What in the world is a fishing hat? That term seems like something a marketing team would create to target old men who are bored in retirement. In the past, those were the only people we knew who had a hat specifically for a day of fishing. We just wore whatever hat we had lying around.

　　Thats a bit of a paradox coming from anglers, a group that tends to be one of the worst types of gear hoarders. We buy specialized shirts and pants, entirely overengineered rods, and fish finders that cost more than your high school daily driver. One would think anglers would want the best out of something they use every single day. We do. So while a hat may seem like a trivial piece of gear, it can provide some very real benefits.

　　Our experts have been landing fish for decades, testing a wide range of angling products from the best fishing glasses to the best rods and reels. Our lead tester, Ben Hickok, has over 2 decades of outdoor experience, including rock climbing, backpacking, and his great passion for fishing. His combined experience and informed opinions let us narrow product selections to great products, separating mediocre products, gimmicks, and casualwear.

　　Finding a comfortable and useful fishing hat can be difficult, especially when shopping online and without the ability to try any on. Still, when you find the right one, you’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to get one. We analyzed brim sizes, materials, fabric treatments, design pros and cons, special features, comfort, and fit to help you narrow your search and graduate from casual to performance wear.

　　Below are the top fishing hats based on our testing and evaluations. We have highlighted hats that fit different anglers and needs. Weve also included a thorough buyer’s guide, a comparison chart, and an FAQ section for those who are trying to understand the what and why of fishing hats.

　　Editors Note: We updated this guide on March 28, 2025, to include the Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel hat as an option for anglers on motor boats.

　　The Best Fishing Hats of 2025 Best Overall Fishing Hat: Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat Best Budget Fishing Hat: Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Best Fishing Hat for Motor Boats: Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel Hat Best Minimalist Fishing Hat: Simms Superlight Flats Cap Best Fishing Hat for Max Sun Protection: Grunden Waterman Straw Hat Best Fishing Hat for Backcountry Fishing: Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat Check price at AmazonCheck price at Shelta

　　8.4 How we rate products Specifications Style: Boonie Brim Size: Medium Weight: 3.8 oz. Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester body; Polyester mesh UPF Rating: UPF 50+ Floats: Yes Adjustable Headband: Yes Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes (Removable) DWR Treated: Yes Extras: Rigid Bill Pros Great ventilation Comfortable Rigid bill Removable chin strap Cons A bit pricey Heavier than other Boonie hats Ben Hickok The Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat ($75) is a great fishing hat, equally suited to kayaking, rafting, and other water sports as it is to all forms of fishing. Its no-flop brim is long enough at the bill and wide enough all around to provide adequate sun protection at any point in the day, from your head to your shoulders. It maintains just enough flexibility to remain comfortable. Yet, it stays in place and provides protection even when the wind picks up.

　　The adjustable headband allows you to get a secure and comfortable fit, without putting too much pressure on the ears, even when wearing sunglasses and a hoodie. An adjustable chin strap helps keep the Seahawk snug atop your head but is removable for those whose beards might get annoyed by a chin strap, or calm days where it just isn’t necessary.

　　Breathable materials and ventilation grommets keep your head cool, and the lighter color is great for reflecting light, without standing out unnaturally from the local environment. The Seahawk is made from materials with a UPF 50+ rating, and it floats, so you are unlikely to lose it while on the water.

　　If you’ve only fished wearing a ball cap, straw hat, or budget boonie hat, which all suffice, then the Shelta Seahawk will be the hat you didn’t know you needed the whole time. This premium hat is expensive in the world of fishing hats, but it is worth every dollar if you value comfort, performance, and protection from the elements.

　　You’ll find even more value in the Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat if you enjoy fishing from a boat, inflatable, paddleboard, or kayak. You get sun protection benefits, but due to its floating brim, you won’t lose your hat if things get a little hairy while drifting around the next bend in the river or awkwardly trying to land a fish.

　　Best Budget Fishing Hat Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Check Price At Columbia

　　6.6 How we rate products Specifications Style: Boonie Brim size: Medium Weight: 2.6 oz. Materials: Nylon UPF rating: UPF 50 Floats: Yes Adjustable headband: Yes Adjustable chin strap: Yes DWR treated: Yes Extras: None Pros Inexpensive Great ventilation Lightweight Comfortable Cons Floppy brim Ben Hickok When you need a strong balance of performance and price in a lightweight gear piece for those backcountry-angling pursuits, the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney ($30) is an excellent choice. Its lower cost compared to the most premium fishing hats means you won’t feel bad about folding it up and stuffing it in your pack. And, unlike many more modestly priced fishing hats, you won’t have to sacrifice materials, comfort, or protection.

