8 Best Fly Fishing Hats – 2023 Buyer’s Guide

Last updated on January 4th, 2024.

Leonard Schoenberger
Latest posts by Leonard Schoenberger (see all)

A fly fishing hat or cap can protect you from the sun, wind and rain. There are a few things you should look for.

Fly fishing hats, often also called fishing caps or fish hats, are an important piece of gear when heading to the water. Especially it warmer climate where the sun is strong. Not only does a fishing hat protect you from the sun, it can also help keep you dry and warm.

They come in different shapes and versions. When thinking of fishing hats, the style that probably comes to mind first is a hat with a wide brim. Some hats also feature a neck flap for extra sun protection.

Another model of the fly fishing hat that is very popular is the fishing cap. A cap, often also called fly fishing cap, is a cap that most often features a mesh fabric in the back. This increases ventilation in hot climate.

Besides these two most popular styles, there is the traditional straw fishing hat. The straw fishing hat has a long tradition in many cultures and is very popular to this day. The reason for this is the fact that straw provides a great climate and ventilation as well and is a natural fabric.

Table of Contents:

10 Best Hats for Fishermen Quick Answer List

What to Look for in Fishing Hats

Review of the Best Fishing Hats in 2023

Why You Should Wear a Fishing Hat

Taking Care of Your Fishing Hat

Conclusion on the Best Hats for Fishermen

fly fisherman casting in river wearing a fly fishing hat
A traditional fishing hat with a wide brim

10 Best Hats for Fishermen Quick Answer List

1. Best Standard Fishing Hat: Columbia Bora Bora Booney

2. Best Waterproof Fishing Hat: Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero

3. Best Versatility: USHAKE Sun Cap

4. Best Fishing Cap: Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh

5. Best Traditional Hat: Sunday Afternoons Unisex Sun Guardian Straw Fishing Hat

6. Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap

7. fishpond Lowcountry Hat

8. Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero

What to Look for in Hats for Fishermen

When buying a hat it is important to ask yourself a number of questions. Where are you going to use it? Do I need a wide brim or is a standard brim enough? Do I need extra sun protection in the neck? Should it be waterproof?

Most modern day versions are made of lightweight materials such as polyester or nylon. You can pack them easily and take them along on a trip. Basically all hats that come in the form of a hat with a brim feature a strap around the chin. That can come in handy when you’re fishing in windy surroundings and especially if you’re fishing from a boat, since there is basically no way to retrieve a lost hat on the ocean.

For this review we picked our favorites from different categories and tell you what we like and don’t like about them. We hope this helps you to make a good purchase decision.

Review of the Best Fishing Hats in 2023

We now want to show you our favorite fishing hats on the market. We made sure to review a wide range of different hats for fishermen so that you can make the best purchase decision.

Notice: The Wading List is reader-supported. We take part in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a small commission at no extra cost for you if you end up making a purchase. We only recommend products we are convinced of and use ourselves. Thanks!

Best Standard Fishing Hat: Columbia Bora Bora Booney

Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat: One of the best hats for fishermen
Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat: One of the best fly fishing hats

The Columbia Bora Bora Booney is our favorite standard fishing hat. Columbia has a several decades long tradition in producing fishing clothing and the quality of their products is great. The Bora Bora Booney Hat comes as a one-size-fits all since you can adjust the size with the cord around your chin. If features a mesh vent panel on the side for extra ventilation.

The Columbia Hat provides solid sun protection as it features built-in UPF 50 sun protection. It comes in a large variety of colors and weighs in at only 3.68 ounces. Its lightweight and high packability make it a great choice for travelling.

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT COLUMBIA

Best Waterproof Fishing Hat: Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero

Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero: One of the best waterproof hats for fishermen
Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero: One of the best waterproof hats for fishermen

If you’re looking for a fishing hat with waterproofness capabilities, look no further than the Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero. The American manufacturer is known for its world-class waders that offer the best in waterproofness and this hat holds true to that as well. Made from a Gore-Text 70D shell nylon fabric it makes sure that your head stays dry. The cordlock cinch further ensures that your hat stays in place even when the wind is blowing.

The Simms is fully crushable which is a great feature after any kind of packing for a trip. Just take it out of your suitcase and in no time it will be back to its former shape. The black underbrim prevents glare in case you’re using it on a sunny day.

