Every angler ought to own a trusty fishing hat. Regardless of whether or not you need protection from the sun, rain, and bugs, a fishing hat is a pivotal piece of gear that many fishermen have come to cherish.
We know we can’t replace your lucky hat if you already own one, but our top list of the best fishing hats has at least tracked down some great options for both function and style! Whether you’re shopping for yourself or seeking a fly fishing gift for a special angler in your life, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Fish on!
Incorporated mesh into the crown for added ventilation
Lightweight, packable
The Tilley Endurables LTM6 Airflo Hat is a do-anything, go-anywhere hat that offers a high degree of both functionality, and class. Whether you’re chasing fish offshore or on the stream, this is an excellent go-to that you’ll no doubt end up wearing for all sorts of occasions.
Built with mesh around the crown for enhanced ventilation, a dark under brim for reducing eye strain from glare reflected off the water, an adjustable wind cord, and a hydrofoil anti-sweat band, the LTM6 is loaded with practical features for on the water applications.
Best of all, the brand has integrated a secret pocket into the crown, perfect for stashing some extra cash, cards, or other small personal items.
Available in several different aesthetics, selecting just the right style for you or the fisherman you have in mind is made easy.
If you’re the type of angler that likes to wear a classy, yet effective fishing hat, The Ultimate Straw Hat by Orvis should be on your radar.
This western style inspired hat is handwoven in Ecuador and has just a downright awesome aesthetic. Traditionalist fly fishermen, in particular, might really dig the look of this ‘all-business’ fishing companion.
Ventilation is great so you won’t overheat, and the weight is quite low as to not be a burden during long days on the water.
Note that this hat is not really stuffable, making it a less than ideal option for travel unless you plan on wearing it. The leather band also may not like exposure to water, so if you’re the type of angler that’s constantly getting wet, maybe consider a polyester or nylon option.
This Goretex hat is designed with a foam-stiffened brim, so it floats if dropped in the water. It’s quick drying, provides you with solid protection from the elements and looks sharp, what more do you need?
The best part about the Seatle Sombrero is that it’s available in a wide array of colors and patterns so you can choose just the right look!
This is a great beat-around hat that can handle the abuses of any style angler – and it’s got a sharp look too! It’s highly ventilated, sweat-wicking and quick-drying, so it’s just as effective on the water as it is attractive and affordable.
This one stuffs nicely, so go ahead and mash it into your fishing backpack or luggage – it won’t mind!
Here’s another sharp looking straw hat by Stetson that might be right up your alley if you like the aesthetic of leather accents!
The Vented Panama Straw Hat provides solid sun protection due to the UV-protective shields built into the crown and brim, so you won’t have to worry about catching too many rays with this one. It’s furthermore a bit wider brim than your typical Panama Straw hat, so it throws some nice shade over your shoulders as well.
The leather band around the hat and the leather chin strap really give it some character – if this is your style you won’t be disappointed with the quality!
It’s a soft and pliable hat considering, but like the other straw hats listed here, this one won’t pack well due to its construction – so you won’t be able to stuff it into your luggage or day pack.
The Filson Tin Cloth Packer Hat combines function, fashion, and portability all into one, leaving you with one awesome fishing hat.
Filson’s tin cloth apparel and luggage are just the downright coolest. This material is a timeless classic that looks both rugged and sharp while also performing wonderfully for outdoor applications.
This hat provides effective ventilation and a good bit of shade, but if you prefer a wide brim fishing hat that really casts a shadow, you’ll want to select something with a larger radius. Good news is, you can effectively stuff it into a pack due to it’s floppier construction.
The tin cloth fabric used to build this hat is really what you’re paying for. It beads water wonderfully, but you’ll need to wax it every once in a while to maintain its waterproofness. The fabric will furthermore weather handsomely as you wear it over time giving it far more character than your standard packer hat!
Elongated 4 inch bill with dark underside for enhanced sun protection
UPF 50+ sun protection
Cotton/Polyester
Here’s a somewhat unique option of fishing hat that might be perfect for you if you typically enjoy wearing a baseball cap style hat on the water.
The Filson Unisex Duckbill Cap is an outdoors-oriented hat that’s built with a particularly long 4-inch bill in order to provide your face with a bit of extra shade. If you don’t like the feel or style of straw, booney, or bucket hats but want to ensure your eyes are out of the direct sunlight, this is a solid choice.
Filson has furthermore designed this elongated option to give you the added shade benefits, without coming off as too ridiculous in appearance. If you’re a fly fisherman, you can, of course, secure some flies onto the brim of the cap.
It breathes fairly well considering the style due to the cotton/polyester blend and will both hold its shape and dry out quickly in the event of rain.
For the cost, this is a stellar hat for the outdoors that should last for many, many seasons of fishing!
Extra-wide brim to really cast some shade onto yourself
Moisture-wicking and quick-drying as well as highly water-resistant
UPF 50+
Nice color selection
!00% Nylon
Here’s a particularly wide brim hat for those anglers seeking some serious sun protection. This option by HLLMAN might as well be a parasol it’s so wide, even casting shade over your shoulders, back, and torso.
While the brim of this hat is extra wide, it’s built from nylon fabric and can still be rolled or stuffed into a pack without damaging it. It’s kind of the best of both worlds when it comes to portability and shade coverage.
This option is moisture-wicking and quick-drying, but it will wet out in heavy rain. Don’t expect this one to keep you bone dry if the weather really turns south out there.
There’s a decent color selection to choose from so you can select the option that suits you best. All in all, a great hat for the cost that you’ll use for all sorts of outdoor applications and own for years!
This quick-dry polyester hat can be worn with or without the neck flap and face mask – so no, you don’t have to look like you’re on an African safari unless you need/want to.
It’s effectively breathable, lightweight and can be stuffed into any already full bag. For the cost, this is an excellent go-to.
These hats feature Columbia’s signature Omni-Shade protection, effectively blocking UVA and UVB. The stretch material is also super comfy to wear, and the mesh back keeps you nice and ventilated.
This is essentially just a sharp-looking ball cap offered in all sorts of radical, fishy aesthetics that’s also crafted with performance fabrics and the outdoors in mind.
Check out all the cool variations of this hat – it’s hard choosing a favorite so you might even grab a few!
1/2 inch thick hat can be folded over for added warmth
Wide color selection
Built for long term durability
We had to include at least one cold-weather option for those anglers who brave the winter elements in search of fish. The Alpine Cap by Dachstein Woolwear is a crazy-toasty option that should last you a lifetime of sub-zero angling.
Remember that quality wool can absorb 30% of its weight in water and still maintain its insulating ability. This beanie won’t quit keeping you warm even if you get soaked out there.
This option is furthermore 1/2 an inch thick, so it’s got some serious insulating power. It’s also designed extra long so you can fold it and double-up over your ears.
Yes, the price tag is steep for such a simple hat, but this is high-quality wool that’s built to last through many years of abuse.
We know we can't replace your lucky hat if you already own one, but our top list of the best fishing hats has at least tracked down some great options for both function and style! Fish on!
