The Best Fishing Hats to Keep You Cool and Comfortable on the Water

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When it comes to spending a day on the water, there are a few critical items that any angler needs to have at the ready on board a boat.

Obviously, a high-quality fishing rod, some good sunblock, a quality anchor chain and anchor, a good marine VHF radio and high-quality bait are all at the top of the list.

However, many anglers often overlook an item that is easy to forget – a protective fishing hat!

A fishing hat is one of those items that while easily forgotten, can make all the difference to a great day on the ocean, or lake!

Not only do fishing hats protect anglers from the harmful UV rays of the sun, but they can also provide protection from other elements on the water and in some cases provide a degree of camouflage to help anglers blend into their surroundings.

In this article, we take a detailed look at some of the best fishing hats currently available to fishermen on the market today.

We also provide our valued boaters and anglers with a buying guide to help you better understand how you can get the best fishing hats for the money to make the most of your time hunting your favorite species. 

From lightweight designs to breathable materials and more, we’ve put together a list of potential fishing hats that are sure to help you stay cool and protected from the elements on your next day of fishing.

Don’t venture out on your next day of angling without one of these quality fishing hats!

Read on to find the perfect option to keep you covered!

Best Overall Fishing Hat

An image of the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat available on Amazon.com

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat

Runner-up Fishing Hat

An image of the Home Prefer Mens UPF 50 Fishing Hat available on Amazon.com  

Home Prefer Mens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Cap Wide Brim

Honorable Mention Fishing Hat

An image of the EINSKEY sun hat available on Amazon  

EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women, Waterproof Wide Brim Bucket Hat

Columbia Unisex Bora Bora Booney Fishing Hat

First up on our list of best fishing hats is the Columbia Bora Bora Booney fishing hat.

This 100% nylon fishing hat comes with a wide brim for superior sun protection and a drawstring closure to keep the hat on your head in any condition.

The Omni-shade technology from Columbia provides the best-quality sun protection with materials that block UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sun damage after a long day in the sun, glare and elements.

The Omni-wick technology featured in this hat allows moisture to evaporate quickly from the surface of this hat, keeping you dry and comfortable in the elements.

With a wide, 3″ brim, sun protection comes standard around all edges of your head, and the toggle size adjustment ensures that the hat fits anyone regardless of size or gender making this a perfect option for gifts for fishermen in your life.

 

Advantages:

  • Adjustable Hat Size
  • Moisture Wicking Head Band
  • Full 3″ Brim
  • Breathable Mesh
  • Adjustable Chin Strap
  • Various Colors available

Disadvantages:

  • The brim is not reinforced
  • Lighter colors can get dirty
  • Constant wear produces sweat stains
An image of the Columbia Bora Bora Booney Hat available on Amazon.com

Home Prefer Mens UPF 50+ Sun Protection Cap Wide Brim

The next hat on our list of best fishing hats is the Home Prefer Mens UPF 50+ Wide Brim Fishing hat with Neck Flap.

This wide-brim fishing hat is a great option for anglers looking to minimize their exposure to the sun while protecting their neck and the back of the head areas while on the water.

This 100% Polyester fishing hat features a pull-on closure for the perfect fit and a chin strap to tighten the hat for comfortable wear.

With a wide brim and mesh vents, this fishing hat pulls cooling airflow through the crown of the hat and back flap to keep anglers cool and comfortable in any conditions on the ocean.

With 50+ UPF protection, the Home Prefer blocks 98% of damaging UVA & UVB sun rays making it a perfect fit for anglers and other ocean-loving enthusiasts.

 

Advantages:

  • Pull-on Closure
  • Breathable and quick-drying 
  • Lightweight and Comfortable
  • Cooling Airflow
  • Neck coverage

Disadvantages:

  • The chin strap can have issues with breakage
An image of the Home Prefer Mens UPF 50 Fishing Hat available on Amazon.com

EINSKEY Sun Hat for Men/Women, Waterproof Wide Brim Bucket Hat

The EINSKEY bucket hat is a great option for a waterproof fishing hat designed to maximize sun protection for fishing and other outdoor activities.

This unisex design hat is 100% polyester and features a drawstring closure for adjustment of the perfect fit.

It also has a chin strap to help hold the hat in place on windy days on the ocean.

With an extra wide 3.9″ brim, this waterproof bucket hat provides 360-degree sun protection for your entire head and neck.

