Learn about why a good fly fishing hat is a must have.
Reasons to Have a Fly Fishing Hat
A good fly fishing hat seems to be a rather simple item to remember when you are leaving for a fishing trip but it really is a very important part of your fly fishing supplies.
There are several good reasons to bring a good fly fishing hat.
• It provides protection from the sun. If you have ever had one of those fun visits to the dermatologist where he/she burns off a piece of skin, you know what I mean. Skin cancer can be serious stuff.
• It provides good protection from the rain. A good one will keep the rain off your face and keep the rain from running down the back of your neck. Somehow I just cannot get used to a hood. Here in western Oregon rain is the standard weather pattern.
• A good hat combined with polarized sunglasses can shade your eyes so you can spot the fish.
• They provide protection from that fly that connects with the back of your head during a sloppy cast. I know that has never happened to you, but it can happen, believe me.
What to Look For in A Fishing Hat
It needs to have a nice brim. Not too big and it needs to have a stiff brim. Something like an original Boonie hat. Don’t buy an imitation. You can still get a military-quality Boonie hat. The rims don’t droop like the imitations.
It also needs to travel well. At some point you will end up rolling it up and shoving it in your vest or backpack.
It should also have a chinstrap so you don’t lose it in the wind.
Forget about the baseball hat. It provides protection for only about 1 / 4 of your head. I know they come with logos of every possible fly fishing company and all kinds of neat fish images, but you can wear those around town and when you go to the sportsman show. When you are on the water and in the sun, protect yourself.
Basically any wide-brimmed hat that has a chinstrap will work. The chinstrap is optional of course depending on the wind conditions expected.
How to Condition Your Fly Fishing Hat
If you are new to fly fishing and would like to look a little more seasoned you can always leave your hat out in the rain and/or sun for a while. After a few weeks take it out and run over it a few times with the car.
OK, now you are all ready to go!
But wait; don’t forget to work on your casting skills first.
Fly Casting GuideSummary
Forget about your baseball cap, get a good fly fishing hat.
Get one with a good brim, waterproof if you are expecting rain, and a chinstrap.
Forget about how you may look in it. Other fly fishers will appreciate it and non-fishers won’t get it anyway.