Kayak Fishing Clothes – A Guide On What To Wear

Let’s be honest, what you’re wearing to go kayak fishing is probably the last thing on your list. Maybe you know you have a PFG or a dri-fit shirt in your kayak fishing clothes pile, but you never really think about it. Well, honestly same here. But we’re here to help you think about it even less. Here are the simple things we recommend when you’re headed out on a kayak fishing trip. 

I’d like to preface all this by saying I am writing this with spring, summer, and fall trips in mind. If you’re kayak fishing in the winter, that isn’t our forte anyway. When it comes to kayak fishing shirts, I think the ultimate is a long sleeve performance shirt you dedicate to kayak fishing. That way you can get mud, blood, or fish on it and not have to worry. 

Most of us have already realized wearing sunscreen is important when kayak fishing, but sometimes it doesn’t cut it, and honestly I would rather cover up in light layers than be constantly reapplying. Most fishing captains have figured this out too. Fishing captains offer a great way to get out on the water and you can book one of the world’s finest fishery charters here.

Especially in a kayak, don’t forget about reflected light. Water and sand, reflect between 25 and 80 percent of UV rays which means you’re getting hit from both sides if you have a sit-on-top kayak or paddleboard.

If you prefer shirts with pockets, PFGs have come a long way even in the past few years. Get a super lightweight one like the Columbia shirt below.

Ok, hear us out – we know convertible pants aren’t the best fashion, in fact they’re not at all. But when you’re out fishing are you really worried about how they look? Or do you want to make sure your legs don’t get sunburned with the light reflecting off the water? (Don’t forget water and sand, reflect between 25 and 80 percent of UV rays). More than anything else, don’t wear heavy clothes – things like cotton are a no-go. Make sure it’s light and will dry fast. You never know if you’re going to get in to wade or maybe take a spill. 

Like most other things, for hats, we like to keep it simple. Light, protects you from the sun, and you don’t mind if it gets dirty. Maybe it’s easy to wash too. In this case, I’m looking for any kind of lightweight hat. Something like the Nike AerioBill below.

If you want all-around protection, then I’ve also been known to wear bucket hats. Mainly Columbia bucket hats. 

Finally, buffs (or the brand correct term, neck gaiters… ) aren’t hats, but it’s headgear. Relax and know it’s one of the important things we bring. It keeps your neck and face protected from the sun so again you don’t have to keep putting sunscreen on your face and risk your lure or bait smelling like it

We have so many reviews of sunglasses on our site. Check them out Costa Del Mar Zane, Costa Del Mar Jose, Costa Fantail Pro, Costa Rincondo and Costa Del Mar Fantail. Above all else, make sure they are polarized. When it comes down to it, it’s quality over quantity and I prefer 580G Costas. Find a style you like, but recently we’ve been into these. 

You could also convince me the best answer here is to wear old tennis shoes as your kayak shoes. Ones that you won’t wear out anymore but don’t want to throw away yet. That being said, those don’t always have the best tread left, and the last thing you’d want to do if you get out wand wade while kayak fishing is to slip.

Personally, I use Chacos (I don’t wade as much especially if stingrays are around) so I don’t mind that they’re open on the top. They are comfortable and dry easily so my feet don’t get waterlogged. However,  I also have a pair of wading boots if I’ll be around oysters. Getting a nasty cut on your food from an oyster bed can really ruin a fishing trip.

The best part of finding the right kayak fishing clothes is that means you’re going out fishing soon. It doesn’t really matter what you wear, but this is a good guide to keep you safe and comfortable out on the water.

Here are the things you need to remember if you don’t want to read anything else: keep your clothes light, the more of your body you can cover so you don’t have to use sunscreen the better, and don’t wear cotton.

Check out our other articles about Kayak Fishing:

• HOW TO FIND KAYAK FISHING SPOTS
• BEST LIFE JACKETS FOR KAYAK FISHING
• HOW TO CHOOSE A KAYAK TROLLING MOTOR BATTERY
• THE BEST STAKEOUT POLES FOR YOUR KAYAK, SUP, OR CANOE
• A GUIDE TO THE BEST KAYAK AND CANOE CARTS
• TOP 5 KAYAK FISHING PADDLES OF 2021
• BUYING A USED FISHING KAYAK: 10 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
• HOW TO CHOOSE A KAYAK PADDLE FOR FISHING
• BEST FISHING KAYAKS
• YOUR KAYAK FISHING GEAR CHECKLIST
• KAYAK FISHING WITH GATORS