One of the downsides to a great fishing trip is the dreaded sunburn.
I recall being on a fishing trip this past summer; I did not take a fishing face mask, fishing hat, or any sun protection.
It did not take long at all until the burn was pretty bad.
I was unaware that I was severely burning until it was too late. It took weeks to recover from it completely.
There are many side effects the sun can have on the skin:
- Skin cancer
- Premature wrinkles
- Age spots
- and many more!
In this article, I will explain why you need a fishing face mask, aka Hoo Rag.
We’ll look at what styles work best, the best types we have found, how to care for your fishing mask, and more.
5 Best Fishing Face Masks
- Best Fishing Face Mask – S A – UV Face Shields
- Editor’s Pick – Coolibar UPF 50+ Layered Mask
- Best Gaiter – EXIO Winter Neck Warmer
- Best Hat and Mask – MoKo Fishing Mask With Hat
- Most Lightweight – Thindust Summer Face Mask
1. S A – UV Face Shields
Best Face Mask
- BREATHABLE FACE MASK, BANDANA, NECK SCARF: Our neck gaiters…
- STYLISH AND PATRIOTIC DESIGN: Our tactical mask can be…
- UV PROTECTION AND DUST PROOF: Our face masks washable styles…
This is an all-in-one face mask. It protects against the sun’s harmful UV rays, dust, and cold. The got headband is extra comfortable with a naturally soft feel, breathable fabric, seamless, and flexible, and wicks away moisture.
This is a very versatile fishing face mask for comfort and durability. Perfect for any activity where sun protection is a must.
2. Coolibar UPF 50+ Layered Mask
Editor’s Pick
- UPF 50+ – blocks 98% of UVA/UVB rays
- FABRIC: UCmax fabric: A blend of breathable micro mesh and…
- FEATURES: Provides face, neck coverage and curved at sides…
Coolibar fishing face shields are comfortable to use. The Polyester/Spandex blend is a breathable fabric, lightweight, and stretched to make you feel more comfortable against the sun’s UV rays.
The Coolibar fish face shield works as well in the winter as it does in the summer, offering protection from cold and prevailing winds and functioning as a neck warmer.
3. EXIO Winter Neck Warmer
Best Neck Gaiter
- Neck warmer(scarf) for Winter (size : free) – 53% Nylon,…
- Our special function(Air hole) – It makes you breath easier,…
- Seamless Design to make more comfortable than others. We…
EXIO winter face shields are from a Nylon, polyester, and spandex blend. Seamless design offers comfort for all-day wear with no scratching.
These fishing neck gaiters are versatile. Their usage includes a face mask, neck gaiter, beanie, headband, scarf, etc. It protects against all elements, sun, wind, dust, and insects – great for hot weather!
4. MoKo Fishing Mask With Hat
Best Hat and Mask
The moko fishing head mask with a hat offers excellent sun protection with up to 50 UPF UV sun mask protection.
The design of the moko fishing face mask with a hat provides coverage to the neck, face, ears, and head all at once without having to make adjustments.
Lightweight design and nylon Teflon fabric offer comfort, easy cleaning, and quick drying. The moko fishing mask with a hat provides excellent ventilation through the cap and the flaps.
5. Thindust Summer Face Mask
Most Lightweight
- MULTI-FUNCTIONAL USES:: Why buy a headband, neck warmer,…
- COMFORTABLE FUNCTIONAL FABRIC:You are the unique one when…
- UNIQUE DESIGN: There are black white blue gray and rose red…
The Thindust face and fishing neck gaiter are made from a lightweight elastic material that can help you stay cool in hot weather and protect you against the sun’s UV rays.
The Thindust face and neck gaiter also work well in the winter to help protect against wind chafing. Thindust face and neck gaiter offer one size that fits most, for men or women. Care and cleaning of the Thindust face and neck gaiter is simple; just a simple hand wash and air dry.
Why Do You Need A Fishing Mask (Hoo Rag)
Prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer, also known as melanoma; today, is at an all-time high. Reports say that younger people develop different forms of skin cancer. Research has shown that even limited exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to skin cancer—fishing sun masks are designed with all-day coverage against the sun’s UV rays.
Keep the sweat out of your eyes. This can be an incredibly uncomfortable situation to be in. The salt from sweat irritates and burns your eyes, but it can also irritate the skin under your eyes from constant sweat wiping. Fishing masks that also work as a headband can help prevent this. The design of most masks has a quick-drying material that helps you stay cool.
