Fishing is an enjoyable pastime, but it will also expose you to harsh UV rays. This is uncomfortable and will increase your risk of skin cancer, especially if you’re frequently fishing. One of the easy ways to dodge the harmful effects of sunlight is to wear the best fishing hats for sun protection.
Instead of suffering from sunburn all over your face, the following hats will be a big help. The best thing is that you can get them at a low price. Check which one suits your taste and budget:
| FISHING HAT | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Our Top Pick! GearTOP Fishing and Safari Hat |  | Check Price |
 | Jormatt Outdoor Sun Hat for Fishing | | Check Price |
 | Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat | | Check Price |
 | G. Loomis Trucker Cap For Fishing |  | Check Price |
 | Fishoholic Fishing Hat | | Check Price |
5 Best Fishing Hats For Sun Protection
OUR #1 CHOICE
OUR TOP PICK: GearTOP Fishing and Safari Hat
Product Name: GearTOP Fishing and Safari Hat
Product Description: When it comes to the best fishing hats for sun protection, my money is on the GearTOP Fishing and Safari Hat. This is a wide-brimmed hat with a bucket design for ample coverage. Overall, it’s equivalent to UPF 50+ of protection so that you won’t suffer from sunburns. Aside from that, this has a drawstring enclosure to keep the hat in place. Whether you’re fishing, walking at the harbor, or hiking, this is a great hat for the money. I also like that you can snap the sides if you want to get the brim out of the way. There’s also an option to flip the brim, which gives you many options while wearing it. I also like the mesh material that allows sweat to dissipate.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Material
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Sun Protection
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Comfort
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Design
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Price
Overall
Summary
Overall, this is suitable for anglers with a head circumference between 22 to 23.5 inches. The brim width is 3.7”, and the diameter is 14.75” for the best shield against the sun.
This fishing hat is lightweight and comfy to wear even on long periods. You can also get this in beige, gray, and black colors, though I recommend the lighter hues to prevent heat absorption. And for this small price, you’ll receive two hats.
Pros
Wide-brimmed for ample protection
Mesh material for ventilation
Adjustable drawstring
Cons
I wish they won’t be packaged folded in half because it creases the material permanently.
RUNNERS-UP
Jormatt Outdoor Sun Hat for Fishing
If you want more sun protection, you should get the Jormatt Outdoor Sun Hat For Fishing instead. This is a combination of a drawstring sun cap, a neck flap cover, and a breathable face mask. Your face and neck will be completely shielded against harmful sun rays.
Aside from that, this fishing hat is made of 100% polyester, so it’s easily washable. It also provides protection equivalent to UPF 50+ that blocks 98% of all UVA and UVB rays.
This hat suits a head circumference between 21.5 and 24 inches. Its side brims are 2.8 inches wide, which is slightly narrower than that of GearTOP but protective nonetheless. To complete the ensemble, it has a 10-inch neck flap that will drape through your shoulder.
Moreover, there are mesh materials on the cap and mask to keep the hat comfortable. Still, it doesn’t compromise sun protection, even during a scorching hot day.
For this price, I can say that this hat is worth every dime. You can also get this in various colors like light blue, light gray, sand, charcoal, and navy blue.
My only concern is that the neck flaps might become annoying during windy days. Other than that, this is a protective hat for anglers who hate sunburns.
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat
For those looking for a bucket hat, I recommend the Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat. This is made of 86% nylon and 14% polyester for a snug fit. It’s a great pick for all fishing trips and other outdoor activities.
Another thing I like about this hat is its mesh-lined crown that allows sweat to dry. It’s moisture-wicking, lightweight, and offers sun protection of up to UPF 50+.
Moreover, this is fitted with a TransAction headband and a drawstring adjustment to keep the hat snug. There are also side vents on the crown and dark under-brim fabric to reduce glare.
Aside from that, this has a SolarShield construction made to ensure intense sun rays. I also like that they added a foam material on the brim that gives it a stiff feel. This way, the hat retains its shape even after many washings.
Also, I like the fact that you wear this hat in light rain. It prevents the face and neck from getting wet, so you can still enjoy fishing.
However, the hat I got has a rumpled look due to the way it’s packaged. Anyway, it protects against sunlight just the same, so it’s not really a deal-breaker.
G. Loomis Trucker Cap For Fishing
If you’re looking for a classic cap, I recommend the G. Loomis Trucker Cap. This has a mesh back to allow proper airflow and a dark underbill to reduce sun glare.
I also like the embroidered fish logo in front, which will be the pride of every angler. It’s a stylish cap for anglers who are neither too young nor too old. This is also an excellent fit for those with big noggins, thanks to its adjustable strap at the back.
Aside from that, this fishing hat is made of durable materials that don’t feel cheap. I also appreciate the fact that the logo is embroidered and not printed, which means it will last long.
