A great fishing shirt not only has some built-in good luck but also, more importantly, protects you from the sun and other elements. We get that buying fishing shirts online is hard. You want to know what it feels like when the wind is howling, and salt water blows in your face. Or, when youre out baking in the sun, and the humidity is 90%. So, we did the work for you. We tested some of the best fishing shirts on the market to find the best of 2024. 

　　Fishing encompasses everything from hitting up the local pond for bluegill and sunfish to high alpine lakes for beautiful trout to surf fishing in the punishing sun of Baja, Mexico. A good fishing shirt should fulfill all of these needs.

　　Growing up in San Diego, our lead tester, Rob Simpson, cut his teeth fishing the offshore waters of southern California and Baja, Mexico. His passion for fishing turned into a lifelong obsession that he has pursued from coast to coast and internationally. Rob tested six different fishing shirts throughout the winter and spring. He took them out on Salida Colorados Arkansas River, offshore in Southern California and on a two-week trip in Baja. After all the action these shirts saw, we’re confident that one will fit the bill for your fishing adventures in 2024 and beyond.

　　Scroll through our reviews to find the best fishing shirts of 2024 based on our testing. Our comparison chart gives a visual of all the differences. If you want to learn more, we’ve included a buyer’s guide and an FAQ section.

　　The Best Fishing Shirts of 2024 Best Overall Fishing Shirt: Simms Intruder Hoody Best Budget Fishing Shirt: Costa Hooded Technical Best Fishing Shirt For Hot Weather: Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt Best Fishing Shirt for Cooler Weather: Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie Best Overall Fishing Shirt Simms Intruder® Fishing Hoody Specs Price $99 UPF Rating 50+ Sunglass Chamois Yes Thumb Loops Yes Color Options 2 Women’s Option No

　　Pros Buttery soft fabric Super stretchy material Hood fits great and can be adjusted with the buttons Lightweight buttons Cons No women’s version Only two color options Rob Simpson It’s difficult to imagine a more thoughtfully and well-designed fishing shirt than the Simms Intruder® Fishing Hoody ($99). We all own and have worn quite a few different sun hoodies, but over the past few months, whenever our testers ventured out for fishing, hiking, or sea kayaking, we instinctively reached for this shirt as our top choice. The fabric is so light and buttery soft it feels like wearing an invisibility cloak.

　　Our testers were initially skeptical regarding the buttons. Why mess up a great lightweight sun shirt by adding buttons? It seemed like, if anything, this would just make it heavier and add something that was ultimately unnecessary. However, in the end, the buttons made a great addition to an already awesome shirt. They are extremely lightweight, and despite our best efforts (we were intentionally hard on them), weve seen no indication thus far that they might fail. We’ll see how they hold up after an extended surf fishing/sea kayaking trip in Baja later this spring.

　　Finally, it’s worth noting that a few things about the fit of the Intruder Hoody make it stand out. Among the myriad of different thumbhole designs on the market, this is one of the better options out there. Some fit awkwardly while others cause the sleeves to bunch weirdly with your arms extended. But, these fit just right. The hood also fits perfectly whether you are wearing a hat or not. Simms added an extra button midway up the hood placed just in the right spot to keep the hood from sloppily flapping around (a problem with many hooded sun shirts).

　　Our testers were a bit disappointed that the Intruder Hoody is available in only two color options at this time. Also for the best shirt in this review, we hope that Simms will start making a women’s version soon.

　　If you are looking for one awesome fishing shirt that can do double (or triple) duty for other warm-weather activities, look no further than the Simms Intruder® Fishing Hoody.

　　$100 at AmazonCheck price at Scheels Best Budget Fishing Shirt Costa Hooded Technical Shirt Specs Price $45 UPF Rating 40+ Sunglass Chamois No Thumb Loops No Color Options 6 Women’s Option No

　　Pros Cost Good branding and color choices Lightweight and breaths well Cons No sunglass chamois Rob Simpson If youre looking for a simple but well-designed sun hoody at a great price, the Costa Hooded Technical Shirt ($45) is an ideal choice. While many other options on the market cost almost double the price, the Costa is a great option, and you sacrifice very little.

