Get A Grip

Whether you’re involved in a heated battle with a giant marlin, handling sharp hooks or turning the day’s catch into fillets, gloves improve your grip and more importantly, protect your hands. When listing ‘Must Haves’ for any expedition, local or beyond, I make it a point to recommend packing gloves that are light, strong, flexible and designed for both fresh and saltwater use as you never know where your adventure may lead you.

Whether you’re involved in a heated battle with a giant marlin, handling sharp hooks or turning the day’s catch into fillets, gloves improve your grip and more importantly, protect your hands. When listing ‘Must Haves’ for any expedition, local or beyond, I make it a point to recommend packing gloves that are light, strong, flexible and designed for both fresh and saltwater use as you never know where your adventure may lead you. If you don’t already own a pair or two, I would look closely at gloves with a textured surface which enhances grip and is resistant to fish slime and odor. Today’s leading marine hand wear manufacturer’s utilize multiple layers of fabric to insure their products resist cuts and punctures from even the sharpest knives and gill plates. Hand protection is essential when visiting far-and-away locales where access to a medical clinic could literally be days away. The last thing you want in a wet environment is a nasty cut leaving the door wide open for a severe infection.

If you are a serious blue water buff, select a pair of ‘Offshore’ gloves designed specifically for handling pelagic predators and dealing with wire or cable leaders. Be sure to try the gloves on for size before making a final purchase, and expect to get what you pay for. I would lean toward high-quality gloves featuring a protective fabric complemented by some sort of stretch nylon for added flexibility and greater dexterity. Look for gloves lined with a quick-drying material that makes slipping them on and off a breeze, even during the heat of battle.

It’s unfortunate, but gloves are often overlooked by traveling anglers. They are an essential tool that every angler should own. They also happen to make the perfect gift for the worldwide angler in your family.