Like some of the other fishing bucket hats we have featured on this list, this hat also comes with a breathable mesh section on the sides for comfortable long-term wear.

 

Advantages:

  • Lightweight & Strong
  • Adjustable Chin Strap
  • Adjustable Closure
  • Foldable
  • Moisture Wicking
  • Extra Wide Brim

Disadvantages:

  • Brim can be too large for people with smaller head sizes
  • Easily creases
An image of the EINSKEY sun hat available on Amazon

KastKing Sol Armis UPF 50 Boonie Hat

The KastKing Sol Armis is another option for a high-quality boonie style or bucket hat for fishermen looking for superior sun protection on the water.

Made of a lightweight breathable material and designed for fishermen, this hat has a number of features styled to create a perfect option for anyone on the water.

Dark material on the underside of the brim absorbs reflective light and helps to reduce glare and eye strain, while vented mesh sides enhance air flow around the head for easy longer-term wear.

With its one size fits all elastic drawstring, and moisture-wicking headband, this hat fits most anglers snugly and comfortably.

 

Advantages:

  • Anti-reflective Brim
  • Moisture Wicking Headband
  • Vented Mesh Sides
  • One size fits all

Disadvantages:

  • Colors are only available in camouflage styles
  • Can be a little on the smaller side 
An image of the Kast King Sol Armis Fishing Hat available on Amazon.com

icolor Foldable Fishing Hat Sun Cap with Flaps

The icolor Foldable fishing hat combines the ease of a baseball hat with the added protection of foldable flaps for extra sun protection while casting for your favorite fish.

This 100% nylon hat has some outstanding features that provide fishermen with top-of-the-line protection from the elements.

With additional flaps that cover both the nack and front of the face, the color fishing hat helps to block the sun out almost entirely when on the water.

With an elastic fast buckle and and adjustable chin strap this fishing hat provides anglers with a comfortable tight fit that is quick drying and water-resistant. 

The removable flaps provide numerous options for this hat, from classic baseball hat to full front and back protection.

 

Advantages:

  • UPF 50+ Sun Protection
  • Convertible styles 
  • Quick-drying
  • Water-resistant
  • Removable face and neck flaps

Disadvantages:

  • Questionable reports of durability
  • Thin construction
An image of the icolor convertible fishing hat with removable flaps available on Amazon.com

KOOLSOLY Fishing Hat, Sun Cap with UPF 50+ Sun Protection and Neck Flap

The KOOLSOLY fishing hat is another great 360-degree sun protection hat on our list of the best fishing hats.

Featuring 360-degree fishing protection, this hat provides UPF 50+ sun protection to keep the skin on the head, neck, ears and face safe from harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun.

Lightweight and breathable material for all-day wear that is quick-drying and ready for your adventures.

This hat comes complete with removable face and neck flaps that provide superior additional protection for the neck and face.

Featured in both camouflage and solid colors, this hat is a great option for fishermen looking for a lightweight bucket-style hat for their fishing adventures.

 

Advantages:

  • Adjustable Drawstring
  • Breathable Mesh Vents
  • Waterproof Polyester
  • 360-degree Protection
  • Removable Face and Neck Flaps
  • Various Colors and Patterns are Available

Disadvantages:

  • Multiple Pieces
  • Brim can get bent easily
An image of the Koolsoly fishing hat available on Amazon.com

WMCaps Outdoor Sun Hat for Men with UV Protection Safari Cap

The next hat on our list of quality fishing hat options is the WMcaps Safari Fishing Cap.

This hat is a great option for fishermen looking for a built-in neck flap to keep any harmful UV rays off of the neck areas throughout the day’s adventures.

Made of 100% nylon, this hat features a 5″ wide brim for extra wide sun protection from the elements.

This protects the face, neck, ears and entire head from sun and element damage while providing clear sightlines for fishing.

Like other hats on our list, this hat features breathable mesh vents and is lightweight for comfortable all-day wear.

 

Advantages:

  • Wide Brim for sun protection
  • Breathable Mesh
  • Adjustable Sizing
  • Chin Strap
  • Sweat Absorption

Disadvantages:

  • Brim can be too big for some anglers
  • Some colors can fade in excessive sun exposure
An image WMcaps Safari style fishing caps available on Amazon.com

Joyblossom Super Wide Brim Fishing Hat UPF 50+ Sun Safari Hat

If you’re in tropical and sub-tropical climates and looking for extra wide protection from the sun, the next hat on our list of best fishing hats might be perfect for you.

