Florida has plenty of fish to offer those who are ready to head out on the open ocean. From bass to catfish to tilapia and more – the opportunities are endless. But if this is your first time out on a fishing boat, there are a few things you need to do to prepare – and I’m sure you have questions.

One of the first places to start is with your fishing apparel. Whether you’re a woman who has been out on a boat all your life or this is your first go, it’s important to know what to wear.

It’s important to wear it with style.

There are a number of fishing apparel essentials from hats to long pants to handwear and more. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Let’s dive into the best fishing apparel to rock that next Instagram photo.

The Best Fishing Apparel for Women with Style

1. Roomy Shirts

When out on a boat, in the middle of the ocean or even in the middle of the lake, you need to prepare for all types of weather. You also need to be ready to handle whatever it is your catch will throw at you.

This means that you need to wear clothing that is breathable and roomy without being too big to get in the way of your fishing.

You can layer with long sleeves, but try to keep your bottom layers roomy and short-sleeved. This will ensure you don’t overheat while under the sun for long hours.

A roomy, yet fitted shirt will also help to keep your shape intact, making it the perfect choice for pictures that show your more adventurous side – just add a fish!

2. Protective Pants & Shorts

The next thing you’ll need to pack is bottoms. Here, you don’t want to get too fancy or try too hard. It’s more about protection here – from the sun, from the water and from any bait that gets thrown about.

Opt for long pants or shorts to cover all of your thighs. Make sure the fabric is thin and breathable and don’t go for anything too tight – this will restrict you more than you will like.

Shorts are a bit better for the warmer months – unless you’re going deep-sea fishing, in which case you should always wear long pants to be safe.

3. Close-Toed Shoes

When it comes to footwear, practical is always better. Ensure that the shoes you’re wearing have a good grip, are close-toed and dry easily as they will definitely get wet.

You don’t want to ruin a good pair of shoes or a new pair of sneakers on a fishing trip. You can be sure that by the end of the day, those shoes aren’t ever going to want to see the light of day again.

4. Tall Socks

It might sound difficult to look stylish in long socks, but they are a necessity when sailing out on a fishing trip. Especially if you opt for shorts, long socks will help to protect your skin from the sun and the sea.

You can dress up this look with a funky sock or bright-colored garment to really stand out. But as long as you’re wearing them, you’re good to go.

5. Shady Hat

This is where you can have a bit of fun.

As fishing dictates, you’ll be out under the sun for hours at a time. And that can do a lot of damage to your sensitive scalp which doesn’t have the luxury of being protected from sunscreen.

To combat this, it’s important to wear a hat to protect your head and your eyes from the harsh rays.

A floppy sun hat is a great style statement – just make sure you can firmly secure it on your head so it doesn’t blow away when a strong breeze blows by!

6. Nylons & Fleece

This recommendation is extremely important in general.

When choosing the right fishing apparel for your trip, stay away from heavy, unforgiving fabrics like cotton. These can very easily weigh you down and get in the way of the fast-paced sport.

It also gets wet easily and stays wet, making for an uncomfortable trip after a particularly nasty wave or fight with a fish that ends in splashes.

Instead, go with nylons or synthetic fabrics. These are lighter, easier to move in and dry relatively quickly. With these fabrics, you won’t be miserable when you inevitably get wet, hot or sweaty.

Similarly, if you’re looking to add layers and bring a sweater for the colder morning and evening hours, opt for fleece. This is a lighter fabric that also dries easily.

From the tops you wear to your bottoms and the layers you add in, just make sure you follow this general fabric rule and you will not only look good but feel great.

Fishing Apparel that Makes a Statement

It’s not hard to look good on a fishing trip. But it’s important that you’re also taking practicality and safety into consideration when choosing your fishing attire.

Bring light layers, cover your skin and keep the sun away from sensitive areas.

Use light, breathable and easy-to-dry fabrics because you will get wet and there are few things as worse as sitting around in cold, wet clothes all day.

But once you’ve found your outfits, you’ll be ready to hit the open water!

Here are some more tips for what to wear when fishing!