Brook Trout: The Best Lures, Baits, and Gear Picks From a Specialist
Trout Fishing | May 14, 2026
SAIL
June 15, 2026
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Any angler knows this: whether you’re fishing from a riverbank, casting on a lake, or battling swells offshore, conditions can turn on a dime. Blazing sun, rising winds, spray off the water… That’s just part of the deal. But true fishing enthusiasts don’t get caught off guard. They get the right gear. Beyond the fit, your fishing clothing is all about performance.
Today, several brands offer highly versatile fishing apparel built for whatever the day throws at you. The right choice is up to you: likely weather conditions, how long you’re out for, and the kind of insulation you’re looking for are all worth considering before you head out on the water.
Before you invest, it’s worth knowing that every piece of fishing apparel serves a specific purpose. Breathability for hot summer days, water resistance in case of unexpected rain, or full-on waterproofing as you wade through creeks and rivers could all be features to add to your checklist. But how to pick brands that truly stand out? Simple. At SAIL, we look for those that manage to do it all: technical performance, all-day comfort, and freedom of movement.
Here are some of the criteria you may want to consider before making a purchase:
Out on the water, the sun hits hard. Glare off the surface amplifies your UV exposure, and a basic cotton tee just doesn’t cut it. That’s where technical fishing apparel comes in.
Sun protection in clothing isn’t just about colour or fabric thickness. Technical fishing shirts and tops are typically woven tighter and can be treated with UV absorbers to deliver consistent protection throughout the day. Colours and materials are carefully selected to reduce exposure, even when the sun is at its strongest. Some brands have taken innovation even further: Columbia’s Omni‑Shade blocks both UVA and UVB rays, while Simms’ SolarFlex was specifically designed for long days on the water.
To measure how effectively a fabric blocks UV rays, serious brands use the UPF rating (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). In short, the higher the number, the better the protection. A quality technical garment can actually block up to 98% of both UVA and UVB rays. Your old cotton tee? Not even close.
Should you go for a water-resistant or waterproof fishing jacket? And more importantly, are they the same? In short, no. And out on the water, you’ll definitely notice.
Quality waterproof fishing jackets go one step further. Look for lightweight water-resistant synthetic materials like polyester or nylon, and sealed seams that hold up even when you’re getting hammered by the rain.
Out on the water, you’re always moving. Thermal comfort isn’t just about insulation: it’s about staying at the right temperature, whether you’re fishing into a headwind or chasing fish under a blazing sun.
Most modern fishing apparel is built using lightweight, stretchy, wind-resistant, quick-dry, and breathable fabrics. Those wick moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortable during the fight and dry when it’s over. What about the fit? Engineered so that neither your cast nor your battle with a hard-running fish will ever be held back by your gear. Today, many brands also develop technical apparel specifically designed for women, with fits adapted to different body shapes—without compromising performance or mobility. The result: better comfort, improved fit, and unrestricted movement on the water.
When it comes to fishing clothing, fishing accessories, and polarized sunglasses, the market is packed with options. However, a handful of brands have earned their stripes through constant innovation. Here are some of our favourites.
With deep roots in the fly fishing world, Simms is an American brand known for its unmatched technical expertise. From day one, the company set its sights on a single goal: building gear that can keep up with the most demanding anglers on the water.
Over decades, Simms has built its reputation through landmark innovations. The introduction of Gore-Tex waders in the early 1990s, for example, set a new industry benchmark. Since then, professional guides and serious sport fishing enthusiasts have trusted its range without hesitation. Waders, waterproof jackets, or technical accessories: Simms doesn’t cut corners. A must-have name in any serious angler’s kit. Today, the brand also offers collections designed for both men and women, with technical fits tailored to provide precise comfort, better performance, and optimal freedom of movement on the water.
Born on the Scandinavian coast in the early 20th century, Grundens is built on two pillars: toughness and reliability. Originally designed for commercial fishermen, the brand specialized early on in waterproof fishing gear tough enough to stand up to the harshest maritime conditions, from driving rain and relentless wind to saltwater that eats through everything in its path.
Over the years, Grundens has consistently produced durable gear, high-performance waterproof fabrics, and designs engineered for comfort and freedom of movement. Today, any professional angler looking for heavy-duty fishing apparel knows the name Grundens.
A true industry staple, Grundens is new to SAIL this season, adding to our selection a premium option for serious anglers who want to take on the elements with confidence.
At the other end of the spectrum, Columbia’s PFG collection was created for those who want comfortable gear dialled in for warm-weather fishing. Focused on versatility and technical fabrics, it delivers sun protection, breathability, and on-water performance, all in one lightweight package.
Why opt for Columbia PFG:
Shop the Columbia PFG Super Terminal Tackle men’s fishing hoodie at SAIL
Connec is a Canadian brand made by anglers and outdoor enthusiasts, for anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. Designed to stand up to Canada’s unpredictable conditions, their gear prioritizes comfort, freedom of movement, and versatility, wherever you go.
What sets Connec apart? Their modern approach blends performance with a casual, everyday style. In short, functional materials designed for long days of fishing, and relaxed evenings on the boat or the dock.
Sportchief is a Quebec brand rooted in the realities of fishing in this country. Grounded in functionality and affordability, it offers fishing apparel made for changing conditions on the water, from cool early mornings to blustery, rain-soaked days.
Comfort, protection, and durability: Sportchief hits the sweet spot with its technical materials and versatile fits that appeal to recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. New to SAIL, the brand is known for its outstanding value for the money.
FXR also makes its SAIL debut this season, and it lands with a serious track record. Originally established in the world of winter motorsports, the brand built an enviable reputation on high-performance gear engineered for warmth, toughness, and protection against the elements. Today, those in the know have embraced it for taking on the cold and punishing conditions of the Canadian climate.
What they’ve learned over decades of perfecting performance gear speaks for itself. Wind-resistant, waterproof, and insulating materials: FXR keeps anglers warm and dry, whether they’re out on the ice, on the water, or grinding through those late-season sessions.
A fresh face at SAIL, Costa does one thing and does it exceptionally well: polarized sunglasses that perform on the water. Their top-tier lenses cut glare, help you spot what’s below the surface, and protect your eyes from UV rays all day long.
If you’re wondering which polarized sunglasses will help you see further and pick out fish more easily, Costa is the answer.
Fishing apparel isn’t a level playing field. Some brands lead with technical performance through waterproof, breathable materials, while others focus on comfort, versatility, or value. The right choice comes down to your fishing conditions, the weather you’re likely to face, and how often you’re out on the water.
| Feature | Why it matters on the water |
| Waterproofing | Keeps you dry in the rain or on the boat |
| Breathability | Regulates your body temperature on warm, active days |
| Insulation | Essential for fall and ice fishing |
| UV protection | Reduces sun exposure during long hours on the water |
| Durability | Resists heavy use and punishing conditions |
| Fit and mobility | Freedom of movement on the cast and when reeling in fish |
| Men’s and women’s fit | Ensures better comfort, improved fit, and optimal performance based on body shape |
| Versatility | Can be worn on the water and off |
At the end of the day, the best fishing clothing is the gear that matches your style. Your preferences, the kind of thermal comfort you’re after, and your budget all factor into building a fishing kit that’ll last and perform when it counts.
There’s no single best fishing clothing brand, just the right one for your needs. Fishing under a blazing July sun? Lightweight, breathable options like Columbia or Connec have you covered. Battling fall rains? Battle-tested gear from Simms or Grundens will keep you in the game. Invest in the right pieces and you’ll stay on the water longer and fish more comfortably.
The right gear won’t change the weather. But it’ll change everything about your day on the water.
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