Best UPF 50+ Fishing Hoodies & Sun Shirts for Florida Anglers

By John Mixson

From the Cockpit to the Fishing Boat: A Lifelong Waterman's Perspective

I've spent much of my life around the water, both professionally as a U.S. Coast Guard aviator and personally as a lifelong waterman. These days, one of the things I enjoy most is spending time fishing the Gulf of America along Florida's Nature Coast.

Anyone who's spent a summer day fishing these waters understands just how demanding the Florida sun can be. The heat, humidity, and direct sunlight are one thing, but being surrounded by water adds another consideration. Sunlight reflects off the surface, and even when there's a breeze, the exposure continues to add up.

I love being on the water, and I intend to keep enjoying it for as many years as possible. That's why I've come to appreciate the importance of protecting myself from the elements, especially during those long, hot summer days.

During my aviation career, I learned that preparation and having the right equipment make a difference. The same principle applies to boating and fishing. You can't control the weather, the temperature, or how intense the sun will be, but you can make sensible decisions about what you wear.

For me, that means lightweight UPF 50+ performance clothing. I prefer a comfortable, long-sleeve hooded shirt that provides coverage for my arms and neck without feeling unnecessarily heavy. Moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics are particularly important when you're dealing with Florida's summer humidity.

I also wear a hat and sunglasses and use sunscreen on exposed skin. UPF clothing isn't a replacement for those things. It's another practical layer of protection.

As a lifelong waterman, my perspective is pretty simple: I want to enjoy the water today without overlooking the importance of protecting myself for the years ahead.

If I could offer one piece of advice to younger anglers, it would be this: Don't wait until you've spent years in the sun to start taking sun protection seriously. Make it part of your routine from the beginning.

That's also part of the thinking behind SAR DOG.

Melissa and I wanted to create apparel that reflects our lives, our love of Florida, and the fishing and boating culture of the Nature Coast. Our UPF performance shirts combine practical sun protection with original artwork featuring Florida fish, local waterways, and the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy.

For me, it's not about having the fanciest fishing shirt. It's about wearing something comfortable, practical, and appropriate for the conditions.

Because at the end of the day, I want to keep doing what I love: getting out on the water, enjoying the Gulf of America, and looking forward to the next opportunity to go fishing.

UPF 50+ vs. SPF: What's the Difference?

SPF is a rating for sunscreen. It describes how well a lotion protects skin from UVB rays, and it wears off with sweat, salt water and time. UPF is a rating for fabric. It measures how much ultraviolet radiation, both UVA and UVB, passes through the cloth. A UPF 50+ fabric blocks about 98% of UV rays.

The practical difference on a boat is simple: a shirt doesn't need reapplying. I still put sunscreen on my face, neck and hands, but the skin under a UPF 50+ shirt stays covered for as long as I'm wearing it.

SAR DOG Skinny Water Slam UPF hoodie.

What to Look For in a Fishing Sun Shirt

• Lightweight polyester. A thin technical polyester feels cooler on a hot day than a heavy cotton tee.

• Moisture-wicking. The fabric should pull sweat away from your skin rather than holding it.

• Quick-drying. Spray, rain and humidity are part of the job. A shirt that dries fast stays comfortable.

• Fit. Loose enough to move and cast freely, not so loose it flaps in the wind when the boat is running.

• Hood or no hood. A hood covers your neck and ears. Some anglers love it; others prefer a hat and gaiter.

• Sleeve length. More fabric means more covered skin. Match the sleeve to how long you'll be in direct sun.

• Colour. Lighter colours tend to feel cooler in the Florida sun. Pick what you'll actually wear.

Hoodie vs. Long Sleeve vs. Short Sleeve

The right shirt depends on how long you'll be out and how much sun you'll take. Each style has advantages, and I wouldn't necessarily choose the same shirt for every fishing trip.

UPF 50+ Fishing Hoodies

Best for: All-day flats fishing, offshore trips, open-console boats, and prolonged sun exposure. A lightweight fishing hoodie provides coverage for your torso, arms, and some of your neck and head. For fishing around the Nature Coast, I particularly like the versatility of a hood. You can wear it up while running the boat or casting in direct sunlight and lower it when you don't need the additional coverage. A breathable, quick-drying fabric makes a big difference in Florida humidity.

UPF 50+ Long-Sleeve Shirts

Best for: Inshore fishing, boating, waterfront activities, and everyday outdoor use. Long-sleeve performance shirts offer arm coverage without a hood. They're a good choice when you already wear a hat and neck gaiter, or when you simply prefer a conventional shirt. I also find this style useful when transitioning from fishing to stopping at a marina restaurant or running errands.

UPF 50+ Short-Sleeve Tees

Best for: Casual boating, shaded activities, beach outings, and shorter periods outdoors. Short-sleeve UPF shirts protect the torso and shoulders covered by the fabric while allowing more airflow around the arms. The trade-off is straightforward: your lower arms remain exposed. For all-day fishing in direct sunlight, I generally prefer long sleeves. For casual boating or everyday use, a short-sleeve performance tee may be more convenient.

Melissa in a white SAR DOG UPF hoodie with pink hogfish artwork.

How to Care for UPF Fishing Apparel

Good fishing apparel should hold up to regular use, but it still needs proper care.

I recommend following the manufacturer's instructions for the specific garment.

In general, these habits are useful:

• Wash with similar fabrics: Helps reduce abrasion from rougher clothing and hardware.

• Avoid unnecessary bleach and harsh treatments: These can damage certain fibers, finishes, and printed artwork.

• Use moderate washing temperatures: Follow the care label rather than assuming hotter water is better.

• Air-dry when practical: Excessive dryer heat can damage some performance materials.

• Inspect older garments: Thin spots, worn fabric, or excessive stretching may compromise coverage and protection.

A garment's actual UV performance depends on its construction and condition.

Don't assume every UPF garment has identical care requirements.

How SAR DOG Fits

Our UPF line pairs lightweight, moisture-wicking performance fabric with original artwork from the water and the aircraft I flew. A few I reach for:

• The Skinny Water Slam white UPF hoodie, the hoodie in the photo above, made for long days on the flats.

• The Chasing the Bite UPF 50+ long sleeve shirt, full-colour fishing artwork on a quick-drying long sleeve.

• The MH-65 Dolphin UPF sun hoodie, a lightweight hoodie with a Dolphin back print.

• The Jayhawk rescue helicopter UPF 50+ sun tee for warmer, shorter outings.

• The Search and Rescue Octopus UPF 50+ long sleeve sun shirt.

For redfish, snook, trout, hogfish and more, browse our UPF fishing and performance apparel.

FAQ

What does UPF 50+ mean? It means the fabric blocks about 98% of UV rays, UVA and UVB.

Is a UPF shirt a replacement for sunscreen? No. It's another layer. Keep using sunscreen on exposed skin, plus a hat and sunglasses.

Hoodie or long sleeve for Florida fishing? For all-day exposure on open water, I lean toward a hoodie. For inshore trips or when I'm wearing a hat and gaiter, a long sleeve works well.

Will a polyester shirt be too hot in summer? Lightweight, moisture-wicking polyester is designed to stay comfortable and dry quickly in humidity.

How should I size a UPF shirt? Check the size chart on each product page and choose a fit that lets you cast and move freely.

SAR DOG is a Veteran-Owned business. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Coast Guard.