When outdoors, you want to be as comfortable as possible, especially when doing an activity for hours, such as fishing. It’s that fine line of comfort and practicality but you still want to look like a country gentleman or lady. Fishing can be a tricky outdoor hobby to dress for because not only do you need to think about everything you need to bring but also what you’re going to wear. You’ll probably be out there for the entire day or may even be treating yourself to a fishing weekend.
Luckily for you, we’re experts at dressing for the great outdoors! In this guide of what to wear when fishing, expect to see what we would call a beginner’s checklist. It’s the basic items that you may own already but are more than suitable for a fishing trip. You have to think about the temperature, the weather and your comfort levels so there are a few items that are required whether it’s summer or winter. Here are our fishing essentials for any time of year as well as a handful of items you will need during warmer and then colder weather.
A base layer
To begin with, you need to stick on a base layer. This could be a basic crew neck T-shirt, a dry-fit sports top or a thermal T-shirt during colder months. The first layer is actually the most crucial because if you’re going to be sitting outside for hours, this is the layer closest to your skin.
During summer, choose a material that is light and breathable, like cotton, and when the temperature drops, a thermal top should help to keep the heat as close to your body as possible. Shorter sleeves are great for summer and long sleeves work perfectly for winter — our ladies’ long-sleeved thermals are always popular.
A collared shirt
For your next layer, we recommend a collared shirt. As a respectable country gentleman or lady, you should already own at least one but there’s nothing stopping you from adding to your collection. Once again, short sleeves work for warm weather, with longer sleeves ideal for winter. Checked shirts will never go out of style in the countryside, so why not pick a shirt in your favourite colours?
Our men’s range of checked, collared shirts is constantly evolving as we add more new lines. The great thing is that you can wear a checked shirt pretty much anywhere, whether it’s for a fishing trip, the office or the pub at the weekends. We’re also big fans of collared shirts for ladies, with patterns and colours galore. A fitted checked shirt is perfect for so many occasions, so you will definitely get a lot of use from one.
A fishing jacket or waistcoat
A waterproof jacket is a must-have for anyone living in the UK, especially in the countryside. Taking one along on a fishing trip is also a necessity because, as we all know, the heavens can open at any moment. For the country gentlemen, our Esk fishing jacket has been designed exactly for that. It’s both waterproof and windproof to help you weather any storm, along with a foldaway hood and adjustable cuffs.
When it isn’t raining or the weather improves, you might prefer a utility waistcoat instead. From the stone-coloured Skipton style to the navy 1722 version to the khaki Egton and Brecon waistcoats, each is similar in design with subtle differences. Every design includes multiple pockets, an insulated lining and enough stretch in the material for moving around when outdoors.
For ladies, whilst we don’t sell specific fishing jackets, many of our waterproof styles are still practical enough to wear when fishing. You’ll need a style that’s designed for the outdoors — the Belle jacket has plenty of pockets, a mesh lining to keep you cool and a hood that can be packed away if it gets drier outside.
Waterproof trousers
In any weather, it’s worth getting a pair of waterproof overtrousers. If you’re going to take up fishing as a hobby, they’re an inexpensive way of not ruining your regular trousers. For less than twenty pounds, our men’s and ladies’ overtrousers are designed to be packed up small as a just-in-case item. With an adjustable waist, zip-up legs towards the bottom and two large front pockets, we’ve tried to make them as comfortable as possible. You can roll them up when it’s warmer and tuck them into wellies on colder days.
Wellington boots
We’re big fans of having a pair of wellies in the car whenever you go on an outdoor excursion. However, for fishing, you might need a more substantial pair than your regular high-street ones. A pair with insulated lining and a good tread will see you steady on uneven terrain and in shallow waters. Our Lady Gransmoor ladies’ wellies and Gransmoor men’s wellies have been made as an upgrade to our regular Wellington boots, with a faux trim at the top for a touch of luxury.
Summer essentials
When it’s hot outside, many people stick on a T-shirt and shorts to go fishing. Whilst this is perfectly acceptable, you may need to pack a couple of other items to stay protected and cool when outside all day long.
- Sunscreen — Make sure to apply it every two hours during particularly hot weather, stay in the shade if you can and avoid peak heat between 11am and 3pm.
- A bush hat or baseball cap is essential for keeping your head protected from UV rays. We often forget about the top of our heads, but the right hat will make all the difference.
- Sunglasses — Your eyes need protection too. Try a wrap-around style so they don’t slide off your face constantly and make sure they keep out UVA and UVB rays.
- Lots of water — It’s so important to stay hydrated at any time of the year, but even more so when you’re out in the sun.
Winter essentials
Whilst you might not need as much protection from the sun, it’s important to keep your body temperature warm. Thin layers are always a must so you avoid overheating and excessive sweating.
- A woolly hat — Most of us know that heat escapes from our heads and most of us do nothing about it. A warm, woolly hat will help keep your head and ears toasty warm.
- Gloves are also a must for regulating body temperature. Invest in a specialist pair of activity gloves for fishing so you can use your hands properly.
- A hot drinks flask — Drinking hot fluids will keep you warm for longer, so fill up with your favourite hot beverage to keep you going.
- Boot socks are another essential for winter fishing. They’re extra thick with sweat-wicking properties so your feet stay warm without overheating.
Choosing your fishing kit doesn’t have to be tricky. Think about what you’d wear when spending the day outdoors and make sure you stay cool or warm, depending on the temperature outside. You’ll find that you own many of the items recommended here because we’re all about building a wardrobe full of countryside essentials for any weather. Only buy specialised fishing attire if you plan to stick to it as a hobby — otherwise, see if you can borrow or hire items from friends and family for your trip.
