Guide To Choosing Fishing Gloves – 5 Things You Must Look For

When choosing the right fishing gloves, it’s important to consider several key factors to ensure comfort, safety, and functionality during your fishing trips. In this article, we will explore what you need to look for in fishing gloves, covering everything from material and fit to specific features that can enhance your fishing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, our guide to choosing suitable fishing gloves will help you make an informed decision and find the perfect pair of gloves for your needs.

What To Look For in Fishing Gloves?

Choosing the right fishing gloves can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

1. Material Factor

Neoprene

These gloves provide excellent warmth and water resistance, making them ideal for cold-weather fishing. They keep your hands dry and comfortable, even when handling wet gear or fish.

I tried the Preston neoprene gloves with the Velcro fold-over fingers and thumbs last year, but I found they got in the way more than just fingerless gloves. On the other hand, Snowbee thin fingerless neoprene gloves are really good and are standard issues for cold water fly fishing.

Latex/Surgical Gloves

These gloves are thin and flexible, offering good dexterity for tasks that require precision, like tying knots and handling small hooks. However, they are not very durable and can become slippery when wet.

I know a friend who wears latex surgical gloves over his regular gloves, and that seems to work well.

Wool

Wool gloves provide warmth, making them suitable for cold conditions. They retain heat well, even when wet, but they are not waterproof and can become heavy when soaked.

I wear wool fingerless gloves and double them up for extra warmth. I also use hand warmers to keep my hands comfortable in cold conditions.

Also, some materials can do more harm than good (to you and the fish). We’ve highlighted those materials in this article (you should give it a read): Gloves Effects On Fish & Your Hands

2. Design Considerations

Fingerless Gloves

These gloves offer excellent talent, making them perfect for tasks that require precision, like tying knots and handling small items. You get the protection and grip you need while keeping your fingertips free for delicate work.

For me, fingerless gloves are only marginally better than no gloves, as the fingers become more painful than the hands. However, fingerless fishing gloves are one of the most popular sun glove options for anglers, providing a balance of protection and dexterity.

Full-Fingered Gloves

If you need maximum protection, full-fingered gloves are the way to go. They cover your entire hand, protecting you from cold, sun, and potential injuries from hooks or fish spines. However, they can reduce your dexterity a bit, making it harder to perform detailed tasks.

Full gloves are crucial when leading gamefish, handling fish, gaffing, removing hooks from a toothy predator, grabbing bills, and filleting. They provide the necessary protection in these demanding situations.

Convertible/Multi-Finger Design

Some gloves come with an index finger cover or fold-over tips for the fingertips and thumbs, giving you the best of both worlds. You can cover your fingers for protection and uncover them for better dexterity when handling small tasks. This design balances protection and flexibility, making it versatile for various fishing situations.

I use neoprene gloves made by Pro Climate for cold weather forklift driving, which have a split forefinger and thumb for folding back. This feature is incredibly handy for maintaining dexterity while still keeping my hands protected.

3. Weather Suitability

Cold Weather

When fishing in cold weather, it’s important to wear gloves, it keep your hands warm and dry during winter fishing or ice fishing. Insulated gloves with waterproofing are ideal for these conditions. They provide the necessary warmth and keep your hands protected from the cold, wet environment, ensuring you stay comfortable and focused on your fishing.

Die-hard cold-weather anglers demand fishing gloves that offer warmth, waterproofing, dexterity, and grip. Personally, I wear the Arrid gloves from Blackfish. They are 100% waterproof and really thin but much more durable than the Striker ones.

Warm Weather

In warm weather, you need gloves that keep your hands cool and protected from the sun. Lightweight, breathable gloves with UV protection are perfect for sunny days. These gloves allow air to circulate, preventing your hands from getting too sweaty while shielding them from harmful UV rays. This way, you can fish comfortably without worrying about sunburn or overheating.

Sun gloves rated UPF 50+ provide exceptional protection, allowing less than 2% of harmful rays to penetrate. I wear half gloves all year long, specifically Glacier Glove UV gloves during the summer.

4. Durability and Cost

High-Quality Materials

For long-term use, investing in durable gloves made from materials like Kevlar is a smart choice. These gloves are built to withstand tough conditions and frequent use, ensuring they last through many fishing trips. They offer excellent protection and durability, making them worth the investment for avid anglers.

A glove made of high-quality materials like Kevlar will survive a long time.

Budget Options

If you fish occasionally or are just starting out, more affordable gloves can still provide good protection and comfort. While they may not last as long as high-end options, they are perfect for those who fish less frequently and want a cost-effective solution.

If you’re an occasional angler, you can choose less expensive gloves—as little as $4 to $10.

5. Fit and Comfort

Proper Fit

A proper fit is crucial for both comfort and functionality. Gloves that fit well will feel more comfortable and prevent irritation, allowing you to focus on fishing without distractions. They also enhance your control and skill, making it easier to handle gear and fish.

