Choosing the right fishing gloves can significantly impact your comfort and effectiveness on the water. Whether you're battling the elements in frigid temperatures or enjoying a sunny summer day, having the appropriate hand protection is crucial. This review explores several popular options, comparing their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed decision. We'll examine different glove types, considering factors such as warmth, dexterity, durability, and water resistance, to guide you towards the perfect pair for your fishing style and climate.From Cabela's convertible mittens ideal for cold weather blackfishing, to neoprene gloves suited for surf casting in chilly conditions, and comfortable summer fingerless options, we cover a range of choices. Our detailed comparison also includes the highly-rated Maxiflex Ultimate 3487 gloves, known for their exceptional dexterity and durability. This review will help you navigate the world of fishing gloves, ultimately leading you to the best fit for your fishing adventures.
Read more: Unpunctureable: Top 5 Fishing Gloves for Ultimate Protection
Cabela's Convertible Mitten Gloves
For colder weather fishing, especially when blackfishing or baiting, I often use Cabela's convertible mitten gloves. These offer a good balance of warmth and dexterity. The fleece lining provides insulation, while the mitten conversion allows for quick access to your fingers for tasks like tying knots. Although I typically wear a large, the extra-large fits me perfectly.
The grip on the palms is quite good, making it easier to handle wet lines and fish. The mitten feature is especially helpful during windy or extremely cold conditions. While they are not the most flexible gloves, they're a solid choice for protection and warmth.
It's important to note that they are not waterproof. This is a compromise between warmth and dexterity; full waterproof gloves tend to be less flexible.
Neoprene Gloves for Surf Casting
For surf casting, particularly in the colder months (like November), I prefer a pair of neoprene gloves. These offer sufficient protection against the chilly water and wind. Although I found these adequate even in relatively mild conditions, they become truly essential once temperatures dip to around 40-35 degrees Fahrenheit.
One drawback is that neoprene gloves aren't waterproof, though the water that does get inside will warm up from body heat. They are quite bulky, making tying intricate knots challenging. However, they provide excellent padding, especially beneficial if you're working on rocky areas like jetties.
Despite the bulk, these gloves give good protection and grip, and the material seems durable enough to resist wear and tear on the palms.
Cabela's Fingerless Summer Gloves
For warmer weather fishing, I highly recommend Cabela's fingerless gloves. They're incredibly comfortable and ideal for summer use. However, they aren't exceptionally durable; I've had to have the seams repaired a couple of times.
These gloves are priced affordably, around $15-$20. While comfortable, their durability is a concern. A major downside is that they absorb fish slime easily, resulting in a lingering odor if not properly cleaned after use.
It is vital to rinse these gloves thoroughly after use to prevent unpleasant smells lingering in your car or gear.
Maxiflex Ultimate 3487 Fishing Gloves
My absolute favorite all-around fishing gloves are the Maxiflex Ultimate 3487. These gloves are seamless, exceptionally comfortable, and offer amazing dexterity. The material feels slightly like sandpaper but isn't abrasive and provides great grip.
Priced around $5 each individually but much cheaper in bulk, the Maxiflex gloves are a worthwhile investment. The material is highly durable and provides excellent abrasion resistance, protecting against rocks, jetties, and even sand.
I've recommended these to several friends, and they all love them. The dexterity is outstanding – you can easily tie knots and handle fish without removing them. The grip is superb, and they don't let sand penetrate.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Fishing Gloves
This review showcases a variety of fishing gloves, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The Cabela's convertible mittens provide warmth but lack waterproofness. The neoprene gloves offer good cold weather protection but are bulky. Cabela's summer gloves are comfortable but require care due to their low durability.
The Maxiflex Ultimate 3487 gloves, however, stand out as a top choice due to their comfort, dexterity, durability, and superior grip, especially in sandy conditions. While not waterproof, their breathability and grip make them versatile for various situations.
Ultimately, the best fishing gloves depend on individual needs and preferences, including the weather conditions and preferred fishing style. Consider the tradeoffs between warmth, dexterity, and waterproofness when making your choice.