Fishing gloves are an excellent tool to have in your arsenal, and they have so many benefits associated with them.
They’re cost-effective for one, and they can protect your hands as well as the fish.
The fish have a protective slime coat on their bodies, and handling them barehanded can remove it. Using wet gloves will keep the slime coat intact if you plan to catch and release your fish. This is healthier for the fish overall.
Another benefit is the gloves shield your hands from sun damage. When you’re out fishing and get your hands wet, they can burn much quicker than other parts of your body. Once they burn, it’ll be uncomfortable to fish for the rest of the day. They’ll also get worse with more sun exposure if you don’t have gloves.
If you fish in an area with extreme temperature swings from hot to freezing, the gloves will help to regulate your hand temperature. Additionally, they will get wet instead of your skin, and this can help prevent frostbite. The gloves also form a wind barrier that will let you keep fishing in colder temperatures for longer periods.
Different Material Types
A fishing glove has several material variations to it, and you’ll want to try out a few to see which one suits you. Each of the following categories is relatively cost-effective, and this lets you purchase different types and experiment.
- Rubber – Rubber gloves are usually thicker and more difficult to maneuver in. They may have a rubber backing with a cloth front to help you grip the fish when you pull it out of the water.
- Latex – Latex gloves are a thinner material that molds to your skin. However, the material won’t breathe very well, and these types of gloves can get hot after a few minutes.
- Mesh – If you buy this glove, you’ll get a metal mesh over fabric. The mesh prevents any cuts or tears while allowing the fabric to breathe. They’re not as wind-proof as other types, but they work well.
- Fabric – Fabric gloves use heavy-duty material that is hard to cut through. There is usually a rubber grip material on the palms and finger to help you hold the fish.
- Neoprene – Neoprene is a dense fabric that is waterproof, windproof, and has excellent temperature control. They usually mold to your fingers to make maneuvering easy.
- Leather – Simple leather gloves will shield your hands from the sun, but they’re not waterproof. Leather is very durable, and it can be difficult to cut through it.
Best Gloves for Fly Fishing – Glacier Outdoor Sunglove
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These gloves stretch and conform to your hand for a comfortable and durable fit. They’re fingerless to give you an excellent range of motion, and they’ll protect your hands up to 50 SPF. You’ll get the choice of three sizes. Each glove is lightweight and very breathable.
Pros
- Fabric is very stretchy
- Has SPF 50+ protection
- Molds to your hand for excellent ease of movement
Cons
- Sizes run large to fit
- Lettering tends to peel off after a few uses
Best Winter Gloves for Fishing – Heated Glove Liners
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The outside of these gloves features a thin neoprene fabric, and the inside layers are a thicker fleece for warmth. The wrist has a velcro closure that allows you to adjust it for a great fit. The gloves will heat for four to six hours on a single charge.
Pros
- Velcro secures the gloves for a tight fit
- Comes with a full year warranty
- Has three heat settings
Cons
- Liners have no stretch to them
- Finger length may be too short
The 10 Best Fishing Gloves – Reviews
1. Berkley Coated Fishing Glove
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These gloves come in two different colors with a textured grip. The back of the fabric is a mix of neoprene that stretches to get a tight fit. There is a coating on the gloves to help seal out water, and the cuffs rise slightly higher on the gloves to secure them in place.
Pros
- Has a textured grip on the fingers
- Comes in two different color combinations
- Has a higher cuff
Cons
- Not resistant to cuts or nicks
- Has a lack of size options
2. Rapala Marine Fisherman Gloves
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You can use this gloves in freshwater and saltwater fishing applications without fear of them breaking down. There is a durable latex coating on the fingers and palms to help you hold onto your fish. These gloves will float if they accidentally fall into the water.
