There are many important pieces of equipment that are vital to an angler. When thinking of said equipment, most anglers think about rods, reels, and tackles. These are, of course, for good reason as there’s no fishing without these three. Yet, for every seemingly vital piece of equipment used by anglers to have a smooth-sailing trip, there are some essentials that are overlooked by some.
Fishing gloves are one of those often forgotten pieces of gear. There are many things in the ocean that can cause cuts and bruises, including lines, hooks, and even the fish themselves. Open wounds on the hands can cause even more pain when fishing in the saltwater, as the salt can aggravate the wound. More than any part of our body, our hands are probably the most used and important part of the act of fishing. It then makes sense to protect them.
There are many types of fishing gloves out in the market, with different materials and functions. To narrow down the list of gloves anglers should check out, here are some of the things to look out for. The most important criteria for any angler choosing fishing gloves would be their type. There are two main types of fishing gloves, mainly the open-faced and the full-fingered gloves. Open-faced gloves cover only the palm area and are more favored by anglers as they offer more flexibility and less discomfort in the fingers. Full-fingered gloves cover the entire hand, and offer full protection from the cold waters, in exchange for the slight discomfort of having the entire hand covered.
Other things to take into consideration are the materials used and their durability. Salt water has corrosive properties so getting gloves that can withstand it is a good investment. There are also fishing gloves that are specialized for different types of weather and climate like insulated fishing gloves made specifically for winter. Last but not least, it’s important to have gloves that fit comfortably. Fishing gloves should, in practice, be worn throughout the fishing trip, a lot of which can last for hours on end. Wearing something for more than two hours should, at the very least, be comfortable.
That being said, anglers should know what they’re looking for when trying to find any piece of gear or equipment. Here are some of our picks for fishing gloves that every angler should have.
Probably Glacier's best-selling gloves, these Alaska Series Fingerless Fishing Gloves are made specifically for fly-fishing trout anglers. They’re also meant for protection against the cold running water of rivers as they’re made out of windproof fleece and are slip-resistant due to their 2MM sharkskin neoprene palms. They’re thick enough to protect from the cold but are versatile enough to be used on touch screen gadgets and are durable enough to be used on other outdoor activities like kayaking or camping. Finally, these gloves come in S to XL sizes all while coming at a modest price of $24.99
Those looking for heavy-duty fishing gloves will probably appreciate what the Lindy Fish Handling Gloves have to offer. As its name suggests, these gloves were mainly designed with fish handling in mind. They’re made to be cut-resistant and will protect the entirety of the hand. Despite being specialized for cutting and handling fish, these gloves also have a decent grip to them; enough to be used when handling a rod. Finally, they’re insulated enough that they can also be used during winter.
For those looking to save a few bucks, the Berkley line of fishing gloves is probably the best option. Despite not being usable during winter, it is still very helpful at any other time of the year. Like any reliable fishing glove, the Berkley comes with a textured grip that will properly hold down any rod as well as handle any slippery fish. They’re thick enough to ward against minor cuts coming from hooks, lines, and even fins. Though they aren’t thick enough for winter use, one great thing about this pair of fishing gloves is that they’re easy to wash and maintain. Rounding all of its good points is its price of $3.99 much cheaper than most fishing gloves.
Anglers looking to fish specifically during winter will find the Mountain Mist Gloves to be the best offer. One of the best features these gloves offer is being able to take off only the fingertip sections when using a smartphone, a very underrated feature in our smartphone predominant world. Its fleece lining with neoprene and microfiber palms ensures that this full-fingered glove can withstand the cold while being slip-resistant. Finally, its neoprene-mad cuffs are there to ensure that the gloves won’t slide right off. Despite being marketed for winter fishing, these gloves can be used in any situation, and with a price tag of $29.99 these durable and multi-purpose gloves are a great investment for any angler.
Rounding out this list is a pair of gloves mainly used to protect anglers from the sun. The Abaco Bay Sun Gloves are used during summer or on glaringly hot days. They’re made out of breathable and lightweight stretch fabric that’s good for a variety of outdoor activities. The material also grips tightly and is form fitting, making it adjustable for any person’s use. The Sun Gloves are also the fingerless-type for ease of access when using electronic devices. Given its name, these fishing gloves are UV resistant. Most people think about the face or arms when dealing with UV light and often neglect the hands. These gloves are perfect for protecting them against the sun.
Truthfully, gloves aren’t the most important aspect of equipment used when fishing. Regardless, fishing gloves keep anglers safe from cuts to cold, and even UV rays. Safety is the most important aspect of heading out on fishing trips. Investing in any of these gloves is sure to be a good move.