Top 8 Best Fishing Shorts

Fishing has become a highlighted industry; to some, it is a sport, some consider it a hobby, while many see it as a means to earn their livelihood. Not to forget, fishing is an essential means of feeding the world’s growing population with seafood. So, when you are out on the waters, your choice of clothes matters a lot. Of course, the fishing anglers know how important fishing clothes are, but shorts selection tops the list because it enables comfortable mobility.

In order to completely and freely enjoy your fishing trip, make sure you have comfortable clothes, and comfortability starts with the right pair of shorts. This article will recommend the best fishing shorts you can invest your money in.

Our Recommendation Of Best Fishing Shorts:

Image	Product	Feature	Price
TOP PICK	HUK men’s next level performance shorts	10.5 inches in length Made with 55% cotton, 35% polyester and 14% spandex Comes in 22 different colors Waistband can be adjusted as per need Zippered pockets Gusseted crotch Drain hole at the back pocket	Check On Amazon
BUDGET PICK	Realtree hybrid fishing shorts	4-way stretch material Made with 55% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 10% Spandex Quick drying Water repellent lining Zippered pockets Adjustable waistband	Check On Amazon
	Mossy oak fishing shorts	Made with 92% polyester and 8% elastane Button closure available Available in 9 colors Machine washable 7 inches inseam Adjustable waistband Up to seven pockets.	Check On Amazon
	Reel Life hybrid fishing shorts	Made with 88% polyester and 12% spandex About 9.5 inches in length Sun protection with UPF 50+ Gusseted crotch Water repellent fabric	Check On Amazon
STAFF PICK	HUK women quick-drying fishing shorts	Made with 62% polyester, 22% cotton, 10% spandex and 6% nylon Machine washable Infused with UPF 30+ sun protection material 4 inches inseam Quick dry fabric Snap button available	Check On Amazon
	Aftco tactical fishing shorts	Made with 95% polyester and 5% elastane Made with lightweight ripstop material 2-way stretch fabric Snap closure Hand pockets on both sides Stain resistance Infused UPF protection Machine washable	Check On Amazon
	Mossy oak women’s fishing shorts	Made with 92% nylon and 8% elastane Available in 3 & 5 inches inseam Four-way stretch Machine washable Available in four different colors Comes with button closure Hydro plex cooling technology UPF 40+ protection	Check On Amazon
	Columbia silver ridge cargo shorts	Made with 100% nylon Ultra wicking fabric Omni shade Button closure Cargo pockets with zippers Security pocket with Zip closure Partially elastic waistband Belt included Hand and back pockets	Check On Amazon

 

 

What are the advantages of fishing short?

• Fishing shorts dry quickly, saving you from wearing waterlogged shorts throughout the day.
• Dry-fit shorts offer enhanced flexibility and mobility.
• The quick dry fabric wards off sweat, thus preventing your shorts from getting sweaty. 
• Fishing shorts are made with durable material and are long lasting.
• Protection from sun rays is another advantage most fishing shorts offer.

 

Before we dig in any further, let me walk you through some of the features you should check before purchasing the best fishing shorts for yourself. 

 

Features To Look At In Fishing Shorts 

• The Fabric Of The Shorts 

If you have been fishing for a while, or you are starting fresh, you should know the choice of fishing clothes depends on the weather conditions on your fishing trip.

The fabric of the shorts is the first thing you should check before making the purchase; the fabric should be elastic, breathable, and lightweight, enhancing the chances of mobility while allowing you to move around comfortably. Shorts made of polyester and nylon are preferred for fishing trips, while cotton shorts are discouraged because they become heavy when drenched with water.

Also, the fabric should be such that it does not irritate when working and protects you from harmful ultraviolet rays. 

Let me sum up what the best fishing shorts should and should not have. 

Should	Should not
It should quickly dry. Should be strain resistant.  It Should be elastic and stretchy. It should provide protection from the UV rays	Not get heavy when drenched Not stick to the body. It should not irritate the skin and cause allergies

• Fittings Of The Shorts 

Having the right pair of shorts that fit well is a blessing; you do not want something that keeps slipping and causing embarrassment. At the same time, choose shorts that you can wear trouble-freely. Most of the anglers go with elastic waistbands with strings on the front. They offer you comfort, and you can easily move around. Or you can opt for shorts with zippers and buttons, they will prevent slippage and dropping of shorts, but your comfort may get compromised.