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GET IT AT THE RIVER’S EDGE

Best Versatility: USHAKE Sun Cap

USHAKE Sun Cap Fishing Hat
USHAKE Sun Cap Fishing Hat

The USHAKE is a great crossover product providing the utmost protection from the elements. You can wear it only as a fishing cap. However, it provides ample opportunities for more sun protection. If you only want more sun protection in your neck, you can clip a removable neck strap onto the USHAKE Cap. If you also want extra protection for your face, there is another flap that can be attached to the cap.

The USHAKE Sun Cap provides great protection in changing environments. It also features integrated UVP 50 sun protection. The 100% nylon is highly breathable and dries quickly. And adjustable chin strap secures the cap on windy days. The USHAKE Sun Cap fits head sizes from 22.3 – 23.8 inches (56.8 – 60.6cm).

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GET IT AT WALMART

Best Fishing Cap: Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh

Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh Fly Fishing Cap
Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh Fly Fishing Cap

The Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh is our favorite fishing trucker hat. Made of 98% cotton, the back part of the fishing cap is made of a mesh fabric which provides excellent ventilation on hot days. If you choose a fishing cap such as the Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh for your day on the water you have to be careful with your ears and neck since these two parts of your body are not protected by the hat.

The great thing about a fishing cap or fly fishing cap like the Columbia compared to a fishing hat is the fact that you can easily wear it around town or on the beach without looking like someone coming straight from a safari. Comes in more than a dozen colors.

GET IT ON AMAZON

GET IT AT COLUMBIA

Best Traditional Hat: Sunday Afternoons Unisex Sun Guardian Straw Fishing Hat

Sunday Afternoons Straw Fishing Hat: One of the best fly fishing hats
Sunday Afternoons Unisex Sun Guardian

The Sunday Afternoons Unisex Sun Guardian is our favorite classic straw fishing hat. Its shape and size are inspired by classic fishing hats that are part of many cultures around the world. The Sunday Afternoons is made of 100% natural straw and provides great ventilation since the air can flow through the straw. If you are looking for the utmost in lightweight you should not go for a straw fishing hat. The dark underbrim reduces glare on bright days. Adjustable chin strap keeps the hat on your head on windy days.

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GET IT AT BASS PRO SHOPS

Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap

Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap
Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap

The Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap is another great mesh fishing cap. It was specifically designed with fly fishermen and women in mind, since it features a classic fly design on the front of the cap. The water-resistant cotton sail cloth feels comfortable all day-long.

The mesh fabric of the Filson Mesh Snap-Back Logger Cap makes sure this is a great fishing hat for hot summer days since the air can easily circulate at the back of your hat. The fresh yellow color nicely adds to any fishing outfit. A great choice for any stylish fisherman or fly fisherman.

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GET IT ON AMAZON

fishpond Lowcountry Hat

Fishpond Lowcountry Hat
Fishpond Lowcountry Hat

If you’re looking for a laid-back traditional fishing hat, the Fishpond Lowcountry could be the right choice for you. The wide, flat brim offer great protection against the sun no matter where you are fishing. Straw is known to have great ventilation capacities, which makes the Lowcountry a great choice if you tend to fish a lot in warmer regions.

The cordlock cinch will keep the Fishpond Lowcountry in place even in strong winds. Comes in various sizes that all feature the fishpond webbing accent giving this classic fishing hat a modern look.

GET IT AT BASS PRO SHOPS

GET IT ON AMAZON

Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero

Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero
Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero

The Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero is the right fishing hat if you need protection from bugs and mosquitos. The net mesh fabric keeps mosquitos out not matter how small they are. The wide brim provides great protection from the sun and features a DWR finish for increased water repellency.

The Simms Bugstopper is also a great choice if you are fishing in tropical regions since it features a UPV-50 fabric that will prevent your face and neck from a sun burn. Even if you drop the Simms Bugstopper in the water you want loose it since it floats.

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GET IT AT SIMMS

Why You Should Wear a Fishing Hat

The more your skin is exposed to the sun, the higher your chances of developing a form of skin cancer later on in your life. That’s why is self-explanatory to use protection from the sun when you are outdoors. This starts with a quality pair of polarised fishing sunglasses and sunscreen and ends with wearing fishing shirts and pants with UPV protection.

