What to Wear Deep Sea Fishing: A Head-to-Toe Guide
What to wear deep sea fishing: a light long-sleeve sun shirt with UPF, quick-dry shorts or pants, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles, a hat and polarized sunglasses, plus a light rain or wind jacket in your bag. Offshore you get sun from above and glare off the water for hours, and spray and wind can make an early run feel cold, so dress in layers you can peel off.
Below we go head to toe, cover what women and kids should pack and answer the common questions about swimsuits and shoes. Shop sun shirts in our men's fishing shirts collection.
What should you wear deep sea fishing, head to toe?
| Item | What works | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Hat | Wide brim or cap with a neck cover | Shade for face, ears and neck |
| Sunglasses | Polarized, with a strap | Cuts glare off the water; a strap keeps them on board |
| Shirt | Long-sleeve UPF sun shirt | Covers arms for hours of sun; dries fast after spray |
| Bottoms | Quick-dry shorts or light pants | Cotton stays wet and heavy |
| Shoes | Boat shoes or closed-toe sneakers with non-slip soles | Wet decks are slippery; no flip-flops |
| Outer layer | Light rain or wind jacket | Cool early runs, spray and passing showers |
A Florida charter fleet gives the same advice on footwear: "Comfortable boat shoes or closed-toe sneakers with suitable non-slip soles work well" (Sea Leveler: What to Wear on a Deep Sea Fishing Trip).
Why a long-sleeve sun shirt beats a T-shirt offshore
A full day offshore puts you in the sun right through the strongest hours. The CDC says UV rays in the continental US are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (CDC: Sun Safety Facts). A long-sleeve shirt covers your arms so you reapply sunscreen to less skin. Still use sunscreen on your face, neck and hands. For more on sleeve length, see long sleeve vs short sleeve fishing shirts.
What should a woman wear when deep sea fishing?
The same basics: a long-sleeve sun shirt, quick-dry shorts or leggings, non-slip closed-toe shoes, a hat with a hair tie or clip so it stays put in the wind, and a light layer. Skip anything loose that can catch on rods or gear.
Do I wear a bathing suit for deep sea fishing?
You can wear one under your clothes, but on its own it leaves a lot of skin in the sun for many hours. Most anglers wear a sun shirt and shorts over it, then take layers off if the boat stops to swim, where the captain allows it.
What else should you pack for a deep sea fishing trip?
- Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm with SPF.
- A dry bag or zip bags for your phone and keys.
- Water and snacks, unless the charter provides them.
- A cooler or bag for your catch, if the charter does not clean and bag it.
- Anything your doctor suggests if you get seasick; ask before the trip, not on the boat.
Our offshore and saltwater fishing shirts
Our Long Sleeve UPF and T-Shirt UPF styles are made from 100% polyester that is lightweight and breathable, quick-dry and moisture-wicking, with UPF sun protection and an all-over sublimation print that will not crack, peel or fade. Many designs also come in Hooded Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF. Add your name on the product page:
- Mahi mahi, wahoo and tuna offshore fishing shirt, from $19.99.
- Redfish scales long sleeve fishing shirt, from $39.99.
- Redfish sunset saltwater fishing jersey, from $39.99.
- US flag fish hook fishing shirt, from $19.99.
Planning your day? Read the best time of day to go fishing.
FAQ
What should I wear deep sea fishing?
A long-sleeve UPF shirt, quick-dry shorts or pants, non-slip closed-toe shoes, a hat, polarized sunglasses and a light jacket.
Can I wear flip-flops on a fishing charter?
It is not a good idea. Wet decks are slippery and hooks and gear can fall; wear closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
Is it cold on a deep sea fishing trip?
It can be in the early morning or on the run offshore, even on a hot day. Bring a light layer you can take off.
Should I wear a bathing suit deep sea fishing?
Under your clothes if you like, but cover up with a sun shirt and shorts for the long hours in the sun.
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