　　One thing that stood out about this shirt was the soft and breathable fabric. In addition to fishing on warmer days, we tested it on some trail running outings, and it shines even on hot days or underneath a windbreaker when other shirts keep the moisture in and feel wet and sticky. We also appreciated the simplicity of this shirt and the lack of unnecessary bells and whistles.

　　It’s a simple, well-designed sun hoody that doesn’t have pockets, zippers, snaps, or anything to complicate the design and fit. Our testers also liked the branding on both Costa shirts we tested. It’s certainly not understated like some other shirts, so if you don’t like to be a brand ambassador when youre out on the water, this might not be the shirt for you.

　　This is a quality shirt, and our testers lamented that they don’t make a women’s version, particularly given the great price point.

　　This Costa Hooded Technical Shirt truly excels in a range of conditions, including warm temps, so if you find yourself fishing in places with punishing sun exposure and don’t feel like lathering up with sunscreen every hour all day (it’s UPF 40+), this is the fishing shirt for you.

　　$35 at AmazonCheck price at Costa Del Mar Best Fishing Shirt for Hot Weather Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt Specs Price $119 UPF Rating N/A Sunglass Chamois Yes Thumb Loops No Color Options 5 Womens Option Yes

　　Pros Great on really hot and windy days Large chest pockets Lightweight and breathes well Cons Price Terrible color choices Sunglass chamois is too small Rob Simpson Patagonia has been making high-quality products for over 50 years and has a reputation for quality clothing that lasts a long time. The Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt ($119) is no exception. If you find yourself fishing in frequently hot and humid locations, this shirt should be at the top of your shortlist.

　　It feels light and airy and excels in conditions where other shirts become a sweaty mess, making you feel like youre wearing a trash bag. One of the features we loved about this shirt? The fact that the fabric dries quickly in even the slightest breeze. Our tester pulled the shirt right out of the washing machine, soaking wet, and within 10 minutes on the river with a slight breeze, the shirt was completely dry.

　　Initially, we were a bit skeptical of the large double chest pockets. They seemed overly large, and we assumed that as soon as you put anything in them, the shirt would hang awkwardly. We were wrong. On one recent trip, we had a large (ish) fly box on one side and a bulky cell phone in the other pocket, and surprisingly, the shirt still felt great, and our items felt secure.

　　We didn’t love Patagonia’s color options for this shirt. Five color options range from tolerable to downright terrible; our least favorite —is “Lose Yourself: Utility Blue.” Finally, our testers found the built-in sunglass chamois, a 3” x 5” triangle, to be much too small to be of any real value for its intended purpose.

　　If you anticipate fishing in hot or humid weather this upcoming season and want a shirt with great sun protection that also breathes well and keeps you cool, look no further than the Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch Shirt. 

　　Check mens price at patagoniaCheck womens price at patagonia Best Fishing Shirt for Cooler Weather Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie Specs Price $60 UPF Rating 50+ Sunglass Chamois Yes Thumb Loops Yes Color Options 3 Women’s Option No

　　Pros Cost Good branding and color choices A little warmer than other shirts tested Underarm venting Cons Fits really long Sunglass chamois is tiny and almost not worth it Rob Simpson Our tester first wore the Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie ($60) on a brisk March day on the Arkansas River in Colorado. It was windy and in the upper 30s, a good opportunity to see how this shirt, which felt thicker than all of the other shirts on our list, performed in cooler weather. We were surprised that this shirt insulates well enough when paired with a super lightweight windbreaker. Whenever the weather was a little cooler, or the wind was up, we instinctively reached for this as our first choice.

　　Although it wasn’t a fishing mission, our testers put this shirt through the paces on several late winter and spring backcountry ski trips in the Colorado Rockies. The true test of its breathability came on a late April trip up to 13,000 ft, when we experienced every kind of weather imaginable, from snow to freezing rain to high winds to sunny. The shirt was worn as the primary base layer and performed exceptionally in conditions that would normally result in a soaking shirt.

　　Several of our testers commented on the odd fit of this shirt, specifically that it’s very long. A weird pocket is situated along the bottom seam, and with the lengthy fit, the pocket was inaccessible when worn underneath waders.