　　The Columbia Bora Bora II Booney may be a little more flexible than other hats and the brim may flop in heavy winds, but it still provides excellent sun protection overall. The adjustable headband and cinching chin strap keep the hat secure to your head and don’t cause any discomfort.

　　Mesh materials and a wicking sweatband are effective in keeping your head cool, although the lighter-weight materials don’t keep as nice a head shape as other heavier hats. The hat materials are rated to UPF 50, so you can feel comfortable that the parts of your head, neck, and shoulders that are shielded from the sun are adequately protected from UVA and UVB radiation.

　　Anybody who has fished in the high country and made multiday pack trips knows how irritating a hat can be when it rubs on the brain of your backpack or frame of your frame pack. We found that the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney strikes a good balance in size and flexibility, which seems to reduce those collisions. Its just small enough to avoid most collisions. But, when we did make contact with our backpack, the flexible brim was forgivable and didnt feel like somebody slapped us in the back of the head with a stick.

　　Best Fishing Hat for Motor Boats Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel Hat Check Price at Turtle Fur

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Style: Cap Brim size: Medium (5) Weight: 2.1 oz. Materials: 50% recycled polyester, 45% recycled nylon, 5% spandex UPF rating: UPF 50+ Floats: Yes Adjustable headband: Yes Adjustable chin strap: No DWR-treated: No Extras: Floating bill, quick-adjust cordlock closure Pros Quick-fit adjustment Stays on your head at high boat speeds and in high winds Highly breathable Brim floats Cons One style Limited colors Ben Hickok Read Review: Better Than My Ol Ballcap: Turtle Fur Way Out Fishing Hat Review If youre sick of your hat flying off while travelling at high speeds to your next spot, the Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel ($50) is the hat for you. The Way Out packs features our tester didnt know he needed, and the hat quickly became his go-to while on the lake in his bass boat in Middle Tennessee. He had been wearing trucker hats, which cost around 35 bucks nowadays, and for 15 bucks more, Turtle Fur offers an upgrade with well-thought-out features for days on the water.

　　The best feature is the quick-adjust cordlock system. Rather than the reliable snapback, flexfit, or clip system found on most hats to adjust the fit, Turtle Fur put a cord throughout the hat that you can tighten and loosen with the press of a button. When travelling at high speeds, our tester was able to cinch the hat up, keeping it glued to his head without the need to flip it backwards. When he went off plane and dropped the trolling motor, he pressed the button on the rear of the hat for a relaxed, comfortable fit.

　　In the event the hat comes off your dome, which were confident it wont, the Way Out features a floatable brim. We put the hat in the lake and found that the hat floated high rather than the neutral buoyancy you find with most floatable hats. That makes it easy to find out on the water.

　　Youll also find a breathable mesh lining and vent holes on the sides of the hat, which keep sweat at bay during hot, humid days. This hat is so breathable that it would even double as a great running hat if youre into that type of thing.

　　The Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel hat is limited in its colorways and has a unique design. It may not be a hat you wear around town, but if you need function out on the water, youll be happy with its performance.

　　Best Fishing Hat for Max Sun Protection Grundens Waterman Straw Hat Check price at Grundéns

　　7.2 How we rate products Specifications Style: Straw Hat Brim Size: Large Weight: 4.6 oz. Materials: Natural Straw, Cotton underbrim UPF Rating: None Floats: Sort of Adjustable Headband: Elastic Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes DWR Treated: No Extras: Dark Underbrim Pros Lots of sun protection Comfortable Cons Not waterproof Ben Hickok As its name implies, the Grundens Waterman Straw Hat ($40) is the quintessential and iconic fishing and boating hat, suitable for any man or woman on the water. It is a woven straw hat with larger strands of straw than other straw hats leading to healthy gaps between weaves that provide great ventilation.

　　It also has an extremely large brim that very effectively protects from the sun’s harmful UV rays. The dark, decorative camo lining under the brim helps reduce the glare from the reflection of the sun on the water.

　　The shape of the crown is ever so slightly lower than the crown on other straw hats, which positively adds to its aesthetic and keeps it from looking like a straw bucket on your head.