Especially when you’re headed to tropical regions, even more so during winter when your skin is not as used to the sun, a fishing hat with a wide brim provides solid protection from UVA and UVB rays. As you saw in our review, there are also hats with additional capacities, such as bugstopping (Simms Bugstopper Net Sombrero) or waterproofness (Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero). If you want to block out glare a cap such as the Orvis Ripstop Covert Trucker Cap or the Columbia Unisex-Adult PFG Mesh Fly Fishing Cap can be a great option as well.

If you’re a traditionalist, a straw fishing hat can be a great option. Straw has the natural ability to protect from the sun, plus it offers great ventilation. Make sure to check out the Fishpond Lowcountry Hat and the Sunday Afternoons Unisex Sun Guardian.

Taking Care of Your Fishing Hat

As you saw from our review, a hat is an essential piece of gear if you want to have fun at the water for years or decades to come. Since all products are made from different materials and fabrics, we want to give you a few basic guidelines on how to take care of your fishing hat so that it will last for a long time.

If you opt for a straw fishing hat, make sure to let it dry after every use in case it’s wet from rain or sweat. Otherwise you risk that it could get moldy. If you’ve used it in saltwater it’s generally a good idea to rinse it with freshwater after every use.

In case you go for a fly fishing cap, you can even put it in the washing machine after heavy use (make sure to read the instructions on how to wash it properly). If you travel a lot, a product such as the Simms Gore-Tex Guide Sombrero is a good choice since it’s fully crushable.

Wearing a fishing hat protects you from the elements

Conclusion on the Best Fly Fishing Hats

As you can see from our review there are a number of options to protect yourself from the sun using a fly fishing hat. Depending on your requirements different styles and shapes can be the best option.

We hope this guide has helped you to gain on overview in terms of what’s out there on the market when it comes to hats for fly fishing. No matter what option you choose we hope you’ll have fun at the water.

Best Fly Fishing Vest Review
Wearing a classic hat for salmon fishing in Norway. Photo: Leonard Schoenberger © The Wading List

FAQs

What features should I consider when choosing a fly fishing hat?

Look for hats with wide brims for sun protection and choose breathable materials to stay cool. Ensure the hat has a secure fit to withstand wind.

Are there specific hats for different fly fishing environments?

Indeed, various fly fishing hats cater to different environmental conditions, ensuring you stay comfortable and well-protected. In hot and sunny climates, hats with neck flaps or capes offer extra coverage, shielding your neck from the sun. For rainy or wet conditions, waterproof hats are essential to keep you dry. In colder environments, insulated hats with ear flaps provide warmth, making them suitable for chilly days on the water.

Can I wear any hat for fly fishing, or are there specialized ones?

While you can technically wear any hat for fly fishing, specialized fly fishing hats are designed with features that enhance your overall experience on the water. These may include built-in sun protection, ventilation systems, and unique materials that cater specifically to the demands of fly fishing environments.

What’s the importance of sun protection in fly fishing hats?

Sun protection is paramount when spending extended periods outdoors, especially during fly fishing trips. Exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to sunburn and contribute to long-term skin damage. Choosing a hat with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating and a wide brim provides an effective barrier against the sun, safeguarding your face and neck from potential harm.

Are there hats suitable for both men and women in fly fishing?

Absolutely, the fly fishing industry offers a range of hats suitable for both men and women. Many designs are unisex, ensuring that everyone can find a hat that meets their preferences in terms of style, fit, and functionality. Additionally, some brands specifically create hats with features catering to the needs and preferences of female anglers.

What are some popular fly fishing hat brands known for quality?

Several reputable brands are recognized for producing high-quality fly fishing hats. Among them, Patagonia, Simms, Columbia, and FIlson stand out for their commitment to crafting durable, functional, and stylish headwear tailored to the needs of fly anglers. These brands are trusted for delivering products that withstand the rigors of outdoor adventures while providing the necessary protection and comfort.

More resources:

A Guide to the Best Fly Tying Kits

Top 6 Best Fly Rod Combos

Best Fishing Sling Packs

Notice: We take part in the Amazon Associates Program and earn a small commission at no extra cost for you if you end up making a purchase. We only recommend products we are convinced of and use ourselves.