Fishing is a great sport. But sunlight and the coastal breeze can put a damper on your fishing trip if you’re not wearing the right gear. A fisherman’s hat will protect you from the sun and keep you cheering in the sun all day long! Buying one is a tricky business, though. Here are some factors to keep in mind when buying a fishing hat.
1. Is it practical
Most fishing hats are designed to do one thing, and one thing only: protect you from the sun. That’s why they’re called fishing hats, after all! If you don’t mind the sun baking your neck or your ears, then go for it! But if you need protection from the sun and heat, look for a hat with a brim to shade your face and ears.
2. How high is your sun protection meter?
The hat’s brim should shade your face. Keep in mind that if you’re wearing sunglasses, that they block only a small fraction of the sun. The rest will still be shining through.
If you’re worried about having enough shade to stay cool and comfortable, choose a hat with a brim that’s one to two inches (2 cm) higher than your eyes line or cheekbone. If you’re considering a hat with a wide brim, test it out in the local water. If the brim becomes uncomfortable after a few minutes, that’s your hygrometer telling you to up your sun protection!
3. How does it look?
If you don’t have many hats at home, or if you lost your last hat and are trying to decide between one color and another, beware of picking the wrong choice. Even if you’re wearing sunglasses, from behind a hat, you might look like you’re wearing a clown costume. The good news is that almost all hats are available in multicolor patterns, so there’s a likely possibility of finding the right style for you.
A great fisherman’s hat will let your face breathe and protect you from the sun. With the three factors mentioned, you can buy one effortlessly! You’ll spend a lot more time in the water catching fish, and a lot less time on shore running around trying to find the right protection. Just remember these tips when shopping for the right hat!