There are a lot of fishing accessories for consumers to consider, but none are as important, and unfortunately as overlooked, as fishing gloves. Many anglers focus on getting the right fishing lures or the best fishing rods, but fishing gloves are equally as important. These gloves are designed to protect the hands against outdoor elements but they can also enhance grip and prevent injuries from occurring.
Keep reading to learn more about the importance of fishing gloves and discover how to select the best options for your buyers in the year ahead.
Table of Contents
What makes fishing gloves stand out?
Global market value of fishing equipment
Examples of popular fishing gloves
Conclusion
What makes fishing gloves stand out?
Unlike other types of outdoor gloves, fishing gloves are designed to meet the needs of anglers. This includes features such as enhanced grip, protection from cuts that can occur from hooks and fish fins, and water resistance. They’re not designed to be bulky so anglers can easily wear them while tying knots and doing other things, and they offer UV protection as well as insulation in colder temperatures. Different levels of insulation are available in fishing gloves depending on the needs of the angler and the conditions they’ll be fishing in.
Global market value of fishing equipment
There are many pieces of fishing equipment that are important to have during fishing expeditions. Regardless of how skilled the angler is, having the right equipment can make or break the success of the outing. In recent years, the fishing equipment market has seen a significant rise in the number of people taking up fishing for recreational purposes, especially for catch-and-release fishing.
Companies are always looking for new ways to be more sustainable as well. The materials in certain pieces of equipment have changed in order to appeal more to the eco-conscious consumer. For example, fishing nets are being made with more durable materials to help reduce the amount of pollution in the waters.
In 2024 the global market value of fishing equipment reached USD 24.7 billion, and that number is still growing. Between 2024 and 2028 the market is expecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of at least 6.15%. China is currently leading the way with revenue generated, but other countries such as the US and surprisingly Switzerland are also generating a high number of sales.
Examples of popular fishing gloves
Anglers now have the option of several types of fishing gloves to choose from, and each one has its own features that will appeal to specific fishing conditions and personal preferences. All of the gloves should provide adequate protection against both the elements and injuries, as well as some degree of water resistance since they’ll be used in wet conditions.
According to Google Ads, “fishing gloves” receives an average monthly search volume of 14,800. Over 30% of these searches occur between June and August, with an additional 20% of searches coming in December and January. This shows the peak purchasing times for using fishing gloves are in the summer as well as in the peak of winter when ice fishing is quite popular and pairs of gloves are required.
Google Ads also shows that the most popular types of fishing gloves are “sun protection gloves” with 5400 monthly searches followed by “fingerless fishing gloves” with 880 searches and “full finger fishing gloves” with 590 searches. Keep reading to learn more about the key features of each one.
Sun protection gloves
One of the most popular types of fishing gloves for anglers are sun protection gloves. The main function of these gloves is to protect the hands from UV rays at times when the angler is spending a lot of time on the water. They’re made from lightweight materials such as synthetic fabrics or polyester which offer different UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings.
Sun protection fishing gloves are often fingerless to help anglers maintain dexterity while using other fishing gear. The gloves should include non-slip materials such as rubber or silicone on the palms and fingers to ensure a secure grip, even when water hits the gloves. Although they’re mainly used in sunny weather conditions, quick-drying features help make them more versatile and appeal more to consumers.
These fishing gloves aren’t known for being waterproof and mainly focus on comfort as well as UV protection. They’re known for being very affordable too, making them a popular choice for anglers of all skill levels. Buyers particularly like the new colors that are available with these gloves.
Fingerless fishing gloves
For most anglers, fingerless fishing gloves are the best option. These high-performance fishing gloves are designed with dexterity and protection in mind, making them ideal for different fishing conditions. They’re made from durable materials such as synthetic leather or neoprene which provide additional comfort. The design means that anglers are able to perform tasks such as tying knots, ropes, or baiting hooks with precision, without sacrificing protection.
The more high quality fingerless gloves will feature enhanced grip along the palms and fingers which also helps to reduce wear and tear over time. Fingerless fishing gloves are predominantly used in warm weather conditions when full finger gloves aren’t needed. They’ll have water resistant properties but they aren’t usually fully waterproof.
Although they’re slightly more expensive than sun protection fishing gloves, their versatility and comfort makes them stand out and ranks them among the top choices for anglers. Buyers may see an additional cost based on the brand and materials used, but their meticulous ergonomic design and incredibly effective non-slip grip are big bonuses.
Full finger fishing gloves
The third most popular type of gloves in the fishing industry are the full finger gloves. These gloves are designed to have complete coverage, guarantee protection, and provide total warmth. This makes them the perfect choice for cold weather climates and wet wading in cold water.
They’re typically made from materials such as Gore-Text or neoprene which are able to provide insulation, durability, and water resistance. The preferred choice of material is neoprene since it has favorable thermal properties and can keep the hands very warm in cold water. However, Gore-Tex offers breathability and waterproof properties which are sometimes preferred.
Regardless of the materials, full finger fishing gloves are meant to fully cover both hands and protect them from cold temperatures as well as any injuries that may occur from equipment and fish. They’re very popular for ice fishing or deep-sea fishing when rough handling is more likely to occur. The gloves should have rubberized grips on the fingers and palms for enhanced control as well as adjustable cuffs to block out water and to ensure a great fit.
The functionality and protection offered by full finger fishing gloves makes them stand out among other styles. This is why they have a higher cost than other gloves, but they’re essential for anglers in harsh environments and certain types of fishing events.
Conclusion
Fishing takes place in all types of environments and weather conditions, so it’s important to have the correct gear. Some gloves are designed for warm weather and relaxed fishing situations whereas others are built to withstand extremely cold climates and potentially rough fishing conditions. Fishing gloves are an essential accessory to own for all anglers, not just a hard-core fishing enthusiast.
Buyers will shop for a pair based on personal preferences as well as what type of fishing they’ll be taking on. The market is expecting new products to emerge that are made from high-quality materials and that take into account the ease of use needed by anglers to prefer certain tasks. Fishing gloves also make great gifts alongside shirts and men’s outerwear designed for fishing.