　　Even if a hat provides 360 degrees of protection, it is less useful if you are constantly adjusting your hat for comfort. But, that is where the Grundens Waterman Straw Hat stands out from other straw hats. Not only is it great for protection from the sun and glare reduction, but the elastic headband is also the most comfortable headband among straw hats we’ve tested. It provides a secure and comfortable fit, allowing the hat to float on your head. An adjustable chin strap helps keep it locked down when an onshore breeze turns into a strong wind.

　　The Grundens Waterman Straw Hat is equally suited to a wide range of serious angling, as it is to boating or casual days at the beach. If you pass out in your beach chair while waiting for your fishing bell to jingle, it won’t be from sunstroke as this model provides ample sun protection and is comfortable enough to sleep in.

　　Best Minimalist Fishing Hat Simms Superlight Flats Cap $45 at Simms Fishing Products

　　7.0 How we rate products Specifications Style: Cap Brim Size: Large (bill) Weight: 3.68 oz. Materials: Nylon and Polyester UPF Rating: UPF 50 Floats: No Adjustable Headband: Yes Adjustable Chin Strap: None DWR Treated: Yes Teflon Extras: Extra long bill Pros Super light Extremely comfortable Cons No ear or neck protection Looks a bit goofy Ben Hickok At first glance, the Simms Superlight Flats Cap ($40) is just a ball cap with an oversized bill. When the hat is not on your head, the materials feel too thin to protect from the elements, and the extra large bill feels like it would easily flop around. However, when we donned this hat, it essentially disappeared from our heads. We quickly forgot it was even there — in a good way.

　　If you prefer a ball cap for fishing, you know how the sweatband on a traditional ball cap acts like a sponge for sweat. Instead of wicking, it saturates the bill and front of the crown. When this happens to us, we take the cap off for a minute to cool down the sauna that is the inside of our cap. But then we have to repeat this over and over again, since the materials aren’t designed to breathe or wick moisture very well.

　　The Simms Superlight Flats Cap Sterling changes all of that. Even on the hottest days, we could keep it on and it kept the sweat out of our eyes. Its also a game-changer if you prefer a more minimal hat.

　　In addition to superior materials, water-repelling treatments, and great breathability, a black underbrim effectively reduces glare. The oversized bill, which may look a little absurd at first, will grow on you as you get maximum sun protection for your eyes and face without sacrificing your peripheral vision.

　　Hook and loop closures on the cap are superior to classic snapback style closures that offer limited intervals of snugness and wear out and get loose over time. If you like fishing with a ball cap, and being able to throw a sunshirt hood or hoodie over your cap, but you are ready to step up to performancewear rather than casualwear, then you’ll be glad you found the Simms Superlight Flats Cap.

　　Best Fishing Hat for Backcountry Fishing Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat $46 at REICheck price at amazon

　　7.5 How we rate products Specifications Style: Adventure, Clamshell Brim Size: Medium Weight: 2.6 ounces Materials: 88% Nylon, 12% Polyester Dobby UPF Rating: UPF 50+ Floats: No Adjustable Headband: Yes Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes DWR Treated: Yes Extras: Sunglasses Holder Pros Large neck coverage Folds down Cons Floppy cape Semi-floppy brim Ben Hickok The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat ($50) is what the name suggests. It is an adventure hat better suited to the backpacker who needs a versatile hat that can offer adequate protection when hiking to a high-elevation lake with a pack on and then fishing it. While it doesn’t focus specifically on angling and is marketed as an adventure hat, it fits the bill for backcountry fishing. To be completely transparent, our initial thoughts about the hat weren’t very positive. We thought it looked silly, even gimmicky.

　　The Ultra Adventure Hat is built for lightweight sun protection and offers great comfort, including a cape that doesn’t collide with backpacks. A DWR coating helps repel beads of water off the hat. However, it is not truly waterproof and should be kept out of the creek. Sunday Afternoons sells a waterproof version of the hat, so if you think that would seal the deal for you.

　　A split brim provides a decent amount of rigidity and support against breezes while still allowing it to fold to a more compact size for storage. However, like many brims, it will still flutter and flex a bit in the wind. The brim shape and size strike the right balance of sun protection without limiting vision or becoming bulky.

　　Its greatest feature, and perhaps also its greatest weakness, is a six-inch cape that covers the neck in place of a more rigid brim. The cape provides good sun protection and also allows for the clearance of a large frame pack or baby carrier, but it is less effective for sun protection when wind stronger than a breeze picks up. It flaps like a flag, leaving your neck partially exposed.

