Guide To Buying A Fisherman Cap
You may not have given much thought to what hat you grab before heading out the door for a day of fishing, but the fisherman cap you choose can go a long way to helping you have a successful outing. A good quality fishing hat plays a major role in keeping you dry, and protected from the weather and pesky bugs.
There are a wide range of styles available but whichever style you choose, you want to be sure it will do the job that you need it to do. A good fisherman cap will keep you protected from the sun, stay on even in the stiffest winds, repel water, dry quickly, and protect your neck from a sunburn.
Features To Look For In A Fisherman Cap:
Waterproof outer shell – A hat that is made of synthetic material that can breath will keep your head dry while at the same time allow an airflow all the way to the top of your head to prevent over-heating.
Hat brim – The size and type of brim is one of the most important features when selecting a quality fishing hat. If you decide to go for a baseball style hat, you will want one with an oversized bill to adequately keep the sun off your face. If you select a more traditional fisherman cap you will want to look for a stiff brim that is wide enough to shield the sun from your face and neck. A dark color on the underside of the bill is also a good idea because it will help prevent glare off the water.
Cotton instep – A cotton instep that is sewn in the inner lining of the fishing hat makes the hat more comfortable to wear and also serves as a sweat band to keep sweat from getting into your eyes.
Adjustable chin strap – A chin strap is a necessity for a fisherman cap because it will keep the hat on your head on the windiest of days. Leather is a good choice in a strap that is both comfortable and stays secure.
Floatable – A hat that will float if it does fall off your head is a smart choice if you are going to invest in a good fishing hat that will last many fishing seasons. Hats made with lightweight synthetic fabrics allow them to float should they end up in the water.
Fade Resistant – You will probably be spending many hours in the sun with your fishing cap so it’s important to invest in one that will not lose its color. A hat that is dulled from the elements will still serve its purpose, but why not invest in one that is made to stay bright and new looking for many years?
Open Mesh Crown – If you hat doesn’t have a ventilation system you will overheat on those hot, sunny days very quickly. Mesh in the crown and side is the best source of ventilation. This allows the best airflow, but the downside of this is that it can also allow a small amount of water to get in during heavy rain.
Neck Cape – A neck cap is the best way to protect your neck and the sides of your face from the damaging rays of the sun. Look for a fisherman cap that has a hidden neck cape that can be rolled up and hidden away in the hat until it is needed.
There are several different styles of fishing hats to choose from. Look for the style that has the features that will best suit your needs.
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Fisherman Cap Styles:
Baseball Cap Style – These are the most basic of fishing hats and are usually not the best choice for a serious angler. These hats can blow off easily. They are also usually made of cotton which means they won’t allow air circulation and will lead to your head overheating. The sweat that is absorbed in the hat doesn’t dry quickly when made of cotton. Baseball style hats don’t do a very good job of keeping the rain and sun off your face and neck either.
While baseball caps are not the best choice, they do seem to be the hat most often worn by angler. This is because they are the hats most available in the closet and easy to grab on the way out the door. Any fisherman who spends a lot of hours on the water should invest in a hat that is designed for fishing.
Up-Downer Baseball Hat – This is a higher quality version of the baseball hat that has an extended bill on the front and a roll down neck cape. It also comes with a chin strap to keep the hat secure and in place.
Wide Brim Caped Hat – These are the hats that typically come to mind when you think of a fishing hat. They have a wide brim, a neck cape, chin strap, and they float. These hats have all the features to keep you comfortable and protected from the elements.
Booney Hat - Booney hats come in light colors designed to keep you cooler by not absorbing the sun’s hot rays. These hats are often thought of as hunting hats. They have a wide brim and are made of synthetic waterproof materials that are lightweight and breathable.
A fisherman cap can be found in a wide range of sizes and styles. The style you choose is up to you as long as it meets the needs of the weather conditions you will encounter. A good fishing hat is an essential piece of your gear and a quality hat will give many seasons of wear. While it may cost a few dollars more than a standard baseball cap, a hat designed with the angler in mind is well worth the protection it will provide.
