Must Have Tuna Fishing Clothing
Written By: Coty Perry
Bluefin are top predators with the stamina to fight for hours on end. With anglers under pressure, comfort is vital to maintaining focus. From hot and humid summer days to breezy afternoons and scattered showers, anglers are at the mercy of Mother Nature on the open water.
To make the most of your time bluefin fishing, we’ll guide you through what to wear during the season and how to maximize comfort.
When is Bluefin Tuna Season?
For West Coast anglers, the arrival of bluefin tuna season sparks excitement. These mighty fish are a prized catch, and their migration patterns can be tough to figure out. However, they often come very close to the shorelines of Southern California in the late spring through early fall.
The bluefin tuna season starts in late May, and this is when schools start showing up around Catalina and San Clemente. In fact, in 2023, the action was so hot east of San Clemente that people came from all over to get in on some of the biggest bluefin tuna around.
Timing these migratory fish is challenging because many variables, like weather, food, and predators, impact them. Sometimes, they arrive fashionably late to the party in mid-June. Other years, they crash the scene as early as May, much to anglers' delight.
Mother Nature's Test
When the season does start, bluefin tuna fishing is always a battle against Mother Nature. When you head out onto the open ocean, you need to be ready to face just about anything.
Heavy winds, choppy seas, salt spray, and sudden summer showers can quickly dampen your trip if you’re not prepared. And don’t forget about the relentless sun, which will ensure you'll be drenched in sweat if you're not equipped with the right breathable, sun-shielding layers.
While battling bluefin tuna is an adventure, the added elements of rough weather can take it to a new level. Preparation is key, which we’ll hone in on throughout this guide.
Essential Bluefin Tuna Fishing Gear
When those massive bluefin tuna decide to crash the party, you'd better be prepared for an all-out battle against the elements. As any seasoned bluefin warrior will tell you, having the proper outerwear is crucial.
Bibs
A set of waterproof fishing bibs and jackets made for the rigors of open ocean combat is the first line of defense against the elements. The Barricade Fishing Bib features four-layer nylon construction and is rated 30K waterproof/7K breathable. These professional-grade bibs shrug off rain, heavy spray, and any other moisture the ocean can muster.
Hardware features make all the difference with fishing bibs. AFTCO bibs feature water-resistant YKK Aquaguard zippers, reinforced utility pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and a D-ring for a kill switch lanyard—little details that become massively important when you’re battling chaos out on the bluefin grounds.
Fishing Jackets
Pair bombproof fishing bibs with a lightweight waterproof fishing jacket, and you've got a versatile fishing rain suit setup ready to conquer any conditions. The Barricade Rain Jacket is a perfect example. It’s a three-layer ripstop fishing jacket with 20K waterproofing, 5K breathability, Double Dry cuffs, and a SpeedVent™ airflow hood that stays in place.
Another great option for anglers who want a lighter fishing jacket is the Seafarer Jacket. Its PU-coated polyester fabric has a 100% waterproof barrier to keep you dry. It also has smart features like an adjustable two-way hood and hook-and-loop cuffs which come in handy when foul weather rolls in.
The right high-performance fishing jacket and bibs aren't just a luxury—they're essential for high-stakes bluefin fishing. Be prepared when the big fish arrive.
Fishing Hoodies and Shirts
Once you've dialed in your foul-weather gear and footwear, it's time to start thinking about the sun protection and moisture-wicking layers to wear underneath. Bluefin fishing can be an all-day ordeal, so keeping cool and comfortable is critical.
On the hoodie front, the innovative Adapt Tactical fishing shirts are in a class of their own. Borrowing from industry-leading Phase Change tech, their bio-based fabrics cool or warm your body as needed. The Adapt lineup has innovative venting channels and an integrated face mask, ideal for the blazing offshore sun or brisk predawn chills.
The Samurai Performance Hooded Shirts have you covered as a more traditional sun hoodie. This breathable UPF 50 sun protection shirt blends quick-drying, stain-resistant polyester with stretchy spandex for unrestricted mobility. Little touches like thumb loops and an anti-microbial treatment keep Samurai performing at peak levels all day. Samurai also comes in a long-sleeve crew, so anglers can sport whichever style they prefer.
From early morning to late evening, these light yet durable fishing shirts keep your body cool and dry, so you can focus on fishing. To cut through the clutter, we’ve broken down each type of fishing shirt and its benefits here so you can pick the right one for your next day on the water.