　　The sunglasses strap is also a handy extra feature. It is normal to remove sunglasses with changing lighting while clouds roll over. Obviously, while you are fishing, you need some sort of retainers for your sunglasses when you aren’t wearing them to keep from dropping, scratching, or losing them.

　　The sunglasses slots on the hat provide a unique and convenient spot to put your sunnies, but it can be difficult or just plain annoying to locate until you have done it more than a handful of times. Traditional sunglasses straps that hang around your neck are quicker to use when removing and storing shades, but with practice, the slots become pretty handy and quick to use.

　　The Ultra Adventure Hat changed our initial negative opinions with its lightweight versatility, balance of sun protection and brim size, comfortable fit, a cape that doesn’t get knocked around by a pack, UPF 50+ treatment, and packability. It has earned a place on my backcountry fishing trips and deserves your consideration.

　　Best of the Rest Patagonia Quandary Brimmer hat Check price at Patagonia

　　6.2 How we rate products Specifications Style: Boonie Brim Size: Medium Weight: 4.8 oz. Materials: 99% Recycled Nylon, 99% Recycled Polyester UPF Rating: UPF 50 Floats: Yes Adjustable Headband: Yes Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes DWR Treated: Yes Extras: Uses recycled materials and fair trade certified Pros Flexible brim Eco-conscious Fair trade Cons Small ventilation holes Thicker sweatband Bowl-shaped crown Expensive Ben Hickok The Patagonia Quandary Brimmer ($59) is an interesting option for fishing hats. It is a boonie-style hat with an even brim size all around, creating a rather concentric shape that some may favor but others won’t. The brim is malleable but not overly flexible in terms of the style of the hat. So, it will hold its shape better than most in strong winds.

　　The headband feels a little thicker and heavier than others, which enhances comfort, but it does not wick away sweat or ventilate quite as well as other fishing hats that use lighter wicking and breathable materials.

　　The crown of the Quandary Brimmer is very round and makes a dome shape, which wasn’t our favorite look, but it may appeal to others. Most importantly, it lacks any sort of mesh or large grommets to allow for greater ventilation. Fortunately, the underbrim is a darker color, which helps to reduce glare. The brim is buoyant, a feature we like to see in a good fishing hat.

　　In a world full of greenwashing, most authorities on the matter would generally agree that Patagonia is making honest efforts to reduce its environmental impacts by making its products with more eco-friendly and recycled materials. Moreover, Patagonia pledges money back to environmental initiatives through recognized certification processes like 1% for the Planet and Fair Trade Certified. In this way, Patagonia strives to create sustainable livelihoods and supply chains for its products and the people involved.

　　While we don’t doubt the veracity of the certifications, it is hard to tell on a per-product basis, the actual impact these efforts have. That said, the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer offers eco-conscious anglers a fishing hat option in a range of colors, including some cool retro-style options that many of us have grown to love from Patagonia products.

　　Under Armour ArmourVent Bucket Hat Check price at Under Armour

　　5.9 How we rate products Specifications Style: Bucket Brim Size: Medium Weight:: Materials: 100% Polyester UPF Rating: None Floats: No Adjustable Headband: No Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes DWR Treated: No Extras: Gear loops Pros Good fit Strong sun protection Cons Flimsy brim Brim obstructs visibility Ben Hickok The Under Armour ArmourVent Bucket Hat ($35) is a traditional bucket hat with a medium brim that has a drastic downward-facing design. While the hat fits really well when sized properly, and it offers good breathability, including a comfortable, breathable sweatband, it is probably a better hat for a summer fashion statement, comfort, and maybe running, hiking, or lounging poolside than it is a go-to fishing hat.

　　The inclusion of gear loops doesn’t really add a whole lot to the usability of a hat that isn’t being adorned with branches for camo. It is a personal preference, and other anglers may have different thoughts, but gear loops just don’t do much in the way of offering practical storage. The ArmourVent Bucket Hat is relatively snug fitting, and with the right sizing, it seems like one could actually hold more than a tissue with the gear loops without causing awkward or uncomfortable drooping of the hat. But again, why? That is what chest packs and slings are for.

　　When the wind picks up, it is easy enough to tighten the neck strap, which makes the hat more secure, but it also snugs down the sides of the hat and brim for a really droopy look. The brim in the back is not enough to fully protect down to the nape of your neck, and instead, it covers about half to two-thirds of the back of your neck, so its something to consider if you are looking for great sun protection. The ArmourVent Bucket Hat is unlike other adventure and true fishing hats in that it won’t float should you make some bad choices wading too deep in moving water.