The JoyBlossom Super Wide Brim fishing hat features an almost 6″ wide brim that casts a large shadow for 360-degree sun protection.

With a drawstring closure and removable face flap, this hat provides anglers with superior protection against the elements.

Breathable and cool mesh provides a lightweight fit for day-long wear with protection against the elements.

 

Advantages:

  • Waterproof and Quick-drying
  • Breathable Cool Mesh
  • Adjustable Sizing Buckle
  • Soft Sweatband
  • Extra Wide Brim

Disadvantages:

  • Can be clunky in sizing for some anglers
  • Extra-wide brim can take some getting used to
An image of the JoyBlossom Extra Wide Fishing Hat available on Amazon.com

HUK Mens Boonie Hat | Wide Brim Fishing Hat

The HUK Mens Boonie Hat is a quality constructed fishing hat that is a great option for anglers looking for a little more quality in their hat design.

Designed to provide a bit more sun protection for hot days on the water, the HUK boonie hat provides comfortable protection from the sun on even the sunniest days on the ocean.

Built with hydrophobic technology, this hat transports sweat to drier areas away from the skin to help keep anglers cooler.

 

Advantages:

  • Quality Construction
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Performance Engineered
  • Full Mesh Back

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Colors and Patterns Available 
An image of the HUK boonie fishing hat available on Amazon.com

Quiksilver Waterman Men’s Dredge Waterman Straw Sun Hat

A long-standing option for watermen and fishermen is the Quiksilver Watermen Straw Sun hat.

This hat has long been worn by both watermen and anglers for ultimate sun protection from the elements.

Featuring straw construction, this hat provides 360-degree sun protection from the elements for day-long use.

 

Advantages:

  • Drawstring Closure
  • UPF Sun Protection

Disadvantages:

  • Degrades with excessive water exposure
An image of the Quiksilver straw sun hat available on Amazon.com

Columbia PFG Fish Flag Mesh Snap Back-High

Our last option on this list of best fishing hats for anglers is a traditional mesh-style baseball hat from Columbia Performance Fishing Gear.

This traditional baseball-style hat features a mesh back and snap closure for classic comfort.

It features an American flag-style fishing design on the front and the Performance Fishing Gear logo from Columbia on the back mesh area.

A ventilated back mesh area provides superior breathability and comfort for hot days in the sun.

 

Advantages:

  • Quality Construction
  • Adjustable Fit
  • Classic Comfort
  • Full Mesh Back

Disadvantages:

  • Limited Sun protection 
An image of the Columbia PFG Baseball Hat available on Amazon.com

Best Fishing Hat Buying Guide

Now that we’ve outlined some of the fishing hat options available for anglers, you might be wondering how you can choose the best one for your fishing style and needs.

With so many different options, features and styles to consider it can be confusing for an angler to know exactly how to choose the best option for their fishing lifestyle.

To help you combat any confusion, we’ve put together this comprehensive buying guide to help you better navigate the myriad of choices you have as an angler on the search for a quality fishing hat.

Whether you are just starting your fishing adventure or have thousands of days on the water under your belt, here are some of the key features you may want to keep in mind when selecting your fishing hat!

 

Sun Protection Factors:

Probably the primary reason any angler wears a hat is for sun protection.

The harmful rays of the sun can be very damaging for any angler that is constantly out in the sun and we all know how bad it can be when you end the day on the water with a sunburn that feels like the surface of the sun itself.

Hats that feature a wide brim and UPF protection are the best bet for anglers looking to increase the protection for the face, neck, ears and head when spending a day on the water.

Hats that feature strong UPF protection are the best option for anglers who are trying to protect themselves from the sun during fishing adventures.

 

Construction Materials:

The materials that a fishing hat is made from are a definite consideration for any angler looking for the best fishing hats.

The materials that a hat is constructed from can influence a number of factors that include the hat’s breathability, comfort, durability, and water resistance.

Some hats are constructed from materials that provide water-resistant coatings for increased water-wicking properties and increased drying.

Some of the more common materials for fishing hats include cotton, nylon and polyester, or a combination of these materials.