　　If you want a great fishing shirt for the shoulder seasons or live and fish in cooler climates, the Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie is a great choice. Worn underneath a wind or rain shell, this shirt can handle anything.

　　Check price at Costa Del Mar Best of the Rest Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt Specs Price $98 UPF Rating 40 Sunglass Chamois Yes Thumb Loops No Color Options 9 Women’s Option Yes

　　Pros Stylish shirt looks equally good at the desk and on the river Sunglass chamois is actually a size that works Sharp-looking logo placement Great color options Cons A little too warm on hot days Doesn’t breathe nearly as well as others Rob Simpson If you find yourself running out for a few quick casts on your lunch break or on your way to/from work, the Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt ($98) is a great option. We frequently wore this shirt in the morning with khakis or jeans as we headed to the office and then changed right into shorts or our waders at the end of the day.

　　It strikes the perfect balance between outdoor functionality and urban style. The classic button-up design pairs effortlessly with everything from jeans to hiking shorts, making it a versatile addition to any wardrobe. Our testers also liked the subtle Orvis logo, which adds a touch of understated flair that we appreciated.

　　The Tech Chambray Work Shirt is made from a thicker fabric and our testers didn’t love it on warmer days. It doesn’t breathe as well as many of the other shirts in this review and got a bit sticky and wet when the temperature or humidity ticked up a bit. One of our testers mentioned big pit stains on a warm day.

　　If youre looking for a shirt you can go straight from the river to the pub for dinner with friends without having to change in the back of your truck, check out the Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt. Another bonus? Its made from recycled plastic bottles so you can feel good about wearing it.

　　Check mens price at orvisCheck womens price at orvis Columbia PFG Tamiami™ II Short Sleeve Shirt Specs Price $45 UPF Rating 40 Sunglass Chamois No Thumb Loops No Color Options 15 Women’s Option Yes

　　Pros Lots of great color options Price Quick drying Both short and long sleeve options Cons Sizing seems way off – sloppy fit NOT wrinkle-free 4 front chest pockets seemed a little much Rob Simpson Do you love fishing in high temperatures and even higher humidity? Then, the Columbia PFG Tamiami™ II Short Sleeve Shirt ($45) might be the perfect fishing shirt for you.

　　This is the only short-sleeve shirt that made the cut in this review. We especially love that it comes in a whopping 15 different color options and is also made in standard, big, and tall options. Although we only tested the short-sleeve version, it’s worth noting that Columbia also makes a long-sleeve option and a women’s version.

　　We have mixed feelings about the pockets on this shirt. Two double pockets seem a bit excessive, and we can’t imagine trying to put more than a few small items in the pockets before the weight of those items would cause the shirt to fit awkwardly at best. We also prefer shirts with zippered pockets for added security. Taking a slip while wading or falling out of your kayak while fishing on your local lake could easily result in items that “migrate” out of the pockets. We didnt feel confident putting important items in these pockets because they lacked zippers.

　　We also felt like the sizing on this shirt was way off. Our lead tester wore a medium in every other brand, but the Tamiami felt sloppy and baggy in the medium. At 6 feet tall and 160 pounds, the medium Tamiami fit him like an extra large despite his wearing a medium in just about every other shirt he owns. The shirt also seemed perpetually wrinkled regardless of what our testers did after washing and drying (no one wants to iron a fishing shirt!).

　　If you are looking for an affordable fishing shirt that will keep you cool in hot and humid weather and you want a wide range of options in terms of sizing and color, the Columbia PFG Tamiami II Short Sleeve Shirt is a good choice. Just be mindful of the sizing.

　　$45 at REI Mens$55 at REI Mens$50 at REI Womens$34 at Amazon Womens Fishing Shirts Comparison Chart

　　We did all the leg work on our favorite fishing shirts so you dont have to; (photo/Rob Simpson) How We Tested Fishing Shirts No surprise here – we went fishing, a lot! In fact, this was a great excuse to get out on the water. We spent most of our time exploring our home waters in central Colorado: the Arkansas River. We also ventured to other local bodies of water, such as lakes, side streams, and ponds. In addition, we spent some time inshore fishing in Southern California and kayak fishing in Baja, Mexico. Over a few months, we tested the shirts in almost every imaginable type of weather from high winds, snow rain, and hot sunny days.