This hat also fits deep for snug and comfortable sun protection. It’s a well-made hat with the right proportions, so it doesn’t feel too tight or too loose on some spots.
Overall, this is a nice-looking hat, but I noticed that each batch is different when it comes to sizing and shape. It’s not really a deal-breaker, but I wish they can be more consistent on the fit.
Fishoholic Fishing Hat
Another classic cap I recommend is the one from Fishoholic. Based on the brand name, it’s guaranteed to protect anglers from the heat of the sun.
Like the one from G. Loomis, this has an embroidered logo, and a dark underbill for reduced glare. It’s a perfect gift for anglers who are always on top of their fishing game.
Aside from that, this hat is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it has manufacturing defects, you’ll receive a refund, no questions asked.
Whether you’re lake fishing, rock fishing, or crab picking, this hat is something you’ll wear with pride. You can also get this in different colors and prints to match your style. It’s available in gray, camo, black, light gray, and more.
Overall, this has a unisex design that’s true to size. You can order your usual size, and it should fit really well unless you have smaller or larger noggin than usual.
The only downside I see here is that this cap doesn’t have a level of elasticity on the rim. It would be nice to have that snug feel when putting the cap on.
How to choose fishing hats
There are so many fishing hats in the market that choosing one can be a challenge. To help you find the perfect fit, you should consider the following:
✔️Hat type
The very first thing you should consider is the type of hat you would get. The following are the most popular options among anglers:
- Bucket hats. These are easy to wear and covers the crown entirely since it has a portion that spreads downward. Bucket hats are often made of soft materials that are easy to clean.
- Wide-brimmed hats. Also called bush hats, it’s similar to bucket hats but with a wider and stiffer brim. It’s very effective in keeping the sun glare out of your eyes while fishing. It can be worn with a neck flap for added sun protection.
- Trucker caps. These are classic caps with a mesh back, and a dark underbill. It’s a good option if you don’t like the look of bush hats or bucket hats. However, it will not protect the ears and neck that much. However, the biggest upside here is that trucker caps are stylish.
✔️Level of protection
Sun hats have protection that’s measured through UPF or Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s best to aim for UPF 50+ because it can block up to 98% of all harmful sun rays. This will greatly reduce your exposure to sunlight as much as sunblock will do.
✔️Size
Whatever fishing hat type you get, make sure that it fits well. Check the head circumference range to ensure that the hat is a good fit. The good thing is that almost all hats have adjustable features that will give you an inch or two of allowance.
Moreover, you should be very meticulous with the hat sizing if you have a larger or smaller head than usual.
✔️Material
Always opt for a breathable material that will allow sweat to dry. An added mesh lining is a good choice, but make sure that it won’t compromise the protective factor of the hat.
The likes of polyester, cotton, and spandex are also good choices. As long as they are thick enough to repel sunlight, they will provide you with much-needed protection.
✔️Value for money
You don’t have to spend a fortune just to get the best fishing hats for sun protection. A hat with durable materials, decent UPF, and a comfy fit should nail the job for you. In the end, the cost should be the least of your priorities if you’re keen to keep the harmful sun rays out of your face.
In the end, spending a few more bucks to get premium hats would be a worthy investment. This is especially true if you’re an avid angler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do hats really protect you from the sun?
A: Hats are a great tool to block harmful ultraviolet rays. It acts as sunscreen, but there’s no need to re-apply it. Aside from that, hats can be purchased in various sizes, designs, and types to suit your needs. You should aim for a hat that covers the face as well as those with attachments that shield your neck.
Q: What kind of hat should I swear for fishing?
A: Wide-brimmed and bucket hats are great options for fishing. It provides shade for your face without easily falling off or being swept by the wind. Still, classic caps never go out of style for avid anglers who want a more breathable and stylish option.
Q: What is the best color for a fishing hat?
A: For fishing hats, try to get light-colored fabrics like white, cream, gray, and pastels. These colors allow sunlight to deflect, which reduces heat absorption. Bright colors like yellow are also a great choice since it reflects light even more.
Q: Are fishing hats better than sunscreen?
A: Fishing hats provide unbeatable protection against sunlight. Still, it will be better to keep using sunscreen, especially if the weather is too hot. Sunscreen and fishing hats used together will give you a higher level of protection than using only one or nothing at all.
Q: Are bucket hats for fishing?
A: Bucket hats are an excellent choice for fishing because of the coverage it provides. You can also wear it on other outdoor activities for protection against sunlight. Overall, bucket hats are versatile pieces that you can use on many occasions.
Final words
The best fishing hats for sun protection are a very useful accessory. This will protect your skin from harmful rays while preventing sun glare from ruining your view. Just make sure that you get one with the right materials, size, and protective factor. Have you tried any of these hats? Share your thoughts below!