　　Mens Huk Fish and Flags Straw Sun Hat $35 at AmazonCheck price at dicks sporting goods

　　6.8 How we rate products Specifications Style: Straw Hat Brim Size: Large Weight: 5.1 oz. Materials: Natural Straw, Cotton under brim UPF Rating: None Floats: Sort of Adjustable Headband: Elastic Adjustable Chin Strap: Yes DWR Treated: No Extras: Proud Americana Underbrim Pros Lots of sun protection Affordable Fun Cons Not waterproof Not as comfortable as other straw hats Ben Hickok The Men’s Huk Fish and Flags Straw Sun Hat ($35) is a solid choice for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who spend hours upon hours in the sun. This hat has a classic woven straw construction, providing some natural breathability to keep you cool on hot days. It offers one of the widest brims out of the many straw hat offerings on the market, and it provides ample protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays, shielding your face, neck, and even significant areas of your shoulders.

　　What sets the Men’s Huk Fish and Flags Straw Sun Hat apart from other hats is its unique underbrim design. As the name suggests, the underbrim of our test model features fish and flag motifs, square-body trucks pulling boats on trailers, spin rods, and coolers full of cold ones, adding a touch of style to your outdoor adventures.

　　While the underbrim of your hat usually isn’t visible, the occasions you see it, or somebody else does, will remind you how much better life is when you are fishing. The Men’s Huk Fish and Flags Straw Sun Hat is fun and exudes Americana. It is suitable for casting lines at your favorite fishing spot or simply relaxing by the water. Still, we felt the elastic headband didn’t do a lot in the way of creating either a more secure or a more comfortable fit than other straw fishing hats. Nevertheless, you won’t be disappointed with this classic-style straw hat, especially if you are a fan of the Huk brand or just like the underbrim motifs.

　　Columbia PFG Uncharted Mesh Snapback Hat check price at columbia

　　7.0 How we rate products Specifications Style: Cap Brim Size: Regular Weight: 3.68 oz. Materials: Cotton with Polyester Mesh UPF Rating: None Floats: No Adjustable Headband: Snapback Adjustable Chin Strap: None DWR Treated: No Extras: Looks good Pros Casual Comfortable Cons No ear or neck protection Not weather-resistant Ben Hickok If you typically wear a ball cap, then you’ll like the Columbia PFG Uncharted Mesh Snapback Hat ($30) for its familiar styling, fit, Columbia’s Professional Fishing Gear branding, attractive color options, and unpretentious look. A boonie or straw hat isn’t for everyone; sometimes, they make you stand out. The Columbia PFG Uncharted Mesh Snapback avoids unwanted attention but will still provide adequate protection for your face while fishing.

　　Like most snapbacks, the shell is cotton and the mesh is polyester, while it allows for some ventilation through the mesh paneling, the headband isn’t going to do much to wick away sweat, and the materials aren’t going to offer any sort of durable water repellant coatings or treatments like a more serious fishing hat will.

　　In essence, this model is a customized Yupoong snapback, a brand well-known in the hat industry for higher-end caps. But, it’s also well-known for a fit that is noticeably more comfortable than the majority of cheap trucker hats or snapbacks you usually grab at a gas station when you realize you forgot your favorite ball cap at home.

　　While the Columbia PFG Uncharted Mesh Snapback Hat may not be for the most serious anglers looking for an ultralight, floating hat with a brim that can fold into itself, it is a familiar option for anybody who has worn a ball cap and a great option when looking for a great-looking hat to wear while casually fishing.

　　Fishing Hats Comparison Chart

　　We tested a wide range of the top fishing hats including boonies, ball caps, and straw hats in a range of conditions and locations to determine the absolute best for any need; (photo/Ben Hickok) How We Tested Fishing Hats Our team of outdoor anglers have decades upon decades of collective fishing experience, from baitcasting and spinning, to fly fishing, Tenkara, and even trapping bait and mudbugs. That experience culminates in a lot of different preferences and opinions, but one thing is always clear, staying safe and comfortable with a fishing hat is a must.

　　A fishing hat can help prevent dangerous health issues, add comfort, and potentially give anglers a small edge with glare reduction. Thus, we focused heavily on the importance of protection from the sun’s UV rays while testing fishing hats.

