Fishing hats - shopping tips
Fishing hats are usually variations of popular styles, such as the
baseball cap, the visor, or the “up-downer.” Any sporting goods store
is likely to have a good selection of them, although they may not all
be found in the angling section of the shop. Sometimes the hunting
aisles will end up carrying your future favorite fishing hats. Of
course, the sporting goods store near you isn’t always the best
option. You may find a new hat you really want online, or in a
magazine.
The
four main types of fishing hats are the bahama, the sun visor, the
baseball cap, and the booney. Each of these serves a specific purpose
when angling. A sporting goods store that specializes in angling
supplies is likely to stock bahamas. This is a lightweight hat that
provides shelter from the sun in front as well as in back (see picture
below). It is often decorated with various brightly colored lures.
From a practical standpoint, you can’t go wrong with this one.
I’d venture an educated guess that the baseball cap is
the most worn of all fishing hats. Down here in the South, that’s
definitely what you see donning the heads of more anglers than
anything else. I suspect part of the reason is convenience, as many
people have caps to promote their favorite sports teams, and they get
used to wearing them. And, of course, you can find them at places
other than a sporting goods store, so they’re readily available.
The sun visor is a popular option in fishing hats among
women. It can be worn out on the boat to keep the wind from messing up
the hairdo and to keep the rays at bay; and then removed for the party
later, without causing too much havoc. No “hat head” to contend with!
Check at the sporting goods store near you. Also, any golf or tennis
shop and most Wal Marts will stock plenty of choices.
Finally, there are booney fishing
hats (see picture below). I refer to these as the “Gilligan” hat,
after the famous TV show character. These are actually a good choice,
as they are floppy and often are made of materials infused with UV
protection. You can find them all over, including the local sporting
goods store, Wal Mart, and bait & tackle shops.
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