Let’s summarize the pros and cons of elastic versus button shorts.

 

Elastic waistband	Waistband with Buttons and zipper
Pros  Comfortable mobility on boat and foot. Easy to put on  Cons  They can slip	Pros  Prevents shorts from dropping or slipping Security  Cons Not comfortable in wearing

•  Pockets On The Shorts

Quite naturally you will be taking a lot of items with you, starting from your accessories such as mobiles, money, hair bands etc. to fishing tools like fishing scissors, ropes. Therefore, pockets are a basic requirement to enjoy a hassle-free fishing experience. Choose a pair of shorts with waterproof pockets and rigid inner linings to prevent damage. 

Nowadays, the ‘’reinforced’’ pocket is a must among the best fishing shorts simply because the lining of the pocket is made with resilient and stout material. These pockets are suitable for keeping tools, especially metal tools. Pocket with soft lining can get torn, and therefore they are not recommended.

Time to explore what the pockets should and should not be made of.

 

Should	Should not
Pockets should be on the sides, front or back Pockets should be waterproof.  Pocket lining should be strong to prevent things from water damage. Zippered pockets are preferable as they protect the item from dropping or falling.	Pocket should not have soft or light lining material because it will tear in the presence of metal tools.

• Stain Resistance Of The Shorts

If you are fussy and frugal like me and want your shorts to last long, then your shorts should exhibit excellent stain resistance. While fishing, there are high chances your clothes will get dirty thanks to the blood, guts and whatnot. Therefore, buying a pair of shorts that do not need much cleaning and fight stinky odors is preferable.

I will tell you the pros and cons of purchasing stain resistant shorts versus non-stain-resistant shorts.

 

Stain resistant shorts	Non stain resistant short
Pros  Does not need much cleaning Some provide odor prevention  Cons  They are expensive	Pros  They are comparatively less expensive.  Cons  It is a struggle to remove stains when they get dried in the sun.  Washing process destroys the quality and fabric of your shorts, so they don’t last long.

 

So, we can conclude that a one-time investment in stain resistant shorts is worth it. 

• UV rays protection

Fishing can be a grueling activity, especially when working under the sun. Many clothing manufacturers offer sun protection with UPF 40-50+ ratings. 

These are some features the shorts must have to fall in the best fishing shorts category.

Top 8 Best Fishing Shorts

In this section, I will enlist the top-rated fishing shorts you can purchase along with all their key specialties.

1. HUK men’s next level performance shorts 

 Huk’s next level fishing shorts are a must have on your next fishing trip and their quick drying and UV rays protection features make them a popular choice among anglers. Let us look at the excellent features this product offers.

Key specs

• 10.5 inches in length
• Made with 55% cotton, 35% polyester and 14% spandex
• Comes in 22 different colors
• Waistband can be adjusted as per need 
• Zippered pockets 
• Gusseted crotch 
• Drain hole at the back pocket 

 

Is it a good purchase?

 

These shorts by Huk are super easy and comfortable, made with cotton and polyester that on blending with air make the fabric breathable. These shorts are made with quick drying technology so, don’t worry if you get drenched; these take no time to dry. In addition, these come with many pockets, and all are zippered to prevent your stuff from falling down. The sun protection with UPF rating of 30+ offers great tolerance to harmful ultraviolet rays. The adjustable waistband gives a perfect fit, while the gusseted crotch enables you to move around with ease. 

Product details chart

 

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Material
10.5’’ in length	Yes	yes	adjustable	55% cotton, 35% polyester and 14% spandex Stretchable

 

Pros

• Quick drying 
• Lightweight fabric
• Stain resistance 
• Adjustable waistband for a perfect fit 
• Rear yoke is perforated for maximum comfort

Cons

• Waistband can be tight

2. Realtree hybrid fishing shorts 

These hybrid fishing shorts by Realtree will be a reasonable addition to your fishing trip wardrobe. These are crafted with a 4-way stretch fabric allowing you to move and work with ease. It has a waterproof lining to ensure your stuff remains safe from abrupt wear and tear. 

