Whether you are a fishing fanatic or a beginner looking to get into fishing, the proper fishing apparel is necessary if you want a comfortable and enjoyable fishing adventure. The most important piece of clothing to don during your fishing trip is a proper fly fishing shirt. This guide will walk you through what we believe to be the 5 best fly fishing long sleeve shirts on the market.
Best Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
No matter how much you adore fishing, you should never compromise on your comfort and protection. Buying high-quality fly fishing long sleeve shirts from a trusted brand is an excellent idea. This will ensure that your skin can breathe, you can move properly, and you’re protected from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
Here are the five best fly fishing long sleeve shirts.
1. Columbia Men’s PFG Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
If you are looking for a high-quality fishing shirt, then the Columbia Men’s PFG Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt should be your go-to choice. Made of nylon (which is lightweight), this shirt is meant for any outdoor activity, be it hiking, backpacking, or fishing.
The fabric makes it quick-dry, so you don’t have to worry about water or sweat ruining your day of fishing. Furthermore, the design of the shirt caters to vents concealed in the shoulders that make it breathable and easier to fish in. Couple this with the velcro closure that ensures you can easily roll up your sleeves, and this fly fishing long sleeve shirt is a fan favorite.
Plus, the UPF 30 fabric and Omni Shade help protect you from UVA and UVB rays of the sun. These rays can cause sunburns, which can lead to multiple long-term skin problems including frequent rashes and skin cancer.
Pros
- UV absorbent fabric prevents damage from the sun
- Velcro closure makes rolling sleeves up easier
- Vents in the shoulder make it easier to breathe and fish
Cons
- Some people find it “too baggy”
If you like loose, airy shirts, you will love this one. It’s a great fit for any kind of sweaty, outdoor activity.
2. BALEAF Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
For people who need a plus-sized fishing shirt, the BALEAF Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt is a perfect choice. Available in six different sizes from small to 3X-Large, this shirt can fit everyone!
Multiple design features make the shirt breathable and comfortable to wear — the mesh-lined back allows air to pass through easily and cool you off on a hot summer afternoon on the lake. The overall fit of the shirt is loose, and when you also take into consideration the adjustable collar button, it’s clear that this shirt is breezy and perfect for casual wear.
Furthermore, the design also incorporates other features that make the shirt convenient for a fishing trip — there is a sunglasses hook, a rod loop on the pocket, and button tabs for rolling up your sleeves. As a result, you can easily take a break from fishing to crack open a beer without having to worry about losing your things.
Pros
- Available in various sizes so everyone can wear it
- Loops and tabs on the pockets and sleeves make it functional
- Mesh-lined back ensures you are cool during your activity
Cons
- Tumble dry is not recommended
All in all, if you prefer for your shirts to be loose-fitting and comfortable, have a wide range of size options, and be multipurpose, then this is your lucky day.
3. Little Donkey Andy Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
When it comes to multi-purpose shirts, the Little Donkey Andy Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeves Shirts are our favorite. Not only are these shirts mosquito-repellent (what a blessing, especially during fishing), but they also have a barrier made out of UPF 50+ fabric that prevents harmful UV rays from damaging your skin. The design features mesh linings and mesh vents on every sweat-prone area, including the back, so you don’t have to worry about wearing this shirt during the summers and humid seasons.
Furthermore, it has four chest pockets with velcro closures, a sunglasses and hanger loop, a utility loop at the chest, and a rod holder. Even the sleeves can be rolled up to become shorter using the button tabs and loops.
Pros
- Mosquito repellent
- Mesh vents for the crossing of an air
- Multiple loops and holders for personal items
- Protection against UV rays through UPF 50+ fabric
Cons
- Gets wrinkled easily
As long as you don’t mind frequent wrinkles, this shirt is perfect for fishing!
4. NOMINATE Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
Some people prefer to keep their outfits color-coordinated to their activity. Well, if you’re one of those people, then the NOMINATE Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt is a must-have. It comes in four colors: blue, khaki, light gray, and dark green, all of which perfectly suit the fishing aesthetic.
Moreover, the nylon material dispels any moisture as quickly as it comes, and the lightweight fabric makes the shirt breathable and relaxing to wear. To further add to the comfort, the center back of the shirt has mesh-lined ventilation, which improves air permeability. This cools you down and enhances your fishing productivity.
Plus, it has all the utility loops you need for every type of fishing appliance. It also has three buttons at the cuffs to adjust the wrists and roll up your sleeves easily, removing all hindrances during your fishing.
Pros
- The color palette matches the fishing vibe
- Quick-dry due to nylon
- Mesh-lined ventilation to keep you cool
Cons
- The wrist can get too tight for some people
If you’re looking for the basic features of a fly fishing long sleeve shirt, then this functional shirt with fun color options should be perfect.