　　While fishing, we loaded up pockets to see what could fit and how they handled carrying bulky and heavy items. We fiddled with buttons, thumb holes, and hoods to see how they stood up to activity, wind, and water. We got each shirt wet and paid attention to how long it took to dry. We tested warmth by going out on snowy days when we might usually skip fishing. And, we tested breathability by fishing in some super hot weather.

　　In addition to fishing, we put these shirts through the paces on hiking, trail running, and backcountry skiing adventures. This testing primarily allowed us to see how they scored on breathability and their ability to wick moisture. Unfortunately, we couldnt really quantify the luck any one shirt brought. However, coincidentally we caught the most fish while wearing our best overall pick! We know fishing shirts are just a part of the essentials needed to make fishing a success. If youre looking for advice on the best waders out there, check out our guide to the Best Fishing Waders.

　　Our lead tester, Rob Simpson loved the excuse to get out on his home waters of the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorado as much as possible; (photo/Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) Buyers Guide: How to Choose the Best Fishing Shirt No one fishing shirt will meet all of your needs. But, you can meet most of them by considering a range of factors that will guide your decision. When choosing a fishing shirt, we pay particular attention to the type of weather well be experiencing. Then, we also consider pockets, hood (or not), breathability, price, and versatility. Read on to learn more about these topics so you can find your ideal fishing shirt.

　　Climate and Weather Where are your home waters, and what type of fishing do you usually do? These key questions will determine the type of fishing shirt and specific features that are important to you.

　　If you spend most of your time chasing Redfish in Louisiana in hot and humid conditions, consider shirts that shine in hot weather, like the Columbia PFG Tamiami II or Patagonia’s Long-Sleeve Sun Stretch. However, if you live in Alaska and spend time chasing salmon and trout in rainy and cold conditions, you might want to consider something like the Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie paired with a quality wind or rain shell jacket.

　　Also, consider how layering might fit into the equation (more on that below in FAQs). Our lead tester, Rob, lives in Colorado, where he can experience all four seasons in a single day. As a result, he rarely goes anywhere without a lightweight wind/rain jacket as a backup for inclement weather.

　　Having fun and getting lucky while wearing Patagonia’s Long-Sleeve Sun Stretch shirt; (photo/Rob Simpson) Pockets Stuff happens when youre fishing. Maybe you fall out of your kayak in the surf zone and lose most of your gear in the salt water. Or, you take a spill while wading on slippery rocks and go head over heels.

　　With that in mind, we love a fishing shirt with a few secure pockets, especially those that zip close, like the Simms Intruder Hoody or the Patagonia Long-Sleeved Sun Stretch. When you take an unexpected spill you want to know that your car keys, fly box, cell phone, and sunglasses remain securely inside the zippered pocket (possibly a bit waterlogged) right where they started.

　　Zippered pockets, like the ones on the Simms Intruder Hoody are pretty clutch in case you go for a swim; (photo Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) Breathability Unless you are racing down the beach with a surf rod in hand trying to get to a school of fish chasing mullet in the surf, most days, fishing doesn’t involve profusely sweating. However, if you live in certain parts of the world where hot and humid are a regular part of your fishing diet for much of the year, you need to find a shirt that breathes well and won’t leave you soaked in your sweat.Many of the shirts in this review do well in the breathability category. The Columbia PFG Tamiami II and the Costa Hooded Technical stand out from the rest.

　　The Columbia PFG Tamiami II is extremely breathable; (photo/Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) Hooded or Not? When hooded shirts first came out, they changed the game. One of our testers remembers going rock climbing in Yosemite with one of his regular climbing partners wearing one of those fancy “new-fangled” hooded shirts when they first arrived on the scene. A few years later, almost every company made technical hooded shirts for everything from fishing to skiing.

　　We love a shirt with a well-designed hood. Not having to hassle with sunscreen or just having the ability to regulate temperature quickly without having to shed a layer is awesome. Three of the six shirts in this review are hooded and we really appreciate a well-designed hooded fishing shirt. When trying on a hooded fishing shirt, try it on with and without a hat to see how it fits. Does it feel loose and flappy without a hat, or does it fit right whether youre wearing it or not? Paying attention to how the hood fits in both scenarios ensures optimal comfort and functionality. This is one of the things that set the Simms Intruder Hoody above the rest. The hood fits perfectly, whether with or without a hat. Need advice on fishing hats? Our guide to the Best Fishing Hats is a great place to start!