Key spec 

• 4-way stretch material 
• Made with 55% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 10% Spandex
• Quick drying 
• Water repellent lining 
• Zippered pockets 
• Adjustable waistband 

 

Is it a good purchase?

These are designed with 4-way stretch fabric to allow for flexibility and mobility; manufacturing allows for air to pass through, thus leading to quick drying.

 

All in all, they are made with lightweight, durable fabric that will serve you for a long time. These shorts house one side and one back pocket, which is zippered so you can put your precious stuff such as your mobile and wallet in it. These shorts have a solid waterproof lining and provide UPF 30+ protection from the parlous UV rays. Thanks to its subtle design, you can don these shorts in your daily life. Finally, these shorts are comfortable, durable, beautifully designed and will make a good purchase. 

 

Products detail chart

 

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof    Coating	Material
Above knees in length	Yes	yes	adjustable	Yes	55% Cotton, 35% Polyester, 10% Spandex Stretchable

 

Pros

• Quick drying 
• Water repellent lining repels water and withstands water pressure 
• Zippered pockets prevent stuff from falling 
• Adjustable waistband ensures a perfect fit 
• Protection from sun rays 
• Made with lightweight and soft material 

Cons

• Fewer pockets available 

3. Mossy oak fishing shorts

If you are looking for a functional pair of shorts that are both comfortable and durable, this will be the right purchase. Great comfort, design and made with stretchable elastic material, these shorts by mossy oak are top rated. These shorts offer superior drying and moisture absorbing capability and can be your go-to pair of shorts for the next fishing trip. 

Key spec 

• Made with 92% polyester and 8% elastane
• Button closure available 
• Available in 9 colors
• Machine washable 
• 7 inches inseam 
• Adjustable waistband 
• Up to seven pockets. 

Is it a good purchase?

Sure it is; the quick drying and the elastic fabric are made with 92% polyester and 8% elastane blend perfectly well to make the shorts breathable and enjoyable. There is plenty of room for pockets; it comes with two hand pockets, two back pockets with buttons, one left leg pocket for keeping tools and three right leg pockets on the front so you will never run out of space. 40+ UPF protection ensures tolerance from harmful sun exposure.

Moreover, it offers an advanced cooling effect that absorbs sweat and moisture naturally. It has a partially adjustable waistband for easy and appropriate fit; the button closure is the highlight for a suitable stretch and a zippered fly. Overall, these shorts present a versatile style and can be termed the best fishing shorts available in the market.

Products detail chart

 

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof    Coating	Material
7’’ inseam	Yes	yes	Partially adjustable	Yes	92% polyester and 8% elastane Stretchable

 

Pros

• These get quickly dried 
• Hydro plex cooling technology is a winner in producing cooling effects from sweat and moisture.
• Sun protection with infused UPF 40+
• Buttoned closure ensures greater security and prevent slippage 
• Up to 7 pockets offer great space
• Product is machine washable

Cons

• No zips can lead to stuff falling from your pockets 
• Waistband is not very stretchy.

4. Reel Life hybrid fishing shorts

 

For your life on the water, fintech offers a well-crafted design that will leave you with a pleasant wearing experience. Stylish, comfortable and long-lasting, this product has great features. 

Key spec 

• Made with 88% polyester and 12% spandex 
• About 9.5 inches in length
• Sun protection with UPF 50+
• Gusseted crotch
• Water repellent fabric

Is it a good purchase?

These hybrid shorts come highly recommended by the customers; their uniquely designed fabric allows air to penetrate and exhibit sublime drying capability. These shorts are made with material that gives right the stretch and prevents skin irritations.  Whether on a boat or foot, you can wear these shorts casually in your everyday life. Furthermore, the shorts give UPF 50+ protection from sun exposure. The water-resistant lining enhances the drying feature of the shorts, and the availability of a gusseted crotch will allow for comfortable mobility around. Lastly, these are versatile and performance-driven pairs of shorts and will be a good addition to your wardrobe. 

