Fly Fishing Apparel
Fly fishing apparel built for long days on the river and the flats, from sun hoodies and guide shirts to technical jackets, pants, gloves and fishing vests. Our range is led by Simms, alongside Patagonia and Just Another Fisherman.
Dress in muted colours, protect your skin from the sun, and layer up for cold mornings. Finish the kit with breathable waders, a sun-shielding cap from our fly headwear, and polarised sunglasses.
Order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand, or try apparel on at our Grey Lynn concept store.
Frequently asked questions about fly fishing apparel
Why are sun hoodies so popular with anglers?
Sun hoodies are lightweight, breathable tops made from UPF-rated fabric, with a hood that covers your neck and ears. They protect your skin from New Zealand's harsh sun far better than sunscreen alone, without needing constant reapplication, and many have thumb loops to cover the backs of your hands. They also dry quickly and keep you cooler than bare skin on hot days.
Does clothing colour matter when fly fishing?
Yes, especially in clear New Zealand rivers where trout can see you against the sky. Muted natural colours like olive, tan, grey and khaki help you blend into the riverbank, so you can get closer to fish without spooking them. Bright colours and white stand out. It matters most when sight fishing in clear water and on bright days. Avoid flashy accessories that catch the sun.
Fishing vest or chest pack - which is better?
A fishing vest has lots of pockets for fly boxes, tippet and tools spread around your body, which suits anglers who like everything organised and to hand. Chest packs, sling packs and hip packs are more compact and cooler in summer, and they are easy to take on and off. Many anglers now prefer packs, but vests remain popular for long days with lots of gear.
How should I layer for cold winter fishing?
Start with a merino or synthetic base layer, add a fleece or insulated mid-layer, and wear waders and a waterproof jacket on top. Fingerless gloves keep your hands warm while still letting you tie knots, and a beanie or hood helps a lot. Bring an extra layer in your pack, as standing in cold water and wind chills you quickly even on sunny winter days.
What should I wear for wet wading in summer?
For wet wading, wear quick-drying pants or shorts with neoprene wading socks and wading boots, plus a sun hoodie or long-sleeve UPF shirt and a hat. Avoid cotton, which stays wet and cold. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing keeps you comfortable on long walks between pools and dries out quickly after river crossings. A light rain jacket in your pack is also worth carrying in case the weather turns.
Are fishing gloves worth it?
Fishing gloves are worth having for both sun and cold. Sun gloves protect the backs of your hands, which are often missed by sunscreen and exposed all day. Fingerless winter gloves or warm, water-resistant gloves keep your hands working on cold mornings while still letting you handle line and flies. Many anglers carry both to cover summer and winter fishing.