Wear new gloves when conditions are pleasant, and work is light so you can adjust to their performance.

Adjustability

Look for gloves with features like adjustable wrist straps. These straps help secure the gloves in place, ensuring they stay on snugly and comfortably. Adjustable gloves can accommodate different hand sizes and provide a personalized fit, making your fishing experience more enjoyable.

The Hydronaut Gloves feature 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation, water-resistant DWR, and adjustable wrist straps.

Can I use Cycling Gloves for Fishing?

While you can use cycling gloves for fishing, they aren’t the best option. Cycling gloves have padded palms and good grips, which can help hold fishing rods and gear. They’re also comfortable and breathable, keeping your hands cool. However, they lack waterproofing, making them heavy and uncomfortable when wet.

They don’t offer the necessary protection from fish spines and hooks, and they might not provide the dexterity needed for tasks like tying knots. For a better experience, it’s best to use gloves specifically designed for fishing, which offer the right mix of water resistance, protection, and flexibility.

Have a look at cycling gloves. one of my angler friend used Lidl ones, but fishing gloves are recommended for better protection and functionality.

We’ve also covered a detailed guide on Can You Use Gardening Gloves for Fishing?

Are There Gloves Specifically for Filleting Fish?

Yes, there are gloves specifically designed for filleting fish, and they are a must have for anyone who regularly handles sharp knives and slippery fish. These gloves are made from cut-resistant materials like Kevlar or stainless steel mesh, providing excellent protection against cuts and punctures.

They also feature textured surfaces or coated palms for a secure grip, making it easier to hold onto fish. Comfort is key, so these gloves fit snugly without being too tight, allowing for a good catch.

They are also durable, designed to withstand regular use, and many are machine washable for easy cleaning. Investing in filleting gloves ensures safety and efficiency, making the filleting process much smoother and more enjoyable. AFTCO Fillet Gloves are a must-have in every angler’s tackle box, protecting fingers from sharp knives.

What are the Best Gloves for Saltwater Fishing?

Regarding saltwater fishing, having the right gloves is essential for comfort and safety. Here are some top choices that stand out for their durability, protection, and grip:

1. Salt Life Signature Fishing Gloves

Made from a polyester blend, these gloves are extremely rugged with reinforced sections to protect against sharp fish spines and hooks. They are great for handling tough fish like tuna or jack crevalle and provide excellent grip even when wet. Durable and secure with a neoprene and Velcro cuff, these gloves are ideal for strenuous tasks, though they may reduce dexterity for intricate tasks like knot tying.

2. Fish Monkey Pro 365 Guide Gloves

Crafted from UPF 50-plus sun protection fabric and designed by professional fishing guides, these gloves offer exposed fingertips for better tackle management, quick-drying fabrics, and a non-slip silicone palm. They are excellent for managing lines and handling fish, protecting against line cuts, and providing all-day comfort. However, they are not suitable for extremely cold conditions.

3. Glacier Glove Pro Angler Gloves

These gloves, made from fleece-lined neoprene, are insulated for warmth, water-resistant, and provide excellent grip with textured palms. They are ideal for cold weather saltwater fishing, keeping hands warm and dry. However, they can be stiff and may hinder some casting motions.

4. KastKing Sol Armis Sun Gloves

Made from polyester, these gloves offer UPF 50 sun protection, quick-drying, and stretchy fabric with a fingerless design for better dexterity. They are comfortable for long fishing trips, allowing for better finger movement and protection from sunburn. However, they are less durable than some other high-end options.

5. Rapala Marine Fisherman Gloves

Crafted from neoprene, these gloves feature textured palms for grip, warmth retention, and water resistance. They are perfect for cold weather and wet conditions, keeping hands warm and dry while providing excellent grip. However, they may feel bulky and limit some hand movements.

If you want detailed recommendations, do check Best Fishing Gloves – Based On Testing.

How do I maintain and clean my fishing gloves?

Keeping your fishing gloves clean and well-maintained ensures they last longer and perform better. Here are five easy steps to help you take care of your gloves:

1. Rinse After Use: After each fishing trip, rinse your gloves with fresh water to remove fish slime, bait residue, and saltwater. This prevents stains and odors from setting in.

2. Mild Cleaning: For gloves that are especially dirty, use a mild detergent and a soft brush to scrub away any remaining dirt and grime. Focus on areas that contact fish and bait the most.

3. Soak When Necessary: If your gloves are heavily soiled, soak them in a bucket of warm water mixed with a mild detergent for a couple of hours. This helps loosen any stubborn dirt and odors.

4. Proper Drying: Hang your gloves to dry in a well-ventilated area. Direct sunlight can help remove odors, especially for glacier gloves, but avoid prolonged exposure to prevent material damage. Make sure they are completely dry before storing to avoid mold growth.

5. Store Correctly: Store your gloves in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew. Keeping them in a proper environment will help maintain their condition and ensure they are ready for your next fishing trip.