 

Products detail chart

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof	Material
9.5’’ inseam	Yes	yes	Partially adjustable	Yes	88% polyester and 12% spandex  Stretchable

 

Pros

• Great water resistance 
• Easily gets dried up.
• Offers great protection from dangerous UV rays with UPF 50.
• Gusseted crotch enhances mobility 
• Buttoned closure ensures greater security and prevents shorts from falling
• Economical pricing 
• Machine washable 

Cons 

• Insufficient pockets 
• Bleaching can damage the product

5. HUK women quick-drying fishing shorts

There is no question that women are exceptional at fishing themselves and can perform even better with the right pair of shorts. These shorts by huk are specially crafted for women’s everyday use on and off the water. 

Key spec 

• Made with 62% polyester, 22% cotton, 10% spandex and 6% nylon
• Machine washable 
• Infused with UPF 30+ sun protection material 
• 4 inches inseam 
• Quick dry fabric 
• Snap button available 

Is it a good purchase?

It is a great purchase; the high-quality material of the fabric is blended well to produce a stretchable and smooth product. The sober design of the shorts is ideal for creating a stylish look for the fishing trip; moreover, it is available in 4 elegant colours to magnify your look. But of course, you would want to protect your skin and body from piercing sun rays; therefore, these pairs of shorts are made with advanced UV rays resistant UPF 30+ material. This material is capable of blocking both UVA and UVB rays. The presence of a snap button is to fasten the shorts, but it also adds style to your look. Hence a blend of style and security. 

 

Products detail chart

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof	Material
4’’ inseam	Yes	yes	Partially adjustable	Yes	62% polyester, 22% cotton, 10% spandex and 6% nylon   Stretchable

 

Pros

• Great water resistance 
• Quick dry fabric 
• Offers great protection from parlous UVA and UVB rays with UPF 30+.
• Buttoned closure ensures greater security and prevents shorts from falling
• Lightweight and durable
• Machine washable 
• Front loop or hole for clipping tools or other stuff

 

Cons

• Not for professional anglers
• Expensive  

6. Aftco tactical fishing shorts

These are the best fishing shorts available in the market. Highly recommended and top-rated on most platforms. Aftco is a renowned brand known for producing high-quality products that remain functional and useful for a long time. 

Key specs 

• Made with 95% polyester and 5% elastane 
• Made with lightweight ripstop material 
• 2-way stretch fabric 
• Snap closure 
• Hand pockets on both sides 
• Stain resistance 
• Infused UPF protection 
• Machine washable

 

Is it a good purchase?

Being a top-notch brand Aftco does not compromise on quality. Providing quality with comfort is their cornerstone; these tactical fishing shorts are intricately designed to provide maximum comfort and mobility to anglers. They exhibit great resistance to stains, thus saving you from the struggle of washing your shorts in case they contact blood, slime, guts etc., on your fishing trip. The fabric material is smooth and does not cause any skin allergies. In fact, it is made with two-way stretch fabric to enable greater mobility with comfort.  They come in eight different colors and patterns, and each pattern has a distinct design; therefore, you can easily don these shorts in your everyday wear.

 

Moreover, these come with dual cargo pockets, each designed to keep your fishing tools and accessories. 

Products detail chart

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof	Material
9.5’’ inseam	Yes  Blocks up to 90% UV rays	yes	adjustable	Yes	Stretchable  Made with 95% polyester and 5% elastane

 

Pros

• Button closure adds style and security to your shorts 
• Quick dry fabric
• Cargo pockets for holding accessories and tools 
• Offer adequate stain resistance
• Two-way stretch pattern enhances mobility 
• Protection from sun exposure.

 

Cons

• No zipper pockets can lead to stuff falling from your pocket
• Not enough pockets
• Bit costly 

7. Mossy oak women’s fishing shorts 

This is a pair of shorts you can opt for if you are looking for quality at an affordable price. These mossy oak shorts are made with lightweight materials combined together to generate a breathable and cozy fabric. Let’s see some of the key specifications this product offers.

Key spec 

• Made with 92% nylon and 8% elastane
• Available in 3 & 5 inches inseam 
• Four-way stretch 
• Machine washable 
• Available in four different colors 
• Comes with button closure  
• Hydro plex cooling technology
• UPF 40+ protection  

 

Is it a good purchase?

