5 Best Fishing Hats Reviewed [2023 Buyer's Guide]

Nothing beats a day of fishing, angling out in the open waters under the sun's warm rays. One of the most important pieces of your fishing gear (other than your pole and bait, of course) is a good protective fishing hat.

Not only does it keep the sun out of your eyes and off your face, but it can also protect you from nature's many elements. A good hat will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter and also help keep you dry when it starts to rain.

There are several different hats that are designed specifically for anglers, and each one has its own set of unique features and benefits. 

If you're fishing for a new hat to take with you on your next fishing trip, then be sure to check out the buyer's guide below. We've highlighted five of the best hats to catch on the market and included a few tips on choosing the perfect fishing hat for you.

Related: A Small Window to the World of American Hat Makers

What to Look for in a Proper Fishing Hat?

When looking for a fishing hat, you should keep a few things in mind. First and foremost, you'll want to find a hat that is designed specifically for outdoors fishers. This means it will have features like a sun shield, a waterproof lining, and a convenient chin strap to keep it in place in windy conditions. (and sometimes even tiny convenient pockets!)

You'll also want to consider the typical climate where you enjoy fishing. If you live in hotter weather, you'll need a hat made from lightweight materials with a lot of ventilation to keep your head cool. If you live in a colder climate, on the other hand, you'll need a hat that is made from warm materials, and that has a snug fit to keep your head and ears warm.

Furthermore, consider how often you will be wearing your hat. If you plan on wearing it every day, you'll want to choose one made from durable materials, with a wide brim to protect your face from the sun.

The Best Fish Hats to Buy in 2023

Hats off to a great fishing year. Down below are five different styles of fishing hats.

Soaker by American Hat Makers

Securely, Soak up the sun without sacrificing your skin in American Hat Maker's Solair Soaker Mesh Men's Sun Hat with an attached chinstrap. This style of hat is the ideal fishing hat that will stay secure on your head. Also water-resistant with a soakable liner to keep you cool during the hottest days.

You can even dunk this hat in an ice chest in the heat of the summer, and you will be the coolest in your group! The nylon mesh and polyester exterior of the hat keep the rainwater out, while the laminated liner absorbs cool water when you want it to.

KEY FEATURES of the Soaker

• Brim 2 3/4" Crown 3 3/4"
• Wide-brimmed 
• UPF 50 for protection from the sun 
• Soakable liner 
• Water-resistant exterior
• Flexible
• Chin strap included with each purchase
• Locally crafted
• Durable

American Hat Makers have hats for every occasion. Shop their full line today.

Tactical Sun Hats

Traditional wide-brim sun hats or "bucket hats" are always top choices when searching for the perfect fishing hat. Any good fishing hat's key point is to protect yourself from the elements. A wide-brim sun hat can keep the rain off your face and keep sweat from blinding your eyes. 

A tactical sun hat with pockets or loop straps can keep the sun out of your eyes and off your skin while also being convenient for storage. Tactical sun hats are sold and reliable and can offer an angler many benefits. 

Straw Fishing Hats

Straw Fishing Hats are clean, classic, stylish, and usually super affordable outdoors hats. Ultimately, straw hats are desired because they offer lightweight protection from the sun. 

Best of all is the airflow and ventilation that a straw hat can achieve on a hot summer day. Straw hats are the original fishing hats and can be great for the boat, beach, pool, party, or even on the golf course. 

Related: How to Clean Your Straw Cowboy Hat

Breezy Baseball Caps

Nothing needs to be said about the classic and stylish baseball cap with a brim. Baseball caps have been popular with anglers for decades. The brim offers good coverage in the front, and most are specifically made to ventilate for comfortable fishing in the heat. 

Boony Hats

Functionality, Versatility, and Made for Survival! A Boonie hat is a type of wide-brimmed hat commonly used by the military in hot tropical climates. Usually created with a stiffer brim than a bucket hat, it's tactical and keeps you safe from the elements.

Combined with a facial bug net, they can become the perfect fishing hat to keep out those annoying insects (mainly mosquitos).

Related: Compressive Guide to Top Hat Styles

Strapped 

Choosing a hat with a chinstrap for safety is important if you are going full speed in your new fishing boat or just out casting for prize bass on a windy day.

Conclusion

When it comes to a successful fishing day, having the right hat can really make a big difference. That's why we've put together this helpful buyer's guide to the five best fishing hat styles available on the market. 

We've highlighted some of the most important features to look for when choosing the right one, so whether you're looking for an everyday durable sun hat or hooked on a more stylish baseball cap. With this guide, you can easily find the perfect hat to take on the summer fishing adventures with you.