　　Author Ben Hickok has put in the time, energy, and mileage, to have a voice when it comes to fishing. He mostly enjoys freshwater fishing in almost every imaginable location and loves to seek out some of the most remote fishing locations to hook beautiful fish.

　　Pursuits of fish often mean full days in the sun at higher elevations and little shade, floating along in a kayak while getting beat down by the elements from multiple angles, walking high desert creeks looking for a good hole, or fishing through freak mountain storms. Regardless of the pursuit, a fishing hat can be either an indispensable piece of gear or an aggravation you want to stuff into your pack.

　　Fishing hats have come a long way from the quintessential waterproof, rubbery bucket hat, to incorporate more practical designs and higher performance materials. When you wear a modern fishing hat, you should expect protection from the sun, adequate shedding of rain, and a high level of comfort.

　　We held hats to those demanding standards when we brought them along on our fishing adventures at different locations in the foothills of Wyoming’s Wind River range this spring. Wyoming’s weather, well-known for a snowstorm one minute and classic blue skies minutes later, provided us with a great environment in which to speedily test hats.

　　We tested ten different fishing hats, from casual to purpose-driven, on hot, overcast, windy, and even rainy days in various fishing environments. We wore them with backpacks, frame packs, and waders. To further evaluate comfort, we even left them on for the drives to and from fishing spots, to run errands, and to attend social events.

　　Some hats we forgot about, some got in the way, and others earned some funny looks, but we put in the time in and out of the field to bring you the most unbiased evaluations of some of todays best fishing hats. If youre looking for some other fishing gear to keep you out there longer, check out our guide to Best Fishing Waders.

　　The Shelta Seahawk has a near-perfect sized brim providing adequate protection from the sun without getting in the way; (photo/Ben Hickok)

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Fishing Hats When comparing fishing hats, we recommend considering protection from the elements, materials, water resistance, color, design, comfort, and fit.

　　Protection From the Elements The first major consideration for a fishing hat is sun protection. The suns rays can be harmful. Extended exposure to sunlight can lead to painful sunburns, sunstroke, premature aging, and even skin cancer. A wider brim provides more coverage and better protection from the sun, wind, and rain.

　　It also helps shield your eyes from glare. In particular, matte, dark, or neutral colors of underbrim materials will knock down glare, improving visibility when spotting fish. However, overly large brims can obstruct your peripheral vision and become cumbersome in windy conditions.

　　Aim for a brim width that balances the level of protection that makes sense for your fishing style and environment. A medium-sized brim, like found on the Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat or the Simms Superlight Flats Cap, provides different levels of sun protection than a large straw hat.

　　But, smaller brims are more practical for adventures through thick brush and can more comfortably be worn with a pack. The hybrid brim and cape design of the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat also offers good sun protection while keeping things light and comfortable. For added sun protection, grab some fishing sunglasses.

　　A cape like we see on the Sunday Afternoon hat is a comfortable and effective design element for sun protection; (photo/Ben Hickok) Materials Fishing hats have come a long way from yesteryears cotton, wool, and tweed hats when there were no synthetic fabrics. Todays materials and any treatments applied to those materials can significantly impact performance and durability.

　　Additionally, you’ll want to consider hats made from UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) fabric, which offers superior sun protection compared to standard materials, which we’ll touch on in a minute.

　　The Grundens Waterman Straw Hat provides ample sun and glare protection on intensely bright days; (photo/Ben Hickok) Types of Materials For most types of fishing, the ideal hat is constructed from lightweight and breathable fabrics like nylon and polyester. A hat design should include poly mesh sections for greater ventilation, sweat dissipation, and cooling, or at a bare minimum include grommets in addition to breathable and moisture-wicking fabrics. Avoid any hat made from a heavy nonbreathable material that will trap heat and sweat.

　　Straw fishing hats like the Grundens Waterman Straw Hat are popular for good reasons. They provide ample protection from the sun and the weave of natural straw materials provides good ventilation. However, while a straw hat will float when it falls in the water, the straw materials are not meant to hold up to any extended contact with water.

　　When a straw hat falls into water or gets saturated by rain, it will protect you for a little bit before becoming saturated and floppy. If you get your straw hat wet with anything but rainwater, it is smart to give it a quick rinse with clean, fresh water. Then, place it somewhere, like on a table with the brim flush to the table, where it can dry without losing its shape.

