Weather ignorance is a special form of suffering reserved only for fishermen who fail to consider it when choosing an outfit. It’s a warm sunny day. The water are like glass.
You slide in boat wearing your fresh new graphic tee. It have a big ol’ crappie design plastered across the front. You’re excited.
The breeze kicks up, the mist splashes against your chest, and before long, that cotton become a lead vest. It is a rite of passage. Every angler has lived it.
It looks good on hanger. It does not look so good when you’re freezing your butt off at four o’clock in the morning. Crappie fishing are a lot different than.
We stand there a long time. It’s usually cold out and the wind blow. Things can change at any moment based off the water.
You want something that will perform more like a shirt should. This shirt not only blocks chill but also manages moisture, lasts all day, and won’t fall apart. Comfort is important, but you also need to stay focused on fishing instead of your discomfort.
Best Crappie Fishing Shirts For Comfort
The Problem with Cotton Shirts
Which do you choose? Some people will always make their decisions based purely upon performance. These folks demand the best.
For them it’s about durability, moisture wicking, UV protection, all of it should holds up in salt and under sun. Some guys likes a good mix of style and substance. For them it’s about looking good but not sacrificing to much in way of use.
And then there are guys who value brand heritage. Those who seek the badge to signify experience. All paths lead somewhere.
But if you know where you fish, then you’ll know which one work for you. Pure Tech Performance leads the charge. On pure technical performance Patagonia are leading the charge.
Patagonia Capilene Performance
Capilene is their line of fabric and it’s the gold standard in moisture management. It draw sweat from your skin and dries like crazy fast. Why does that matter?
Wet skin cools off really quickly. So even when you do get soaked you will be warmer. Fit is usually trim.
It is a little snug for some anglers’ preferences. It is not the billowy flannel look by any means. It is athletic wear for water.
If you plan to fish, cast hard, and work up a sweat in the sun, this are the smart choice. You pay a premium for the tech. But the longevity make it worth it.
Lands End Comfort and Style
But Lands’ End goes another direction. They offer classic looks and lasting power. Performance tees is made from a cotton blend fabric that’s softer next to skin.
It doesn’t wick as aggressively as synthetic fabrics. It still breathes nicely on most days. It have a relaxed fit.
Layer a hoodie or other top over it and you’re not constricted at all. For the casual angler this are your shirt. You don’t need to look like you’re in a tracksuit.
You want to look put together. It holds up wash after wash. It is an affordable price.
Outfit the whole crew without breaking the bank.
Billabong Bold Graphics
Billabong dominates the surf and fishing crossover market. They make some bold looking stuff.
They have big colorful graphics. If you’re going to be on the dock, you want to be seen. They has a solid design with quick-drying fabrics as well as good UV protection.
Fit runs large. Some folks prefers the looser drape. Some folks say it’s baggy and not flattering.
The style statement are strong. You are saying I live for the water. If that’s the image you want to put out there, then it works.
ReelFFish Affordable Options
So what does that all mean? What does ReelFFish offer? It is affordable without completely sacrificing function.
The shirts themselves is cheap. A pack of 12 will cost you what a 3-pack costs from top-tier brand. Are they nice shirts?
Well, yeah, sorta. They’re decent. They breathe pretty well.
And if you’re fishing with kids, these are a practical choice since they are inexpensive and replaceable. If you’re going out with a bunch of buddies and you want to look good but not wear your best shirt, this is a great option. If you’re someone that doesn’t like to take your best shirts on the water because you know it might get torn up or have a snag or a spill, then this is for you.
It’s a no-brainer for high turnover. Wear the shirt. Think about how you fish.
Choosing the Right Fabric
How do you spend most of your time? Are you on the water or in a hot boat? Do you drift quietly or cast all day long?
Wear the fabric that matches your activity. If you are going to get wet, a wicking synthetic wins hands down over cotton. Cotton is a comfort killer.
You’ll never know why you were fighting the elements in a t-shirt after making the switch. Keep it dry. Keep it warm.
Keep your eyes on the fish finder.
