Best Fishing Gloves: 5 Picks for Sun and Cold
Fishing gloves protect the backs of your hands from sun, your palms from line cuts and paddle blisters, and your...
By James
Updated November 10, 2026
Fishing gloves protect the backs of your hands from sun, your palms from line cuts and paddle blisters, and your fingers from cold. Most fishing gloves are fingerless so you can still tie knots, rig baits, and feel the line. Sun gloves are light and stretchy; cold-weather gloves add fleece or neoprene.
This guide compares five fishing gloves from Simms, Glacier Glove, Columbia, and Palmyth: four sun gloves and one cold-weather glove. We compared each maker’s published UPF rating, materials, palm reinforcement, and fit. For more sun protection, see our fishing shirts guide and the fishing apparel section.
Our Top Picks
| Best for | Product | FH Score About FH ScoreThe FH Score is our editorial rating from 0 to 10, based on published specs, materials, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings and is never influenced by commissions. Learn more › | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall sun glove |
Simms SolarFlex SunGlove
|
8.1/10 | Check Price |
| Best for line protection |
Glacier Glove Islamorada Sun Glove
|
8.1/10 | Check Price |
| Best value |
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Fishing Glove
|
7.5/10 | Check Price |
| Best budget |
Palmyth UPF 50+ Fingerless Fishing Gloves
|
7.3/10 | Check Price |
| Best for cold weather |
Glacier Glove Alaska River Fingerless Glove
|
7.4/10 | Check Price |
The Picks in Detail
Simms SolarFlex SunGlove
Why it made the list: The SolarFlex SunGlove combines UPF 50+ fabric with details for anglers: an open palm for rod feel, longer index and middle fingers with a double-layer stripping guard that resists line burn, and extended button cuffs that cover your wrist. The palm, fingers, and back are reinforced, and the fabric wicks and dries quickly.
Key specs: fingerless; UPF 50+; open palm; half-finger fourchettes; extended index and middle fingers with stripping guard; extended button cuffs; reinforced palm, fingers, and back; moisture wicking; sizes S to XL.
Skip it if: you want full palm padding for paddling. The Palmyth has a full synthetic leather palm.
Pros
- Stripping guard for fly and casting anglers
- Covers wrists
- Durable reinforcements
Cons
- Costs more than the others
- Open palm leaves part of the palm exposed
Glacier Glove Islamorada Sun Glove
Why it made the list: The Islamorada is Glacier Glove’s most popular sun glove. Its partial synthetic leather palm protects against line cuts and abrasion, and the four-way stretch fabric is rated UPF 50+, which Glacier Glove says was verified independently. It covers both hands and wrists.
Key specs: 85% Lycra, 15% synthetic leather; UPF 50+; partial synthetic leather palm; four-way stretch; quick drying; fingerless; hand wash.
Skip it if: you strip fly line all day. The Simms has finger guards.
Pros
- Leather palm resists line cuts
- Stretchy, comfortable fit
- Wrist coverage
Cons
- Hand wash only
- No stripping guard on fingers
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Fishing Glove
Why it made the list: Columbia’s fishing glove uses Omni-Shade sun protection, which Columbia says carries the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, and Omni-Wick fabric that dries fast. A silicone palm grip helps hold a wet rod, and elastic wrists keep it snug.
Key specs: 100% polyester; Omni-Shade sun protection; Omni-Wick moisture management; fingerless; silicone palm grip; elastic wrists; hand wash.
Skip it if: you handle toothy fish or heavy line often. A reinforced palm protects better.
Pros
- Good value from a major brand
- Grippy palm
- Quick drying
Cons
- UPF number not stated on the listing
- No leather palm reinforcement
Palmyth UPF 50+ Fingerless Fishing Gloves
Why it made the list: Palmyth’s gloves give UPF 50+ protection and a full synthetic leather palm with grip dots at a low price. They have short fingers and wrists for a light feel, an adjustable hook-and-loop strap, fingertip pull tabs for removing wet gloves, and they are machine washable. The padded palm also suits kayakers.
Key specs: half-finger design; UPF 50+; full synthetic leather palm with grip dots; adjustable hook-and-loop wrist strap; fingertip pull tabs; quick drying; machine washable.
Skip it if: you want wrist coverage. The Simms and Glacier Glove extend farther.
Pros
- Low cost
- Padded palm for paddling
- Machine washable
Cons
- Shorter wrist leaves skin exposed
- Lesser-known brand
Glacier Glove Alaska River Fingerless Glove
Why it made the list: For early spring, late fall, and steelhead season, the Alaska River combines windproof fleece with a 2 mm sharkskin-textured neoprene palm that grips when wet. The fingerless design keeps your fingertips free for knots and reels, and a hook-and-loop strap secures the fit.
Key specs: windproof fleece back; 2 mm neoprene palm with textured grip; fingerless; hook-and-loop wrist strap.
Skip it if: you ice fish in subzero cold. Choose insulated mittens or flip-top gloves.
Pros
- Warm and wind resistant
- Grippy palm when wet
- Free fingertips
Cons
- Fingertips get cold in severe weather
- Too warm for summer
Fishing Gloves Compared
| Glove | Season | UPF | Palm | Wrist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simms SolarFlex SunGlove | Warm | 50+ | Open, reinforced | Extended button cuff |
| Glacier Glove Islamorada | Warm | 50+ | Partial synthetic leather | Covers wrist |
| Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle | Warm | Not stated | Silicone grip | Elastic |
| Palmyth | Warm | 50+ | Full synthetic leather | Short, strap |
| Glacier Glove Alaska River | Cold | Not stated | 2 mm neoprene | Strap |
How We Picked
We did not wear these gloves for this guide. We researched each one and compared the specifications published by the makers. UPF ratings are the makers’ figures. Our criteria:
- Protection: UPF rating, palm reinforcement, and warmth.
- Dexterity for knots and rigging.
- Grip when wet.
- Fit and care.
- Value.
The FH Score in each product box is our editorial rating, built from five weighted criteria: performance for the job, build quality, versatility, warranty and value. It is not based on Amazon ratings. See how it works on our How We Review page.
How to Choose Fishing Gloves
Sun gloves vs. cold-weather gloves
Sun gloves are light, stretchy, and UPF rated. Cold-weather gloves use fleece, neoprene, or insulation and trade some dexterity for warmth.
Fingerless or full finger
Fingerless gloves keep dexterity for knots and small hooks. Full-finger and flip-top designs are warmer for winter.
Palm
Synthetic leather resists line cuts and paddle wear. Silicone grip helps hold wet rods.
Fit
Gloves should be snug but not tight. Check the maker’s size chart.
Related Guides
See more in our Fishing Gloves section.
FAQ
Why do anglers wear sun gloves?
The backs of the hands get a lot of direct and reflected sun on the water. Sun gloves cover them without sunscreen rubbing off.
Can I fish with gloves on?
Yes. Fingerless gloves keep enough feel for most fishing.
How do I wash fishing gloves?
Follow the label. Some are machine washable; others are hand wash only. Rinse off salt and fish slime after each trip.
Final Thoughts
The Simms SolarFlex SunGlove is our top pick for its UPF 50+ fabric, stripping guards, and wrist coverage. Choose the Glacier Glove Islamorada for line protection, the Columbia glove for value, the Palmyth on a budget or for paddling, and the Glacier Glove Alaska River for cold weather.
About the author
James writes reviews and buying guides for Fishing Hacking, covering rods, reels, line, lures, and the gear anglers rely on. His work focuses on clear criteria, balanced pros and cons, and practical advice to help readers choose equipment that fits how and where they fish.