Catch Fish in Style This Summer With the Best Fishing Shorts
Spending time near the water can be therapeutic for your mental health and bring peace of mind. Most people enjoy fishing because it's a very relaxing sport, however, as with all water sports you eventually have to get your clothes wet. If you want maximum comfort when on the water, it is imperative you put on a great pair of fishing shorts.
Fishing shorts come in various designs and colors. You can pick ones with lots of pockets, and if the length is a concern many modern brands accommodate a variety of lengths. Additional features such as insulation, stain resistance, and UV protection make fishing shorts even more versatile.
To help you navigate the expansive online market, we’ve curated a list of the quality fishing shorts of 2024!
Our Top Picks
Here Is the Finest Fishing Shorts of 2024
Best Overall
Huk men’s fishing shorts are high-quality shorts that protect your legs from the sun with their UV blocking capabilities. These shorts are ten inches in length and are a unique blend of 55% cotton, 35% polyester, and 10% spandex. Easy to machine wash for a quick clean, these shorts fall just at the knees. There are plenty of pockets to store your fishing hooks and weights in, and the zippered pockets make it all the more suitable for smaller items, like your phone or a fitness watch. And because these fishing shorts can hold just about anything, it’s a great choice for both beginner and professional anglers.
Pros
- Can be machine washed for ease
- Protects skin from harmful UV rays
- Quick to dry and waterproof
Cons
- Color tends to fade with sun exposure
Most Colorful
The Pudolla men’s cargo shorts are the top colorful product on our list as they come in 15 different color options. These shorts are lightweight and perfect for movement, and the moisture-wicking feature ensures they dry out quicker and do not soak up sweat. With five different pockets, these shorts have a lot of storage for the user.
Adding to their functionality, the shorts feature UPF 50+, water repellent, an elastic waist and button closure make these shorts great for fishing—making Pudolla a great pair of shorts for anyone who wishes to bring a perfect pop of color to their fishing experience.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of colors
- UPF 50+ protects legs from the sun
- Waterproofing ensures shorts dry faster
Cons
- Bright colors are not good for camouflaging
Most Comfortable
Wrangler’s authentic fishing shorts are perfect for people who look for a relaxed fit that enables them to move around freely. These shorts fall right above the knee and are made from quality imported materials, and you can easily store many things in the featured five-pocket options. Also machine-wash friendly, the quick-drying feature ensures you do not stay soaked for long.
Overall, they are a good pair of shorts for people who value comfort.
Pros
- Featured pockets provide ample storage
- Relaxed fit for better movement
- Comes in various color options
- Machine-wash friendly
Cons
- No protection from UV rays
Accommodates Storage
The Palmyth men’s fishing shorts are the top storage product on our list as they come with a total of seven pockets. These shorts have an elastic material and waistband to ensure a better fit. Promoting a quicker drying process, the flexible nature of the fabric allows you unlimited movement and frees you from any worry about ripping. If you are someone who carries their fishing baits and material on hand, these shorts are perfect for you.
Pros
- Quick to dry
- Has seven pockets for storage
- UPF 50+ protects your legs from the sun
- The stretchable fabric ensures better movement
Cons
- Runs smaller than typical sizes
Top Athletic
The last product on our list is the Hiauspor men’s cargo shorts. These shorts come in various colors and sizes so that everyone can find one that’s perfect for them, and since the fabric is stretchable and UPF 50+, you can have the perfect fit all while keeping your legs safe from the sun. The five zippered pockets offer good storage and security to your items, and you can quickly move around in these shorts and perform athletic activities.
Overall, Hiauspor is a good pick for fishermen who are always on the move.
Pros
- Comes in various colors
- Lightweight and stretchable fabric
- UPF 50+ protects your legs from the sun
Cons
- Double fastening is inconvenient at times
Finding Your Next Fishing Shorts: A Buyer’s Guide
Everyone’s definition of an ideal pair of fishing shorts differs, which is why we have compiled this comprehensive buying guide.
Why Are Fishing Shorts Useful?
Fishing shorts are essential for many reasons ranging from comfortability to utility. For example, you may have to rush into the water to grab your fish with a net. Such activity means you need a pair of shorts that dry out quickly, and the last thing you want is to return to your chair with soaking wet pants.
The benefits of fishing shorts include but are not limited to:
- Fishing shorts dry out faster than regular shorts, so you do not have to stay in wet clothes. They also don’t fill up with water or hold you down when wet.
- Fishing shorts have many small pockets that are ideal for keeping hooks, weights, and bait on you at all times.
- Fishing shorts have the ability to keep you safe from the sun’s UV rays and minimize skin damage to your legs.
Factors to Consider When Buying Fishing Shorts
Material
If you’re on the lookout for the most comfortable pair of fishing shorts available, the first thing you need to check is their material. The short’s material determines how durable they are, and true fishing shorts will be sourced from a strong material that offers resistance.
Nylon and polyester are some of the most common synthetic materials used to make fishing shorts for men. These two fabrics are long-lasting and durable, and they are usually made to protect you from the harsh rays of the sun.
UV Protection
Almost all the premium fishing shorts feature UV protection built into their material. This feature prevents the sun’s rays from penetrating the fabric and causing sunburns. While the minimum 30+ UPF rating is present in most high-end shorts, some fishing shorts also have a 50+ UPF rating.
It’s recommended to always pick fishing shorts with a minimum 30+ UPF rating as they will keep your skin protected from sunburns and keep you healthy. Applying sunscreen to exposed skin or covering it up can also reduce sunburns and lower an individual’s risk of getting skin cancer.
Waterproof
The best fishing shorts are the ones that are waterproof and will dry up quickly. Quick-drying shorts also work to absorb moisture faster, preventing you from chilling up if the weather is cooler.
The most challenging task of making the perfect fishing pants, however, is to create a semi-fitted suit that allows your body to relax and provides a waterproof environment to keep you warm. Such a suit ensures that you remain clean and dry for the rest of your fishing trip.
Pockets
Pockets are an essential feature you should look out for when buying fishing shorts. Preferably, a pair of fishing shorts should have two or more pockets to fit your keys, mobile phone, and smaller fishing tools such as fishing bait.
Some even come with additional space in the form of utility belts, allowing you to store more and carry less when you have to go into the water. When it comes to fishing, extra storage is a big plus since you tend to lose sight of your hooks and swivels if they aren’t close to you.
People Also Asked
What material should my fishing shorts be?
A synthetic blend of fabrics that dries quickly and provides UV protection is ideal for fishing shorts. Such fishing shorts do not fade or tear even when navigating rocky or rugged areas.
What should be the length of my fishing shorts?
Most fishing shorts will place no more than a max of 11 inches in length. Since most traditional fishing shorts are long enough to cover the knees or are cut off at the knees, it's up to you to decide which short length is for you.
Should I wear fishing shorts or fishing pants?
The season you plan to go on your fishing trip decides whether you should wear fishing shorts or pants. If your fishing trip is scheduled for warm weather, you should buy fishing shorts. On the other hand, if you are planning a trip during the winter then it may be best to buy long fishing pants to keep you warm.