　　If youre going hooded, try on the shirt with a hat and without one to make sure it will stay on like the Simms Intruder; (photo/Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) Price Many factors should be considered when considering price. Has the shirt been made in an environmentally responsible way, including paying those who made it a fair wage for their labor? Will the shirt last for a long time? Or, do you anticipate having to replace it in two years because its faded? Or, because the buttons have come off, or the material is threadbare from lots of washes?

　　With that in mind, when considering the price of a fishing shirt, don’t simply look at the sticker price. Rather, consider some of the important factors above. Paying a little extra may be worth it if youre still wearing the shirt in 10 years.

　　Patagonia is known for making quality products that last a long time, and although the Long Sleeve Sun Stretch Shirt is the most expensive piece in this review, when you consider the longevity of its lifespan over many years, it’s easy to justify the slightly higher price. On the other end of the spectrum, our budget option, the Costa Hooded Technical Shirt is a great quality product that wont break the bank.

　　Rob points out a fly hatch wearing our best overall budget option, the Costa Hooded Technical Shirt; (photo/Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) Versatility We get it, most of our readers don’t have an endless supply of money to spend on specialized clothing that only does one thing really well. With that in mind, we tried to put these shirts to the test with other outdoor activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, trail running, skiing, and more.

　　If you think youll be wearing this shirt for other types of non-fishing adventures, consider what outdoor activities you enjoy and factor that into your decision-making process. For instance, the Costa Voyager Performance Hoodie did double duty on a few backcountry ski adventures. The Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt was perhaps the most versatile shirt we tested due to its ability to move seamlessly from work to fishing to dinner out with friends.

　　Want to go from work to the river with ease? The versatile Orvis Tech Chambray Work Shirt is the answer; (photo/Chris Kassar, Elk Raven Photography) FAQ Do I really need a fishing shirt to go fishing?  While you certainly don’t need a fishing shirt to go fishing or to catch fish, having one can significantly improve your outdoor experience. Like most outdoor activities, fishing often involves highly unpredictable weather and conditions. A well-fitting fishing shirt that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at you will make the experience much more pleasant. And more importantly, if you aren’t uncomfortable because you are too cold, too hot, or swimming in a pool of your sweat, you are more likely to spend more time on the water catching fish (or at least dreaming about catching fish).

　　Almost all of the shirts in this review include features that will make you more comfortable and improve your enjoyment while doing something you love.

　　Why do fishing shirts have hoods? Hooded fishing shirts are a great way to regulate body temperature and, more importantly, protect you from sun exposure and the need to lather up with sunscreen every few hours. As we mentioned above, if you are looking at hooded fishing shirts, make sure to try them on with and without your favorite fishing hat.

　　What about additional layers? If you live in San Diego and go bass fishing 100 days a year, where it’s almost always sunny and 70 degrees most days, then this probably isn’t an issue for you. For the rest of us who live in places like central Colorado, where you can be on the river fishing in the mid-60s and sunny, and 20 minutes later, the temperature is 30 degrees and snowing sideways, you need to plan for a solid layering system that will work for your climate.

　　Whether its a waterproof, breathable rain shell to prevent hypothermia during 40-degree rain showers, or a lightweight windbreaker to provide comfort during the early morning wait for the fish to start biting, having a strategy that prioritizes protection from the elements is as crucial as choosing the right fly.

　　How should I care for my fishing shirt to prolong its lifespan? Most of the shirts in this review are reasonably costly, so taking good care of them to prolong their lifespan is a great idea. Start by carefully reviewing the shirt tags and following the manufacturers recommendations. In most cases, this will mean machine washing on cold and tumble drying on low heat. We know that many of you will wash and dry your fishing shirts with the rest of your clothing, but if you take good care of them, they’ll last much longer.

　　The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2024 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.

　　The Best Fishing Waders of 2024 Waders allow you to stay comfortable while fishing, extending the fishing season to year-round possibilities. We tested the leading fishing waders to find the best of 2024.