　　While the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney repels water, it will eventually become saturated with sustained exposure to water — like when it is floating in a creek for too long; (photo/Ben Hickok)

　　Water Repellants We have all been or will be in a spring or summer rain shower, hail storm, or snow flurry at some point during our fishing adventures. At those moments you have or will appreciate a hat that helps to keep the moisture off your head, from sticking to and fogging your glasses, and out of your face.

　　Those situations are why you should buy a fishing hat with a durable water-repellent coating like the Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat and the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer. Even nylon and polyester materials can become saturated and fail to shed water over time.

　　Flotation In addition to water-resistant materials and water-repellant treatments, some fishing hats incorporate materials into the brim that cause the hat to float. For example, the Turtle Fur Way Out 5 Panel floats. This feature prevented us from losing this hat when we accidentally dropped it in the water while wading. This can also happen while fishing from a kayak, paddleboard, boat, or any situation where you are surrounded by water.

　　The Orvis Solid Performance Sun Hat floats and offers UPF a rating of 50; (photo/Ben Hickok) Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) UPF is a measurement of how much of the sun’s UVA and UVB energy a fabric allows to reach your skin. This is not to be confused with SPF ratings of sunscreen, which are very different. The majority of UPF sun shirt and sun hat ratings you’ll see must have a minimum of UPF 30, but many that we see are UPF 50, which blocks 98% of light, allowing 1/50th of ultraviolet light to penetrate.

　　The sun’s UV rays can be incredibly harmful. Melasma, a skin condition that causes patches and spotting, is the result of UV exposure or hormonal issues. It may make you feel insecure and while it isn’t physically dangerous, melanoma is deadly. Look for UPF ratings on sun hats, and help prevent potential health issues while you enjoy fishing.

　　Patagonia is well known for its retro and eclectic color choices and styles, the Quandary Brimmer is no exception; (photo/Ben Hickok) Color Fish can see color, which is part of why attractor flies like a psycho prince nymph or a red copper john might entice a fish when other imitative flies have lost their luster. While you want a fish to see your fly, you don’t want to startle them with the sudden casting movement of any brightly colored apparel.

　　It may not be a universal opinion, but fishing hats in neutral or light colors like beige, khaki, or light gray go beyond reflecting sunlight and keeping you cool. They can also keep you from standing out against a bright sky or vegetation behind you.

　　Some anglers disregard the color advice for the sake of style or just aren’t as concerned that it is an issue. If that is the case for you, and you like an eclectic but vintage look, you’ll want to take a look at the Patagonia Quandary Brimmer in the OG Vessel Blue color. Of course, if you like the hat but don’t want the flashy color pattern, its available in more neutral colors.

　　Sometimes you just want a simple ball cap like the Columbia PFG Uncharted Mesh Snapback Hat; (photo/Ben Hickok) Design Common fishing hat designs include the iconic straw hat, boonie or bucket hats, and caps like the PFG Uncharted Snapback from Columbia. Some hats are better suited for a backcountry fishing trip or float trip than for pier or jetty fishing. Most straw hats are exceptionally similar in design, but a liner decorated in fun motifs can add a little bit of personal flair.

　　Boonie or bucket-style hats are also all very similar, but taking a closer look at different hats will highlight differences in design choices from one brand to another. The shape of the crown on boonie and bucket hats ranges from a more structured hat with a lower profile flat top versus the dome shapes of others.

　　If you frequently hike to your fishing locations, then you’ll appreciate a model like the Shelta Seahawk (left) or the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney (right) that provides protection from the sun but still clear packs; (photo/Ben Hickok)

　　Brim Size Brim size and design should also be considered when wearing a hat with a pack or fishing from a kayak where an oversized brim can brush your float vest or just obstruct paddling and casting. The Shelta Seahawk Performance Sun Hat is a perfect example of a good balance of the size of brim and crown design that makes sense for anglers fishing from any sort of small watercraft, as it provides great protection, and stays out of the way for some of the more rigorous types of fishing.

　　Bucket hats like the Huk Fish and Flags Straw Sun Hat are also distinguished from boonie hats by the brim, which slopes downward more drastically than the flatter brim of a boonie hat but also goes beyond sun protection and moves into the territory of obstructing vision with how far the brim comes down past your brow. The Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat offers a hybrid of many designs.

　　It has a split medium to large-sized brim that folds in half to conveniently pack down and fit in smaller spaces like a large pocket or the brain of a backpack. The cape on the neck also contributes to a lighter weight and versatile design that does not get in the way of backpacks.