5. Mossy Oak Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
Calling all glasses wearers, because the Mossy Oak Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt features an inbuilt microfiber cloth that you can use to clean your glasses and phone (super useful on a fishing trip where you’ll be frequently splashed with water!)
Apart from the nylon fabric that makes the shirt lightweight and perfect for casual wear, there are mesh-lined vents on both the back and shoulders. As a result, you get to experience the cool breeze on a lake from every angle and stay sweat-free.
Plus, the fabric isn’t only good for comfort — it’s also water repellent! Furthermore, the two chest pockets have concealment flaps and outer slip pockets with drain holes.
Pros
- User-friendly pockets with drain holes and utility loops
- Built-in microfiber cloth for cleaning glasses
- Mesh-lined vents on front shoulders for air crossing
Cons
- Fails to work for temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
When you are looking for convenience as a glasses wearer for your fishing trip, there is no better option than this fly fishing shirt.
What to Look for in Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts
If you plan on buying a suitable fly fishing long sleeve shirt then you need to be aware of what to look for in this shirt. Precisely, what features are really useful to have, and what is it that makes some shirts uniquely better for fly fishing? Let’s find out!
Color
When you’re out fishing, you want to wear a ‘fish-friendly’ color in order to attract the fish to your line. Suppose you’re wearing a bright red shirt — the fish will easily be able to see you and there is a good chance none will be lured to your cast.
Therefore, wear a color that blends in with the place you’re fishing at to give yourself an advantage (basically camouflaging)!
When you are fishing in spring creeks surrounded by forests, try to wear light colors like light green. In open waters and big skies, wear light blue and white, and in the woods, you should always go for shades of brown and green.
Comfort
Always choose comfort in a fishing shirt over everything else. During fishing, you are out for days or long hours. If the clothes you are wearing are not comfortable enough, you’ll find that your performance gets affected.
To get a comfortable shirt, focus on the following aspects:
Fabric
Get a fly fishing shirt that is either nylon, polyester, or a mix of both. Both these fabrics are lightweight and quick-drying and are therefore perfect for fishing.
Sleeve Length
It is in your best interest to always go for long sleeve shirts. Firstly, they cover your arms and protect you from bugs and mosquitoes feeding on you. Secondly, long sleeves also reflect the sun’s rays, and if you feel hot, you can simply roll them up!
Venting
As you saw above, the best fly fishing long sleeve shirts have mesh-lined vents in them to let air pass and keep you cool. It is vital to buy shirts with venting on sweat-prone areas like the shoulders, center back, and armpits. Also, ensure that the vents are lined with mesh to prevent issues with bugs.
Pockets
Even though pockets don’t seem like a big deal, during fishing they are a blessing in disguise. From glasses to phones to fly boxes, you can store a lot of small things in your pockets that are hard to carry when you’re fishing.
Try and go for zippered pockets, as those are safer and your things are less likely to fall out when you bend down.
Gear Tabs and Loops
Another useful design feature to have in your fly fishing shirt is gear tabs and loops. You can use these to clamp anything from your sunglasses to your scissors to the zinger of your clippers.
FAQs
Should I Wear Sunscreen or Is the UV Protection of the Fly Fishing Shirt Enough?
We recommend that you take every possible precaution to keep yourself safe, and that includes applying sunscreen underneath your shirt in areas where the shirt could ride up and expose your skin. However, the sun shouldn’t penetrate the fabric of the shirt.
What Fabric Can I Get the Fly Fishing Shirt In?
As mentioned above, nylon and polyester are the best fabrics for fly fishing shirts. However, if you are having trouble getting these, you can opt for cotton and spandex blends as well.
What Size Fly Fishing Shirt Should I Buy?
We recommend that you always get a size bigger than your normal size. A slightly larger size with a looser fit will give you more airflow and comfort.
Best Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirts Brands
SIMMS
SIMMS’ fly fishing shirts are always impressive, just like their other fishing gear. Their shirts include all the features you need for a fly fishing shirt to be perfect. The Big Sky and Bugstopper are two products that display the quality and functionality of SIMMS shirts.
Patagonia
Patagonia shirts excel at every design and comfort element we’ve mentioned. Plus, considering the quality, the price is very affordable. It is hard to beat their fishing products.
Conclusion
These are the five best fly fishing long sleeve shirts you can get. Out of all these, the Columbia Men’s PFG Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt is your best bet given its high-quality fabric, extra features, and overall design in accordance with the price.
However, if you are not a fan of the Columbia Fishing shirt, your next best alternative is the BALEAF Men’s Fly Fishing Long Sleeve Shirt. Its only con is that it can’t be tumble-dried, which is not that big of an issue or inconvenience.