The fishing shorts are meant to dry quickly; therefore, nylon and elastane are a suitable match for the lightweight materials with which these shorts are prepared.  In addition, its blend creates a four-way stretch ensuring breathability, comfort, and ease. These shorts are available in 3 and 5 inches in length, while a diverse color range makes them suitable for beach, hiking, swimming, and casual wear. It also comes with a button on the front for fastening the shorts and also provides an appropriate hold on the waist. 

The hydro plex cooling technology remains a winner; it is responsible for creating a natural cooling effect by drawing off moisture and sweat, thereby reducing the body surface temperature up to 30%. 

Of course, we also carry essentials and accessories, so these fishing shorts come with dual hand pockets and a rear zippered pocket. In addition, 30+ UPF protection is beneficial against unsafe sun rays. 

 

All these features are enough to compel anyone that these are the best fishing shorts for women. 

Products detail chart

Size	Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Pockets	Material
3’’ and 5’’ inseam	Yes  Gives 30+ UPF protection	yes	adjustable	2 front hand pockets 1 back zippered pocket	Stretchable  Made with 92% nylon and 8% elastane

 

 Pros

• Buttoned closure ensures greater security and prevents shorts from falling.
• Lightweight and durable
• Machine washable 
• Economical price 
• Light and comfy fabric improves mobility 
• Advance hydro plex technology is great for wicking moisture and sweat.  
• Sun protection with UPF 40+ 

Cons

• Not enough pockets 

8. Columbia silver ridge cargo shorts

Casual, comfy, and performance-driven; these shorts are great to invest money on. These are weaved with 100% nylon with incredible drying specifications. Wait no more and see their key specification below.

Key spec

• Made with 100% nylon
• Ultra wicking fabric
• Omni shade 
• Button closure 
• Cargo pockets with zippers
• Security pocket with Zip closure
• Partially elastic waistband 
• Belt included 
• Hand and back pockets 

 

Is it a good purchase?

 

Columbia is an established brand and is known for its top-quality products. These cargo shorts are crafted with 100% nylon and signature Columbia ripstop fabric and are perfect for every weather and working condition. The interior lining of the shorts features ultra-wicking fabric that is excellent at drawing off sweats and liquids, giving you airy and comfortable activity all day long. 

These shorts are lightweight yet durable, but a major attraction is that these Columbia shorts can be converted from swimming trunks to fishing shorts instantly. In addition to this, the company has used built-in Omni shade technology that effectively protects the wearers from sunburns, UVA and UVB rays, and other possible skin damage. Self-draining mesh pockets get your shorts dried in no time and save your stuff from frequent hassle on the water.

These are ranked among the best fishing shorts and will make an excellent addition to your closet. 

 

Products detail chart

Sun protection	Quick drying	Waistband	Waterproof	Pockets	Material
Omni shade	Ultra wicking fabric	adjustable	Mesh pockets offer superior resistance to water	One security pocket Dual hand pockets  Cargo pockets with zippers	Partially elastic Made with 100% nylon

 

Pros 

• Buttoned closure ensures greater security 
• Lightweight and durable
• Machine washable 
• Light and comfy fabric improve mobility 
• Sun protection with Omni shade 
• Comes in a variety of colors to enhance style 
• Has elastic waistband and comes with belt 

Cons 

• A bit pricy 
• Not meant for professional fishermen 

Winding up on best fishing shorts

It is exceedingly important to have the suitable shorts as your mobility heavily weighs on it. In this article, we have enlisted the best fishing shorts available in the market, each with its detailed description, pros and cons. We hope our recommendations will make a valuable addition to your fishing closet. 

Frequently asked questions 

Q: What fabric is best for  fishing garments?

A: The fabric material can vary, although garments made with polyester, spandex, nylon, and elastane are preferred. Cotton makes your garment fabric thick and heavy, which might hinder the quick dry feature; therefore, it is not preferred in fishing wear. 

 

Q: Do fishing shorts give protection against the sun?

A:  Some do, some don’t, fishing shorts with UPF rating between 40-50+ are effective against harmful sun rays. The shorts mentioned in this article provide a UPF ratings of 40-50+ however, UPF ratings vary and depend on your chosen product.