I’ll be the first to tell you it doesn’t really matter what you wear in order to catch fish. The “right clothes” should never keep you from enjoying the outdoors. But through the years, I’ve learned I’ll enjoy my time on the water and spend more time on it if I’m:
- Protected from the sun
- Comfortable
- Dry
Extra bonus if what I’m wearing fits well and is stylish. Whoever said fishing can’t be functional and fashionable?
DSG Outerwear is a Wisconsin-based outdoor apparel company that makes gear for women by women. I think that’s what sets them apart from other fishing apparel brands, especially when I’m looking for the features I mentioned above. They design everything with the woman angler of all sizes in mind. That’s why I’m proud to partner with them for the third season in a row as a pro-staff on their ice fishing team and second season on their open water fishing team.
So here’s a quick look at what’s in my closet for the open water fishing season! Just a heads up, it looks pretty colorful!
Breathable UPF 50+ Fishing Shirt
My two favorite shirts at the moment are DSG’s Nora Realtree Fishing® Pattern Hooded (pictured above) and Kai Realtree Wav3® Fishing Shirts. I especially love the fit with both shirts coming in sizes XXS to 4XL. DSG does a great job in creating clothes that fits women of all body types. It has been nearly impossible to find a shirt that comes in XXS so to finally find a functional, fashionable and fitting shirt while on the water is a big deal for me.
Both shirts come in salmon, navy and aqua. All three colors look STUNNING. I want all of them but currently have salmon and navy. Again, these shirts provide sun protection with UPF 50+, the highest rating on the ultraviolet protection factor scale. Another functional component? The fabrics wick sweat which helps keep me dry on sweltering hot summer days.
The Nora has a hood for additional sun and wind protection, a removable neck gaiter and kangaroo pocket. I’ve used the neck gaiter for both sun and wind protection while cruising on the fishing boat. The Kai has mesh underarm panels for added ventilation, plus finger loops to extend the fabric over the back of my hand for extra sun protection when casting and reeling. I love the pattern on the Kai (pictured below). It works for freshwater and saltwater-lovers alike!
True Fishing Shorts
Say hello to my namesake! These are the Jenny Dock shorts and I like to think that it was somehow named after me because 1) That’s my name and 2) I love public dock fishing because it truly makes fishing accessible for people who don’t own boats or have access to lakes and rivers. The Jenny Dock shorts are true fishing shorts. They were designed with the angler in mind. It’s packed with all the fishing features:
- So many pockets! This includes front and back pockets + a side cargo pocket where I like to keep my phone, an extra bobber or maybe a mini tackle box with jigs.
- Tool loops for different tools like pliers and a line cutter
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Fabric made with mechanical stretch ripstop (I haven’t got any hooks stuck in this yet!)
It comes in navy, rose and taupe and sizes XXS to 3XL. I currently own navy and taupe and both are really great neutral colors that look good with pretty much any color shirt.
The Ultimate Rain Gear
It has been a challenge to find rain gear that fits well. Before I was introduced to the Harlow Technical Rain Suit, I wore men’s Frog Toggs which definitely served its purpose but I always felt like I was wearing a large garbage bag – ha! DSG’s Harlow Technical Rain Jacket and Rain Pants have allowed me to enjoy fishing in both rainy and windy conditions. Here’s why:
- 100 percent waterproof and breathable. It’s made of a fabric called Sympatex®. DSG says before production, samples of each piece are sent to Sympatex® in Germany to go through 48 hour rain chamber tests.
- The jacket has cuff closures to give my wrist area extra protection from the elements when it’s raining.
- The pants have adjust tabs at the waistband for extra comfort + an adjustable inseam from 34.5″ to 28.5″
- Large pockets for all of the extra gear and snacks
- D-rings for fishing pliers, grippers, fishing towel, line cutter, sunglasses, etc.
- Available in sapphire and charcoal and sizes XXS to 5XL
The suit has been awesome when we’re hitting waves and facing water from both thee waves and the rain, plus wind. It’s super comfortable and I have full range of motion for any outdoor activity. It’s uninsulated and breathable which is great because the Harlow truly seals everything in while keeping the elements out. The XXS in sapphire has been the perfect look and fit and I’m happy to toss my Frog Toggs to the side. 🙂
DSG not only carries fishing clothes, but accessories too. Take a look at their line of fishing gear including one of my favorite trucker hats, neck gaiters with fun patterns and other fishing accessories. And for ice fishing, stay tuned for a blog post on that!
I love how the Nora Realtree Fishing® Pattern Hooded has pockets, it will definitely be handy for small trinkets during the fishing trip