　　A bucket hat like the Under Armour ArmourVent Bucket Hat offers sun protection but can also obstruct vision; (photo/Ben Hickok) Ventilation Proper ventilation is essential for staying cool and comfortable while fishing. Straw hats like the Grundens Waterman Straw Hat will provide natural ventilation through the woven design.

　　However, a boonie hat like the Shelta SeaHawk or Columbia Bora Bora promotes airflow and prevents overheating with mesh panels or large ventilation holes strategically placed around the crown. Materials in the headband should also allow for sweat to wick away sweat and moisture.

　　Some sweatbands are just built to wick sweat and breathe a little better than others (Patagonia Quandary Brimmer, Orvis Solid Performance Sun Hat,Shelta Seahawk from left to right); (photo/Ben Hickok) Comfort and Fit A proper fit is crucial for ensuring comfort while fishing. Look for hats with adjustable features such as cinching headbands, chin straps, elastic, and either hook and loop or adjustable snaps.

　　While the Simms Superlight Flats Cap won’t protect the back of your neck or ears from the sun, the ultralight hat is easily sized to your head with a hook and loop closure, and once it is on your head, you’ll forget it is there. Avoid too tight or loose hats, as they can cause discomfort. And, like most things that are uncomfortable, you’ll eventually pull it off or stop using it altogether.

　　Keeping cool and comfortable in the Simms Superlight Cap even when a fly snags your clothing; (photo/Ben Hickok) Additional Features Some fishing hats offer anglers conveniences that enhance comfort, functionality, and versatility. Some more notable features are an integrated crown pocket for folding up and storing a hat and removable chin straps. Some brands also include loops around the crown or brim to attach tackle, sunglasses, flies, or other small items.

　　Flies attached to a hat are iconic and even romanticized by classic films like A River Runs Through It. However, it is arguable whether it is practical to store anything on your hat or not. We have no interest in starting a debate over hat storage. But, we will note that the Columbia Bora Bora II Booney Bucket Hat incorporates loops into the crown design. Consider that model if thats a feature you believe you want, or even need. A sunglasses holder built into the crown of the Sunday Afternoons Ultra Adventure Hat is also a cool alternative to chums, or gear loops.

　　The sunglasses holder on the Ultra Adventure Hat from Sunday Afternoons is a cool alternative to gear loops; (photo/Ben Hickok) Frequently Asked Questions What is the best fishing hat?

　　The best fishing hat is the one that suits your sun protection, comfort, and fishing needs. No one hat handles all angling situations perfectly. Rather fishermen should have a couple of hats to match angling styles, the day’s specific conditions, and personal preferences.

　　What hats do fishermen wear?

　　Anglers may have a variety of hats to choose from, that suit different weather conditions and personal preferences. Common choices include wide-brimmed straw hats for maximum sun protection, boonie or bucket hats for a greater balance of performance and versatility, and caps that range from serious but minimalist to casual. The specific hat worn often depends on factors such as the time of day, weather forecast, and fishing location.

　　Whats the difference between a bucket hat and a fishermans hat?

　　Small nuances in design and utility distinguish a bucket hat from a fishermans hat. A bucket hat can be a simple fashion item that helps provide shade from the sun. A fishing hat protects from the sun and rain through the use of UPF-rated synthetic materials that are naturally water-resistant. They may also be treated with a durable water-repellent coating.

　　Fishing hats also have a broader brim, a glare-reducing underbrim, and a chin strap for added security in windy conditions. Many have cinching or elastic headbands for better fit and comfort. Breathable and moisture-wicking materials are also a normal part of the construction of a fishing hat. The typical cotton bucket hat will do little by comparison to help keep you cool or dry.

　　Why do people wear fishing hats?

　　A fishing hat, for the most part, is not a fashion statement but a practical piece of equipment that protects from the elements, including the sun’s UV rays. Anglers rely on them to shield their eyes from blinding glare and to stay cool under the scorching sun. They are an indispensable piece of kit and some offer additional features that provide even more functionality.

　　Checking traps for mudbugs is more comfortable on a hot day when you are wearing the Grundens Waterman Straw Hat; (photo/Ben Hickok)

　　The Best Fishing Waders of 2025 We tested the leading fishing waders , including options from Patagonia, Simms, and Orvis, to find the best of 2025.

　　The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025 Sunglasses can make or break your success on the water. Without the right pair of glasses, you may not be able to get the job done.