Fishing Hats for Different Fishing Environments: Which One is Right for You?

Fishing is not only a great way to unwind, but it is also an excellent opportunity to connect with nature. However, one of the most crucial aspects of fishing is having the right fishing gear. While most people invest in fishing rods, reels, and lures, they often forget about the importance of having the right fishing hat. 
A fishing hat not only protects you from the sun but also shields you from other harsh environmental elements. Some anglers have a trusty fishing hat as a token of good luck. In this article, we will explore the different types of fishing hats and help you choose the one that's right for your fishing environment.

Benefits of Wearing a Fishing Hat

• Sun Protection for Anglers
• Keeps you warm in the winter
• Supporting A Fishing Brand
• Lucky Fishing Hat

Why Should You Wear a Hat on A Boat?

It may be one of the lesser concerns when boat fishing but a good wide-brimmed hat will protect the face, scalp and neck from UV rays as well as prevent heat stroke when out on the water for a few hours. The bankside often has shelter from trees so it's even more vital for sun protection when out in the open water in a boat.

What Type of Hat Should I Wear For Fishing?

Although bucket hats are a firm favourite for fishing hats, there are types of fishing hats that are suitable for all weather conditions, from insulated beanie hats to keep your head warm during the winter to classic baseball caps to keep the sun off your face in the more pleasant months. There are a few different types of fishing hats such as sun protection hats, winter hats, rain hats, and windproof hats all of which will be covered in this guide!

Sun Protection Hats

Bucket Fishing Hats: offer shade to your whole head,  brow, and neck

Baseball Caps: Made of canvas, lightweight, with a stiffened structure for its front peak.

Panama Hat: Classic-styled, lightweight linen or silk construction. 

Make sure you never leave home without a wide-brim sun hat! While your bivvy or shelter can offer good shade, it isn't enough to protect against skin damage and heatstroke when those sunny rays come out. So beat the sun with an extra layer of protection with hats that boast an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. Fishing sun hat materials of a 15-24 rating are good, 25-39 is very good but 40-50+ is the best.

Should a Bucket Hat Cover the Ears?

Summer fishing hats such as fishing bucket hats or wide-brim hats are ideal as they are made of breathable materials and are designed to fit snugly on your head. Get just the right fit for your face and neck, and make sure your bucket hat has a deep crown that sits low on the head and an angled brim. They are also lightweight, making them easy to wear for extended periods. 

Cold Weather Hats

Woolly Hats & Bobble Hats: constructed from thick, thermal fabrics with extra lining for insulating your head in the colder months.

Fleece Lined Hats: Lined with fleece, providing extra warmth and insulation.

Beanies: Can be folded over or gathered on the crown to create extra warmth. Ideal for cold, windy days on the boat.

On colder days at the bank, fishing hats prevent excessive heat loss through your head. A hat not only keeps the body temperature warm but your ears too. Winter fishing hats are also designed to fit snugly on your head, ensuring that they stay in place even in windy conditions. 

Rain Protection Hats

With the splash of a battling fish or caught in a downpour, having a hat with shower-proof qualities is certainly useful, especially if you just need to give it a quick wipe. Rain bucket hats or waterproof caps are great if you are planning to fish in wet conditions. These hats are made of waterproof materials that prevent water from seeping through. It is worth noting that waterproof fishing caps tend to be a bit stiffer in the fabric used.

Rain hats also come as wide-brim hat that provides additional protection from the rain. These hats are available in a range of sizes and styles, making it easy to find rain hats for women as well as men rain hats.

Wind Protection Hats

Waterproof Flat Caps: Loved by the fly-angling community, offers a small peak and felted insulation for windy sessions.

Ear-Flap Hats/ Arctic Hats: Usually have a fur or felt lining on their interior for additional warmth and boast extra material to cover your ears for the wind

Similar to winter hats, a wind-proof hat or one that stays on your head when it's windy is ideal for fishing. Even in the summer, you can get a gust of wind take your hat and invest in ones that fit.

Hats & Caps for Carp Fishing

When it comes to the perfect carp fishing hat, consider the colour. Unlike other fishing disciplines, carp anglers tend to opt for camouflage colours with inconspicuous blending to your environment. This prevents anglers from spooking the carp in close range or stalking situations.

Interestingly, predator, coarse, and match hats come in more colours, boasting blues, reds, oranges, and greens, while fly anglers prefer tans and browns, especially when wading close to trout.

Should I buy a hat that is bigger or smaller?

In some cases, hats vary quite a bit in size depending on the style and fishing hat brand. You may need to try on hats to find your perfect fit in your nearest fishing shop. If you are not certain about size or are between sizes, we suggest you buy the larger size.

Best Kind of Hat for Fishing

• Body Temperature: Wear a hat that does not make you sweat excessively.
• Climate: In the summer, go lightweight and a peak, while in the winter, go waterproof and insulated.
• Weight: Hats made with more insulating materials or with metal eyelets are heavy. 
• Bug Protection: Many hats come with a Velcro net that keeps bugs from getting into your face or neck.
• Sweat Bands: Offers better grip on your head and absorbs sweat.
• Sun Protection: Some offer UPF ratings. 40-50+ is the best.
• Breathability: Mesh panels or Eyelets on a cap ventilate your head
• Peaks: Provide sun protection for eyes, but can obscure vision.
• Sizing: ‘One size fits all’ with adjustable features; pops, Velcro or a strap. 
• Chin Straps: Used to keep the hat on your head on windy days,
• Water Resistance: Also ideal if you just need to give it a quick wipe.
• Machine Washable: After the dirt and slime of a fishing session, check how to wash it. 
• Quick Drying Hats: Ideal if you accidentally drop them in the water when netting a fish.

Best Fishing Hats

Make a fashion statement and show off your angling loyalty with fishing brand hats from leading companies like Korda, Preston, ESP, Fox fishing hat or other top-selling Fishing Hats at Angling Direct. We even sell fishing caps with Angling Direct on them! Featuring vibrant colours and stylish patterns for unique style on the bank - there's no better way to protect yourself when casting out!

In conclusion, choosing the right fishing hat is crucial for a successful fishing trip. Bucket hats are an excellent choice for hot weather conditions and provide maximum protection from the sun,  while fleece-lined hats offer warmth and insulation in cold weather conditions. Angling Direct offers a wide selection of fishing hats for men and women, ensuring that you can find the right hat for your fishing environment. Remember to choose a hat that fits well, is comfortable to wear, and provides adequate protection from the elements.

Visit the full selection of fishing hats here or shop in your local fishing store to browse in person.

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