Pros
- Floats in the water
- Comes in two sizes
- Has a latex coating to help you grip
Cons
- Not available in medium or small sizes
- Doesn’t have a waterproof layer
3. Ice Sea Neoprene Anti-Slip (Military Green Version)
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These green gloves are waterproof and windproof. You’ll get a non-slip silicone fabric on the palm, and you can flip back several fingers without taking the whole glove off. There is an adjustable strap on the wrist to help you get a tight and secure fit.
Pros
- Elastic cuffs hold the gloves on
- Waterproof and windproof fabric
- Has non-slip silicone
Cons
- Size runs small to fit
- Doesn’t work well in colder temperatures
4. Ice Sea Neoprene Anti Slip (Camo Version)
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These anti-slip gloves have an eye-catching camouflage design with a breathable and durable waterproof neoprene fabric. The thumb, middle, and index fingers snap back to stay out of your way. The adjustable wrist strap ensures these gloves will stay on your hand when you’re trying to hold your fish.
Pros
- Three finger coverings snap back
- Has an eye-catching camouflage design
- Very lightweight and breathable
Cons
- Finger holes can accidentally open
- Threading by the seams isn’t durable
5. Magreel UV Protection Fishing Gloves
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The breathable poly-spandex fabric makes these gloves comfortable to wear for extended periods. They’re available in five color combinations and two sizes. They’ll protect your hands from the sun, and palms come reinforced for added durability while improving your grip.
Pros
- Four-way stretch makes it easy to remove them
- Has a reinforced palm area with a textured grip
- Gloves are machine washable
Cons
- Fabric doesn’t have a waterproof or windproof design
- Wrist area runs slightly narrow for the fit
6. Glacier Ice Bay Fishing Gloves
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These dark gloves come in six different sizes ranging from extra small to two xx. They are 100% waterproof, and the gloves feature a fleece lining to keep your hands warm. You’ll get blind stitching and gluing with a sharkskin texture to make these a durable and lasting option.
Pros
- Works very well in all weather conditions
- Has a unique sharkskin texture
- Uses a waterproof neoprene with fleece
Cons
- May not be warm enough for ice fishing
- Are slightly heavier and bulkier
7. Glacier Glove Abaco Bay Sun Glove
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You’ll get a four-way stretch material with these gloves that ensure they conform to your hands while giving you great range of motion. The bright pattern makes them easy to see in all lighting. The gloves will protect your hands from the sun, and they also utilize a quick-drying fabric.
Pros
- Has a bold pattern
- Four-way stretch fabric conforms to your hand
- Quick-drying fabric keeps you comfortable
Cons
- May tear around the fingers
- Can stretch out too much
8. Lindy Fish Handling Glove
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You’ll get the choice of a left or right-handed glove in three sizes with this option, and the gloves have a bright yellow coloring that makes them easy to see. There is a secure velcro wrist strap that ensures these gloves stay on your hand, and there is a non-slip fabric on the fingers.
Pros
- Has a bright yellow and black color scheme
- Fits securely to your fingers
- Velcro holds the gloves in place
Cons
- Has a problem with getting the correct fit
- Slightly more expensive for a single glove
9. Waterproof Winter Gloves
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You’ll get cotton and polyester materials combined with a non-slip coating and a breathable glove insert with this product. They’re great for cold weather fishing, and the thumb and index fingers open to help secure your grip. There are five sizes, and adjustable wrist strap, and three colors to choose from.
Pros
- Works well in colder temperatures
- Has a durable glove insert
- Has a money-back guarantee attached to it
Cons
- Magnets in the fingertips can get in the way
- Seams get too tight when you fold the fingers back
10. WaterProof IH Fishing Glove
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There is a water repellent finish on these gloves, and they use a durable neoprene fabric. They’re unisex, and the gloves come in two size options. The finger caps are reinforced and overlap when you close them to keep your fingers warm. These gloves fit tighter to your hand to allow you to maneuver your fingers.
Pros
- Features a unisex design
- Has a water repellent finish
- Finger caps overlap to lock wind out
Cons
- Doesn’t have several size options
- Not cut-proof