At some point in the fishing season, whether it’s too buggy at the beach or there’s an early-morning chill on the boat, you’ve probably thought to yourself, “I wish I had worn pants today”. Sure, it gets hot during the late spring and summer months in the northeast, but there are times where we need to forego the swim trunks or gym shorts and instead, opt for a pair of performance-style fishing pants. Whether your ideal pair is lightweight and breathable or quick-drying and moisture-wicking, they need to be comfortable enough to wear while you’re actively fishing. That’s why we compiled this list of durable, technical and comfort-built fishing pants for 2024.
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Designed for the shallow wet-wading fisherman, these durable, lightweight pants are constructed from a micro-ripstop and nylon/spandex blend that provides four-way stretch for ultimate range of motion and comfort in any conditions. These durable water repellent (DWR) materials are quick-drying for comfort when bouncing between spots, and a snap-bottom hem cinches around the ankle to keep the pant legs from riding up in swift currents. Two front hand pockets and a rear zippered pocket are mesh-lined for drainage for safe keeping of personal items, while the right thigh pocket, which also features water drainage, is fit for pliers or other fishing accessories.
Best Use: Wading the Northeast’s trout streams.
Unlike other fishing pants, these lightweight bottoms have a drawcord adjustable waist, hem, and ankle cuffs, so you can customize the fit to your liking. They’re constructed with 91% polyester and 9% elastane for maximum comfort and mobility, and Columbia’s Omni-Shade and Omni-Shield technologies provide UPF 50 sun protection and stain and moisture repellency. Additionally, two convenient hand pockets keep fishing tools like line nippers accessible for use on the fly, while the zippered back pocket provides safe keeping for a wallet, cell phone or fishing license.
Best Use: Lounging on the boat between tuna bites.
Composed of 96% nylon and 4% elastane, these fashion-forward stretch pants are both durable and functional for fishermen of all walks. The water-repellent, UPF 50-rated fabric’s two-way stretch technology and internal drawcord create an adjustable fit on and around the waist, while 2 hand pockets, 2 back pockets and an invisible thigh pocket and pliers pocket provide ample storage for personal belongings and technical fishing gear.
Best Use: Shallow-water wet wading on rocky beaches.
Designed for those glass-calm, windless days on the water, when nuisance no-see-ums run rampant, these extra-comfortable bottoms keep insects off and away so you can keep fishing through it all. The moisture-wicking joggers are made with a recycled polyester that is quick-drying and stretch-woven for a light and airy fit. They feature a wide knit waistband with a drawcord for adjustable comfort, a flexible knit ankle cuff to stave off pesky bugs, and a hidden, mesh-lined and zippered thigh pocket (along with two hand pockets) for storing on-the-water essentials like sunscreen (or bug spray).
Best Use: Still, windless mornings (or nights) spent fishing on the beach.
Made from Pelagic’s proprietary featherweight fabric consisting of nylon and elastane, the Traverse Stretch Pants feature the same durability and water & stain repellency of the classic Traverse shorts, only with optimal sun coverage. The two-way stretch fabric provides exceptional comfort and mobility without sacrificing resilience to tears and punctures. Two hand pockets and dual utility pockets on the thighs provide ample storage for personal belongings and fishing accessories like pliers or spare shades.
Best Use: When launching poppers into a tuna feed under blue skies.
The nylon and spandex construction of these fishing pants turned cargo shorts make them flexible, lightweight and water-resistant. In addition to the optional zip-off bottoms, the relaxed fit is ideal for any angler going from cool and calm morning conditions to hot and sunny afternoons on the bank or on the boat. The zip-off bottoms feature a cuffed ankle for maximum sun coverage, and the spacious cargo pockets provide ample storage for on-the-water necessities from sunglasses and cell phone to a neck gaiter and pliers.
Best Use: When a cool offshore morning turns into a hot, sunny and still afternoon.
Constructed from a soft-to-the-touch midweight nylon-cotton woven fabric, these pants are designed for anglers who test the limits of their gear. A durable water repellent (DWR) coating repels liquids and stains from fish slime and blood, while tough overlays in the knee and lower back leg provide exceptional abrasion resistance, and triple needle stitching generates reinforcement in areas of high wear. Additionally, two front hand pockets and two rear pockets create more than enough storage for valuables and fishing accessories.
Best Use: On the boat, during a bottom-fishing beatdown.
Look no further for a moisture-wicking, quick-drying fishing pant packed with utility features. In addition to UPF 50+ sun protection, these pants are highlighted by the articulated knee panels which improve mobility, and a lightweight micro drawcord on the hem for a snug fit in wet-wading applications. The back right zip pocket has water drainage to keep valuables secure and dry, while the right thigh pocket is fitted for pliers, and the reinforced belt loops are ideal for a utility wading belt for holstering extra tools like fish grippers or a blunt-tip rescue knife.
Best Use: Wet wading or kayaking the salt marshes.
