A Tackle Shop Guide to Fishing Gloves
A pair of fishing gloves is a surprisingly technical piece of gear. The right pair for casting in the surf is a completely different item from one you'd use for handling fish. This guide will break down the different styles of gloves and the specific, real-world problems they are designed to solve.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"Having been in the tackle business for over 20 years, I’ve had thousands of customers come and go, and some regulars I’ve gotten to know have shared their stories about getting skin cancers or spots cut out of them. I think we all get a little lazy sometimes, but it is important to protect yourself the best way you can. On a super hot and high-UV index day, it’s our range of sun gloves that I suggest.
On another personal note, I can’t recall the amount of times I’ve gotten a little lazy and ended up being spiked by a flathead. And every time I get done, I regret not wearing my fishing gloves. It’s a reminder that keeps me wearing my protective apparel for my hands."
- Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop
A Guide to Fishing Glove Types
Your first step is to match the glove to your main fishing style. Each design has a very specific purpose.
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UPF Sun Gloves (Fingerless): These are the most popular style for all-day anglers. They are not for warmth; they are for sun protection. Made from lightweight, quick-drying UPF50+ material, they stop the backs of your hands from getting burnt without causing you to overheat, and the fingerless design gives you the "feel" you need for tying knots.
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Fish Handling / Filleting Gloves: These are for safety and grip. They are typically made from a cut-resistant material (like Kevlar) or have a thick, non-slip textured coating. They give you a secure grip on a slimy fish and, more importantly, provide a vital layer of protection from sharp teeth, spines, and stray hook points.
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Casting & Cold Weather Gloves: These are for specific techniques. A single-finger casting glove (or 'casting stall') is a must-have for surf anglers using heavy sinkers, as it protects your index finger from deep braid cuts during a powerful cast. Full-finger neoprene gloves are for cold-weather fishing, keeping your hands warm and functional in winter.
Pro-Tips for Your Fishing Gloves
- Check Your Grip: For boat anglers, a non-slip palm is crucial for a secure grip on a wet rod or reel. For kayak anglers, look for a model with reinforced panels in high-wear areas, as you'll be gripping a paddle all day.
- The "Rinse & Dry" Rule: After every single trip in saltwater, give your gloves a thorough rinse with fresh water. Salt will degrade the materials over time. Always let them dry completely in a shaded, ventilated area, as direct sun can make some materials brittle.
- Match the Fit to the Job: For a sun glove, a snug fit is best. For a fish-handling or filleting glove, a slightly looser fit can make them much easier to take on and off when your hands are wet and slimy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a UPF 50+ sun glove? Can't I just wear a normal glove?
A normal glove, like a garden or work glove, is not designed for fishing. It will get waterlogged, heavy, and hot, and it won't dry out. A dedicated UPF 50+ sun glove is made from lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable material that is comfortable to wear all day and provides a certified level of sun protection for the harsh Australian environment.
What is the best glove for handling fish like tailor and flathead?
For safety, you need a dedicated fish-handling glove. Look for a pair that is either "cut-resistant" (often made with Kevlar fibres) or has a thick, textured rubber coating. Both of these styles are designed to protect your hands from the sharp teeth of a tailor or the dangerous gill rakers and spines of a flathead, giving you a confident and secure grip.
How do I stop my fishing gloves from smelling?
The smell is caused by bacteria and mildew growing in the damp, fish-slimed material. The best way to prevent it is to give your gloves a thorough rinse with fresh water as soon as you get home. Don't leave them balled up in your tackle bag. Let them dry completely in a well-ventilated, shaded spot (not in direct sun) before storing them.
