, but for spring, fall, and winter, you may appreciate the warming. Wind can be cold and weather can turn from sunny to wet in a matter of minutes. Most fishing boats have a cabin and restroom where you can change if you get overly hot or cold. Packing base layers may seem like a hassle, but you will be thankful if the weather turns cold.
  • Shirts in Layers – For warm-season fishing, start with a tee shirt and then add a long sleeve over the shirt. For cool weather fishing, you want base layers, a long-sleeve tee, and either a light jacket or over shirts followed by a waterproof jacket. It is by far better to bring too many clothes than not enough. Even in the summer, the weather will change.
  • Hats and Accessories – A hat is an essential part of any fishing outfit. Hats help to keep the sun off of your head and neck and out of your eyes. You can add accessories, such as gaiters to your list. A gaiter is amazing at keeping the sun at bay and the wind from creeping under your shirt and jacket.
  • Jackets – You will likely have different jackets for different times of the year, but even in summer, you want to have a jacket with you that will stop the wind and keep you dry. A lightweight windbreaker is essential, and you want to pair that with a heavier jacket that offers full waterproofing. In winter, you want jackets that can stand up to the worst cold and heavy rain.
  • Sunscreen – Another essential item to wear is sunscreen. The sun on the water refracts, and it will burn you in places you think protected. SPF 50 or higher is a good bet.
  • Polarized Sunglasses – Not only will polarized sunglasses help your eyes by protecting them from the light, but they will also help improve your ability to see fish. If you are sight-fishing, polarized sunglasses are a must. As with sunscreen, you will protect your eyes from the refracted sunlight that bounces off the water and into your face.
  • Hydrating Lotion – If you are fishing in the ocean, hydrating lotion can help. Salt tends to creep into everything and once it is on your skin it may cause itching and rashes. The lotion will help soothe any irritation caused by the salt. Sunscreen is important in places exposed to the sun, but lotion will do nicely for all other spots.
The proper eyewear protects the eyes and improves performance

The basic idea here is to be comfortable and protected.

You want clothing that will allow you to handle the weather – hot or cold – but that also allows you to move freely.

You want shirts that allow you to cast. Shoes that give you support without slipping.

Jackets that will stop the wind and cold, but also allow air to circulate as needed.

The biggest tip for any angler is to dress in layers.

Layered clothing allows you to add or subtract clothing to adjust to the weather and changing temperatures.

It will range from cold to cool in the mornings to cool to scorching hot in the afternoon.

It may rain non-stop, or you may find that you fight wind-driven rain all day long.

Clothing is what allows you to keep fishing in all kinds of weather.

What Do You Wear on A Sea Fishing Trip?

When you fish in the ocean – from shore or on a boat – you still want to dress in layers.

If you are on the beach, dressing can be a little more casual, but you still want to focus on protection from the weather.

If you are fishing from a boat, especially a charter boat where you may be out on the water for eight or more hours, you want to dress in layers and be prepared to handle morning, afternoon, and evening weather.

The range of temperatures can be from cool to hot to cold.

Choosing what to wear varies from season to season, and you should use accurate weather forecasts to help plan your fishing adventure.

The weather often changes, and many people are surprised by the degree of change in what was a beautiful day on the ocean and how cold or wet it suddenly became.

Choosing the right clothing helps keep you fishing in all kinds of weather.

The other option is to sit in the cabin and wait out the storm.

What Should a Woman Wear for Deep Sea Fishing?

Women should wear the same types of clothing that men wear while fishing.

The exception might be a sports bra that will allow you to battle big fish without fear of becoming exposed.

It happens. Aim to:

  • Be comfortable regardless of the weather
  • Be protected from the sun and the refracted rays on the water
  • Be safe from slipper surfaces by choosing shoes with non-slip soles.

For deep sea fishing, you might also want to bring a blanket.

Some deep sea fishing trips last well into the night and early morning hours.

If you want to take a nap, a blanket will keep you warm.

For overnight fishing trips, pack a change of base clothing and toiletries.

Some charter boats and even larger private boats may have a shower facility.

You can check that out before you leave for your fishing adventure.