Whether you’re an avid angler in Australia or just enjoy the occasional fishing trip down under, having the right clothing is essential for staying comfortable while on the water. One of the most important pieces of fishing apparel is a quality fishing shirt. A good fishing shirt will protect you from the Australian elements, allow freedom of movement, and have features that make fishing more enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know to find the perfect fishing shirt, including some top brands for fishing shirts in Australia. We’ll look at the different types of shirts suitable for various fishing environments and styles. We’ll also explore the best fabrics, features and fits to consider when choosing fishing shirts Australian fishermen rely on.
Types of Fishing Shirts
There are a few main types of fishing shirts to choose from, each suited to different environments and styles of fishing.
Breathable Fishing Shirts – Breathable shirts are lightweight and allow moisture to escape, keeping you cool and dry even on hot days. They’re a great all-around option that works for most fishing situations. Look for shirts made from breathable fabrics like polyester, nylon, or cotton blends.
Fleece Lined Fishing Shirts – On cooler days or in northern climates, a fleece lined shirt provides warmth without bulk. The fleece lining traps heat while still allowing freedom of movement. These shirts are perfect for fishing in temperatures down to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rain Gear Fishing Shirts – For rainy or wet conditions, you’ll want a fishing shirt made from waterproof breathable fabric like Gore-Tex. These technical shirts will keep you dry even in a downpour. They usually have fully taped seams and zippered vents for temperature regulation. Rain gear shirts are essential for fishing in wet climates.
Wader Shirts – If you plan to wade fish in deeper water, look for a wader shirt designed to be worn over waders. These longer shirts have features like D-rings for attaching gear and articulated elbows for full mobility when casting. Wader shirts help complete your wading outfit.
Fabrics
The fabric your fishing shirt is made from will determine its breathability, durability, and water resistance. Here are some common fishing shirt fabrics:
Polyester – A very durable and quick drying synthetic fabric. It’s affordable and breathable for warm weather.
Nylon – Similar qualities to polyester but more water resistant. Often used for rain gear shirts or mixed with other fabrics.
Cotton – Breathable and comfortable, but absorbs water easily. Best for casual fishing or worn as an inner layer.
Merino Wool – Naturally odor resistant and moisture wicking. Provides warmth even when wet. More expensive than synthetics.
Fleece – Highly insulated synthetic pile fabric. Traps body heat for cold weather layering.
Gore-Tex – Waterproof, fully breathable membrane fabric for serious rain protection. Very expensive.
Features
Beyond basic shirt functions, fishing shirts have additional features that make them highly functional on the water:
Pockets – Chest pockets, sleeve pockets, and rear pockets allow you to carry essential gear like pliers, tackle, phones, etc.
Vents – Zippered vents under the arms and on the back provide airflow on hot days for quick cooling.
Collar – Stand-up or button-down collars help block sun and wind from the neck.
Sleeves – Articulated or gusseted sleeves allow full range of motion for casting. Long sleeves protect skin from sun.
Buttons – Sturdy buttons or snap closures won’t come undone like regular shirt buttons.
D-Rings – Metal rings sewn on for attaching net, camera, or other gear.
Fit
The fit of your fishing shirt is just as important as its features and fabrics. You’ll want a fit that:
- Allows full range of motion for casting motions without restriction.
- Has enough room for layering a base layer or fleece underneath if needed.
- Isn’t too baggy or loose where it could snag on gear.
- Offers sun and wind protection on the neck, wrists, and back without being too tight.
- Stays tucked in even after hours of activity without coming untucked.
- Has a tailored fit that looks neat without being too dressy for fishing.
Popular Fishing Shirt Brands
There are many great fishing shirt brands to choose from at various price points. Here are some top producers to consider:
Columbia – Affordable performance apparel including breathable and rain shell fishing shirts.
Froggtoggs – Known for affordable breathable shirts as well as rain gear options.
Simms – Premium wading and fly fishing apparel with technical fabrics and features.
Orvis – Upscale brand offering breathable, fleece, and rain shell shirts for all seasons.
Costa – Dedicated fishing brand with shirts tailored for anglers including SPF protection.
Carhartt – Tough durable workwear also applied to fishing shirts for all-day comfort.
Under Armour – Sports performance brand now in fishing with breathable moisture-wicking shirts.
Field & Stream – Affordable private label brand from Dick’s/Cabela’s with basic fishing shirts.
In Summary
A quality fishing shirt is an essential piece of fishing apparel that can make your time on the water more enjoyable. Consider your needs based on climate, style of fishing, and intended use to determine the right type, fabrics, features and fit. With the right fishing shirt, you’ll stay protected from the elements while having full freedom of movement to focus on catching fish. Always be sure to select shirts from trusted brands to get a shirt that will stand up to years of use.