Fishing Shorts and Pants
When the bite is wide open, you need pants and shorts designed specifically for saltwater fishing—not your typical weekend warrior variety.
The Deckhand Fishing Shorts are purpose-built for professional guides and deckhands, fortified with water-repelling Teflon EcoElite™ stain treatments and smart storage solutions. These shorts prioritize durability, reliability, and functionality to meet the demands of a life spent at sea.
Another option is the Tactical Camo Fishing Shorts. These shorts are built with lightweight ripstop fabric that delivers two-way stretch for freedom of movement. They also have a pliers pocket and DWR coating to shed moisture and stains.
For fishing pants, the Deckhand Pants are a must-have. They're built for all-day wear, with 4-way stretch for unrestricted movement and a comfort-stretch waistband. Deckhand also has Teflon EcoElite™ DWR to repel water and stains effortlessly. These fishing pants are designed to handle the toughest days and work just as hard as you do.
Fishing Hats
Protecting your face and eyes on the water is essential. For those after a classic men's fishing hat, the Original AFTCO Fishing Hat blends breathable nylon construction with a timeless six-panel design. It's simple, lightweight, and built to fend off punishing UV rays all day long.
When you need maximum coverage, look no further than the Cast Boonie. This fishing bucket hat extends down over your neck and face and has a locking cinch cord to keep it in place. Proper shading from the sun’s harmful rays helps anglers avoid fatigue, dehydration, and sunburn.
Sun Masks
With your core bluefin battling ensemble covered from head to toe, anglers can add a few accessories for extra protection from the elements. For masking up against harsh rays, AFTCO's line of fishing face masks blend sun protection and breathability. These fishing neck gaiters UPF 40 polyester/spandex fabric wicks moisture and the integrated mesh paneling prevents fogging of sunglasses.
Fishing Gloves
Fishing sun gloves like Solago provide featherweight hand protection. These fishing gloves have UPF 50 sun protection and an open palm design, perfect for rigging and handling reels. The silicone pads ensure a secure grip.
Anglers should reach for the Release Fishing Gloves when they need a heavy-duty glove. These gloves are perfect for offshore fishing and are designed to improve grip. The Armortex® index and outer finger cover offer maximum protection when anglers are wrapping a leader on a big fish offshore. The Release gloves ensure you don't lose your grip when it matters most with a fish on the line.
These specialized accessories minimize the inevitable wear and tear on your hands. Protecting the skin on your hands allows anglers to apply maximum effort for hours without sacrificing comfort or control. Every minor advantage counts. For tips on how to choose the best fishing gloves for your trip, check out our fishing gloves guide.
Top 3 Must-Have Clothing Items for Bluefin Fishing
When choosing proper bluefin fishing gear, it’s wise to heed the advice of a seasoned professional like Captain Dave Elm. This bluewater veteran has spent countless hours fighting giant tuna, including a 246-pounder that took nearly four hours to land. With his experience on the water, he knows what gear works best when put to the test. Here are the top four items to add to your essential fishing checklist.
Fishing Bibs
Fishing bibs are indispensable armor when cleaning and bleeding your hard-won bluefin. They’re at the top of Captain Dave’s must-have list, and he prefers the Seafarer Bib. Seafarer is a lighter fishing slicker that’s PU coated, perfect for staying cool and dry during the summer months on the water. Captain Dave also recommends fishing bibs with built-in knee pads, which are great for kneeling on deck as you prep and clean your catch.
Fishing Rain Suits
Captain Dave always has a rain suit in case of foul weather and cold mornings. Combining the Seafarer Jacket with the bib is ideal for warmer days with wind and rain. However, it's important to layer correctly to prepare for the worst.
For cold temps and blowing winds, the best fishing rain gear, like the Hydronaut, separates the pros from the amateurs. It’s built with 30k waterproof/breathable membranes to shed sideways rain and spray effortlessly. Check out our fishing rain suit guide if you need help choosing a rain suit.
Head & Neck Masks
Blocking UV penetration to your eyes and neck is necessary. Lightweight fishing sun masks and fishing hats shield you from brutal rays and potential skin damage. These little comforts preserve your energy reserves for the actual fight.
As an angler that’s equipped and ready, the only thing left to do is wait for a bite.
Author’s profile: Coty Perry
As a third-generation angler and the Managing Editor of Anglers, he possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in outdoor activities. He frequently enjoys fishing and camping outings with his wife and children.