 

Fishing Hat Fit:

In order to ensure proper protection and comfort, a good hat should fit the angler by staying in place and providing coverage without feeling too tight or loose.

An uncomfortable or too tightly fitting hat can make an angler throughout a long day on the water, and can even constrict blood possibly causing headaches or tension on the head.

Many of the hats in our best fishing hat list come with adjustable straps or drawstrings to help better fit an angler’s head.

Be sure to consider your head size and look for fitting instructions on any hat before purchasing to ensure that you can wear the hat with no problems.

 

Breathability & Ventilation:

One of the other big considerations for any fishing hat is the level of breathability and ventilation available.

Since anglers are in extreme conditions throughout the day, it’s important to pick a hat that provides airflow and ventilation around the head, especially in hot climates.

Mesh panels that are featured on many hats provide a great option to keep anglers feeling cool and comfortable during long excursions hunting those exciting fish species.

 

Camouflage:

Often times fishermen hunt for fish in calm conditions with clear water. In conditions like this, it is sometimes best to blend in when fishing.

This is especially true in the backcountry and inshore fishing environments when fish can be easily spooked.

For this reason, a great option for fishing hats is in the features related to camouflage.

Look for hats that feature camo patterns in various colors to help you look less like an angler and more like a natural feature of the fish’s native habitat. 

An image of a father and son going fishing with dad wearing a fishing hat.

Fishing Hat Styles

When it comes to the myriad of different fishing hat styles available on the market today, there are a number of different options available to anglers and boaters, some of which make for great personalized fishing gifts.

The best choice for your fishing hat depends on a number of factors including the preference of the individual angler, fit and style.

Understanding some of the different fishing hat styles available can help anglers make the best choice possible with respect to the best fishing hats for their unique needs.

In this section, we take a more detailed look at some of the popular hat styles available to fishermen on the market today.

No matter what you are looking for there is definitely a fishing hat style to meet your needs!

 

Bucket Hats:

Bucket hats are one of the traditional styles for fishing hats as they provide greater 360-degree protection for fishermen looking for all-day wearability and comfort.

Bucket hats cover most of the entire head with protection for the head, ears, neck  and partial sections of the face.

Often a bucket hat features a wide brim and more relaxed fit which makes them a great option for fishermen and boaters.

 

Sun Hats:

Sun hats are very similar to bucket hats but often feature different brim options and a chin strap to hold the hat on an angler’s head in various conditions.

Sun hats usually have features for more breathability, provide great sun protection and are lightweight.

They are a great option for anglers looking for all-day protection.

 

Baseball Hats:

Baseball hats are a very popular choice of fishing hats for anglers.

This is probably simply due to the fact that baseball hats are widely available and most every household has one.

The downside with baseball hats is that don’t really provide the necessary sun protection that boaters and anglers need for long days in the sun and on the water.

 

Visors:

Visors are another popular style of fishing hat.

Even though they provide less sun protection, many anglers opt for the easy flow feeling of a visor that provides a wide brim and comfortable open back.

While the protection from the sun is lacking with a visor, they can still be a popular option for fishermen.

 

Wide-brimmed or Safari Hats:

Another great option for fishermen are wide-brimmed or safari-style hats.

These hats are great for anglers who are looking to stay completely out of the sun.

Usually featuring a very wide brim, these hats provide 360-degree protection for anglers with extended sun protection.

Best Fishing Hats Wrap-up

As you can probably see, having a good fishing hat is a critical piece of equipment for any angler, similar to a pair of the best fishing pliers or a reliable fishing gaff hook.

No matter if you plan on spending the entire day on the water or just a few hours here or there, a durable, quality fishing hat can protect you from the sun, keep you cool and comfortable and give you the necessary protection to help you have a great day in the sun.

With a myriad of styles and features to choose from, selecting a great fishing hat for your day of fishing includes considering a number of factors including style, fit, material and much more.

With a quality fishing hat, you can more fully enjoy your time on the water and come home refreshed and ready to take on another day on the water right away.

So be sure to select a fishing hat that will help you enjoy your day of fishing on the water to the absolute fullest!

Did you like this article? Did it help your search for a fishing hat? Leave us a comment below and join the conversation!

Or have a look at some of our other marine guides including Gifts for Boat Owners, or informative posts like our Boat Grill Review, Anchor Chain Solutions or our guide to Haulover Inlet!

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