What To Look For In A Fishing Jacket

It can be easy to slip into the frame of mind that any old jacket will do when you’re heading out fishing. After all, you’re there to focus entirely on the water in front of you, not what you look like and what’s going on outside of your immediate landscape.

However, this complacency can quickly unravel when you spend a full day exposed to rain, wind and spray and find yourself realising just how much of a difference a better fishing jacket can make. Whether you’re fishing offshore or spending hours on a freshwater lake, conditions can change quickly. When they do, the right outer layer needs to be ready for them.

That means there’s a lot to think about when choosing a fishing jacket beyond just picking something that keeps the rain out. Waterproofing, breathability, durability and freedom of movement all have a part to play, while features such as insulation, storage and wind protection can become particularly important in certain situations. 

We’ve created this guide to help you understand what you actually need from your fishing jacket, and why these features are essential when you’re several hours into a day on or near the water.

1. Waterproof Protection

When choosing any fishing jacket, waterproofing should be one of your very first considerations. If you’re spending hours outside, even relatively light rain can become uncomfortable if your outer layer allows water through. Add spray exposure into the mix when saltwater fishing, and you certainly need protection you can rely on.

It’s always worth looking beyond the simple inclusion of the word ‘waterproof’ on the label, as the construction of a jacket is just as important as the fabric itself. The best waterproof fishing jackets are those that are made from a fabric with a high Hydrostatic Head rating and also include design features to prevent water from getting in through vulnerable areas, such as fully taped seams, storm guards, waterproof zips and adjustable cuffs and hems.

The level of waterproof protection you need will also depend on when and where you fish. If you’re an offshore angler and regularly exposed to wind, rain and saltwater, then a more robust jacket like the Apex Pro-X with its 35,000mm Hydrostatic Head rating is a great pick. If you spend more time fishing on freshwater lakes, you might prefer something lighter. The Aspect 2.0, for example, is incredibly waterproof thanks to its XPLORE+® construction but is more of a lightweight fishing rain jacket.

2. Breathability

As we’ve touched upon, keeping water out is only half of the job. When you’re casting, moving around a boat or dealing with tackle, you quickly work up some heat even when the air around you is cold. If the moisture produced by your body in these circumstances has nowhere to go, things can get pretty uncomfortable inside your jacket.

Breathability is therefore a vital part of any waterproof fishing jacket’s performance, and this is why our XPLORE® fabrics are designed to keep external moisture out while allowing water vapor from perspiration to escape. This balance is particularly useful when conditions are unpredictable, as you may be standing still for a long period before suddenly needing to move quickly. 

3. Durability

Through your own experience, you’ll be well aware that fishing can be tough on clothing. Your fishing jacket in particular may come into contact with boat surfaces, tackle and equipment, while repeated exposure to rain and saltwater can put additional demands on the fabric. Durability therefore needs to be considered alongside waterproofing when choosing your outer layer.

Look for robust construction and fabrics designed to cope with abrasion, particularly in areas likely to experience more wear. Reinforced sections and hard-wearing outer fabrics can help a jacket withstand the realities of regular time on the water.

Durability is an important consideration in the design of our waterproof fishing jackets, with all of our waterproof products held to a minimum testing standard of 10,000 oscillations (the equivalent of three continuous hours of rigorous grit paper testing). This is particularly important in the context of saltwater fishing, where salt will inevitably build up on your clothing over time. Choosing a jacket that you know has been tested as abrasion-resistant will give you peace of mind that it can hold up against this natural wear and tear.

4. Freedom of movement

A good fishing jacket also needs to protect you without getting in the way when you’re casting, moving around a boat or landing a fish. Pay attention to the cut and fit, as well as features such as articulated sleeves, adjustable cuffs and flexible panels. You should have enough room to move comfortably without your jacket becoming unnecessarily bulky.

Fit and freedom of movement become even more important in colder conditions when you’ll need to wear additional layers underneath. If you’re choosing a warm fishing jacket or a waterproof shell to wear over several layers, make sure there’s enough room underneath for insulation without compromising your range of motion.

5. Hood and collar

A hood might not seem like the most important part of a fishing jacket until the rain starts coming in sideways and you find yourself yearning for a little more protection. 

That said, you’ll want the hood and collar of your fishing jacket to be well-designed so that it doesn’t become an inconvenience when the conditions are a little more forgiving. With this in mind, look for a hood with enough adjustability to provide a secure fit without reducing your field of vision. It needs to stay in place when the wind picks up too, and it’s always a bonus if the collar stops rain and cold air from getting to your neck. 

Our Apex Pro-X, Aspect 2.0 and Meridian-X 2.0 waterproof fishing jackets feature Vortex Hood Technology designed specifically for these requirements, stabilising the hood in airflow and providing a more secure fit when conditions become challenging. The Meridian-X 2.0 also features a high-cut thermal collar for additional warmth, making it a great choice for the coldest and most exposed fishing conditions.

6. Pockets and storage

Pockets quickly become more than just somewhere to put your hands when you’ve got tackle and essential equipment to keep close to hand. It’s worth considering what you actually need to carry before choosing between fishing jackets, as pocket capacity and styles can vary quite significantly.

Think particularly about the size and positioning of the pockets in any fishing jacket. Secure, zippered pockets are great for keeping smaller essentials protected, while larger chest or tool pockets provide especially useful storage. All should be practical and easy to reach. 

Bear in mind also that more isn’t necessarily merrier when it comes to pockets. A few functional and accessible pockets are much more useful than small and fiddly pockets dotted everywhere. Similarly, if you’re looking for a more lightweight fishing rain jacket, a simpler pocket configuration will keep the jacket streamlined and easy to wear. 

7. Insulation

Not every fishing trip calls for a warm fishing jacket. In warmer weather, you might only need a lightweight waterproof shell like the Aspect Jacket that you can throw on when conditions change. When temperatures change, however, you’ll need to think about insulation.

A good option is to build your clothing system in layers. Wear a waterproof outer shell over insulating layers, and then you can add or remove warmth as conditions change. In the coldest conditions, you’ll likely still want a waterproof fishing jacket that has insulation built in, like the Meridian-X 2.0. The key is to build a system that gives you the adaptability to respond to changing conditions, while not hesitating to opt for a properly insulated jacket when the temperature demands it. 

8. Wind protection 

Of course, rain isn’t the only weather you’ll need to think about when choosing a fishing jacket. There’s also wind to contend with.

Whether you’re saltwater fishing and exposed to strong winds and open water or freshwater fishing from an exposed riverbank, wind can make a relatively mild day feel considerably cooler. Your jacket needs to have effective wind protection that works alongside waterproofing. Many features of your jacket will tackle both, including adjustable cuffs, secure hems and a well-fitting hood and collar. 

Find the right fishing jacket for you

Ultimately, choosing the right fishing jacket comes down to understanding the conditions you’re most likely to encounter and what you need your outer layer to do when it faces them. The demands of an offshore fishing trip can be very different from those of a few hours on a freshwater lake, so it’s worth thinking about how and where you fish before you choose your jacket.

Equally, think about how your jacket will work as part of a wider layering system and whether you need the additional warmth of an insulated jacket. If your jacket is waterproof, breathable and durable, it’s often what you wear underneath that can make the real difference.

At Gill, our fishing jackets are designed around the demands of time spent on the water, with options ranging from lightweight protection for changeable conditions to robust, insulated systems for the most challenging weather. Shop the full range of fishing jackets online today and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need any further advice.