It helps you stay out longer and in harsh conditions. Besides sunburn, prolonged direct exposure can tire you out more than the ordinary. Fishing masks and hats can help you stay out longer and be more comfortable because of their shading effect.
Multipurpose. Fishing masks today are designed with comfort and safety in mind and versatility. There are many uses for these masks, such as many outdoor activities; hiking, hunting, skiing, etc.
What Fishing Mask Styles Work Best?
- Balaclava: The balaclava is a great full-coverage sun mask that protects the whole face, neck, ears, and top of the head. This can be beneficial in total exposure to the sun’s harmful rays and in the winter months and a good choice for a boat mask.
- Cap: A cap is a good choice for protecting the top of the head. However, it does not offer neck protection or sun protection for the ears and face in the summer. The cap can help keep sweat out of your eyes and works well in the winter to slow the heat loss through the top of your head.
- Sahariane: The sahariane offers protection to the top of the head and back of the neck. It can also be used with the neck gaiter to add security to the neck’s sides and front.
- Face Mask: The face mask is a good choice for ear and neck protection in the summer and winter to help provide face protection. It can be used with a cap for complete protection and quickly slide down around the neck when face coverage is unnecessary.
- Hat Liner: A hat liner is an excellent choice to protect from heat loss in the winter and help absorb sweat that may escape from a hat and get in your eyes. Because of the quick dry material most hat liners are made of, they can help keep the top of your head and forehead dry and sweat-free.
- Neck Gaiter: Neck gaiters offer excellent neck protection in summer and winter. These are a good choice when a full mask or balaclava is unnecessary. They can easily be slid up the neck to cover the ears and lower part of the face.
- Hood: A hood offers protection to the top of the head, ears, and neck. This is a good choice when covering the entire face is not necessary. A hood can also be used with a cap, hat, or visor.
- Pirate: The pirate works similarly to a cap. The main difference is that it is adjustable. This is a good option for kids whose heads are too small for a standard or adult size.
- Headband: The headband is familiar to anglers as well as athletes. This is an excellent choice when sweat is an issue. They can be worn with or without a hat and almost any combination of a fishing mask.
- Sun Guard: The sun guard offers all-around protection, covering the neck, face, and ears. This is a good choice in the direct sun and the winter. When used with a hat, it offers full coverage.
- Neckerchief: The neckerchief offers neck protection without being too bulky. It can easily be slid up over the mouth and nose to protect from dust.
- Wristband: The wristband is another regular protection worn among anglers and athletes. It helps to keep your hands dry from sweat that may run down your arms, making your hands lose grip.
How To Care For Your Fishing Mask
- Standard washing Machine: Traditional machine washing is not necessary with most fishing masks. In the case of heavy soiling where machine washing may be required, it is recommended to wash on a low setting with a mild detergent.
- Handwashing: Handwashing is recommended, using warm water and mild detergent. If necessary, the fishing mask can be allowed to soak.
- Hang Dry: After washing, allow your fishing mask to hang dry. Since most fishing masks are made of quick-dry material, a clothes dryer is unnecessary.
- Buy Multiples; It is a good idea to purchase multiples, so you will always have extras. Keep some in your car, boat, and tackle bag.
Fishing Mask Buyers Guide
- What is your head size? It is good to measure your head if you do not already know your hat size before shopping. Several masks and hats come in one size and fit most, but it is still a good idea to know your size.
- What style do you want? There are many different styles on the market. Depending on the activity you will be doing, there is sure to be a style that fits your activity and provides the protection you need.
- What color or pattern? As with style, there are many colors and patterns on the market. A couple of things to keep in mind, the lighter the color, the better it will deflect the sun and keep you more relaxed, and if hunting, bright colors would be something you may want to avoid.
- What Material? Breathable, seamless material is recommended for extended or all-day wear, such as microfiber.
- What quantity? It is advisable to keep extras on hand. This would be a good idea if you had friends and family along for the trip and extras for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fishermen wear masks to protect themselves from exposure to sun, wind, and cold in the winter. Covers, as well as head and wristbands, protect from sweat in the eyes as well as on the hands that can cause them to lose grip.
Fishing face shields protect the angler from direct sun, dust, prevailing winds, and foreign debris while boating.
Founder & Angler 
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