Worldwide Fishing Pants
I have a weird body, especially when it comes to finding pants that fit. That’s a problem because the best pants for fishing are usually those that you forget about while you’re wearing them. They protect you from the elements but don’t get in the way, not too tight in the ass or across the front. There are several brands whose clothing I generally like – including Carhartt and Columbia – whose pants often do not fit me well. Accordingly, when I find brands or models that I like, I stick with them.
Earlier this year I added the Ariat Rebar M4 pants to my everyday+fishing lineup, and I practically lived in my Free Fly Latitudes in Alaska. Nevertheless, I’m always on the lookout for more options. Here are __ more sets of bottoms that got ample wear in 2023 and I expect to be in the consistent rotation.
These pants are lightweight and have lots of pockets, which is ideal for warm-weather fishing for someone like me who needs a place to stash a bag of Senkos, a pair of pliers or a couple of handfuls of sunflower seeds. On the latter note, they’re also stain-resistant, which is right up my alley.
I liked the Free Fly Latitude so much that I added several additional pairs from their lineup, including the Tradewind, which offers the same UPF 50 rating and just a slightly different – but still tapered – cut. They’re not inexpensive but they combine the best of technical features and the ability to dress them up for a dinner out.
These jean-cut, non-fishing-specific pants are overengineered to handle any backcountry hike or kneeling task you can conjure. I still haven’t found all of the 14 pockets. They’re made with sustainable, temperature-regulating 37.5 Technology. One really nice feature is that in addition to coming in four different inseams, they’re also available in odd-sized waists, for those of you who might measure 31, 33 or 35.
I’ve worn AFTCO’s Hydronaut bibs for a few years, and while I like them, sometimes the full chest coverage is a little bit too warm, especially in mid-range temperatures. The Barricades offer no less protection from the elements, but they’re a bit lighter. Layered properly, you can use them from summer to winter. I also like the digi camo patterns a lot.
