The idea that fishing or boating clothes should be old, worn-out or purely sacrificial is outdated. Those days are well and truly over. We now have access to clothing that looks good, performs properly, and is designed specifically for the conditions we fish in.
One brand that continues to push that idea forward is Salty Crew. Last year I reviewed the Long Range bib and jacket, (click here to read) and I still wear that combination every time I’m out in the wet or cold. It’s affordable, comfortable, keeps me warm, clean and dry, and it removes the need to wear old, uncomfortable gear just because it might get dirty. That same philosophy carries straight through into Salty Crew’s fishing clothing. The word ‘technical’ gets thrown around a lot when it comes to fishing clothing. I don’t really see it as technical but fit for purpose. I’ve spent the past four months testing the new Fathom shirts and Apex Perforated sun hoodie, and I passed around some of Salty Crew’s other UV protection to contributors to wear. I don’t need four months to test clothing; however, a big part of the test when it comes to clothing is how it handles the wash, so the items we’ve reviewed have almost literally ‘been through the wringer’ (that saying comes from an old method of washing).
I’ve always been a fan of flannel shirts. Ever since I was a kid, flannies have been a staple for cooler weather fishing and general day-to-day wear. They’re warm, comfortable and easy to throw on. The problem is traditional flannelette has some serious drawbacks. It absorbs water like a sponge, loses its shape and texture through washing, and eventually tears. Anyone who’s had the end of their sleeve get wet early in the day knows how uncomfortable that becomes for the rest of the session.
I was therefore keen to test out Salty Crew’s answer to the humble flannel, called the Fathom Long Sleeve Tech Shirt. It looks like a flannel, but it absolutely does not behave like one, and that’s a very good thing.
On-water performance
The Fathom shirts are made from a mid-weight 190 GSM twill fabric with a DWR coating (durable water repellent, a treatment that causes water to bead and roll off rather than soak into the fabric) rather than traditional flannelette. In real-world use, water actually does bead on the surface instead of soaking in. Spray, light rain or a wet gunwale doesn’t immediately turn the shirt heavy and cold, which is a huge improvement over a standard flannel.
Despite that performance focus, the fabric remains soft and comfortable. It doesn’t feel stiff or synthetic and wears more like a casual shirt than technical outerwear. The ripstop construction is another smart inclusion. Hooks are far less likely to grab and bury themselves in the material, which is something you only truly appreciate after years of dealing with traditional flannel.
Fit and comfort
Fit is an area where Salty Crew has done an excellent job. The Fathom shirts are properly shaped, so you don’t end up looking like you’re wearing an oversized, square-cut flanny from a discount store. They sit well through the shoulders and arms without being restrictive, and they look just as good off the boat as they do on it.
They’re genuinely comfortable enough to wear all day, whether you’re fishing, travelling or heading in for a meal after a session. I’ve had a few mates comment on fishing trips, with a healthy dose of sarcasm, “Oh, you’re dressed nice for today”, which is funny when you think about it, and it shows that in Australia we’re still in the infancy of fit-for-purpose or performance clothing for fishing. In the US, Japan and Europe, it’s par for the course and makes up a huge amount of turnover for tackle stores.
One of my favourite features on the Fathom shirt is the use of press-stud buttons rather than traditional buttons. The main shirt closure and chest pockets all use press studs (which are plastic and rust-proof), making the shirt quick and easy to take on and off, even with cold or wet hands. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a real difference in practical use.
There are two chest pockets, but it’s what sits behind the left pocket that really sets the shirt apart. Salty Crew has added a concealed, zippered inner pocket with a paracord pull on the zip. The pocket is lined with a soft felt or microfibre inner so it won’t scratch your phone, sunglasses or other valuables. I use this pocket constantly for my sunnies, keys or wallet.
It’s particularly useful when launching and retrieving the boat. Leaning over the boat at ramps is exactly how people lose keys or phones, and having a secure, zippered pocket that’s easy to access provides peace of mind – I know whatever is in there is secure.
From a seasonal perspective, the Fathom shirts are extremely versatile. I’ve worn them throughout spring, and they’re also ideal in the early mornings and evenings during summer. They layer well over a T-shirt, work as a stand-alone top in cooler conditions and are a far better option than a hoodie when it’s cool but not cold.
They provide warmth without bulk and remain practical around water, which is exactly what you want from fishing clothing.
Durability has been excellent. I was given two shirts to review and have worn them a lot and washed both shirts at least 20 times, and they’ve held their shape, texture and colour perfectly. The fabric hasn’t fluffed up, softened excessively or lost its structure, and they still look the same as new. That longevity matters when you’re investing in clothing designed to be worn regularly on the water. If you’re looking for a versatile, all-season shirt that actually works for fishing without looking like workwear or cheap flannel, there isn’t much else like this on the market.
Apex Perforated Sunshirt
The Apex is a pretty special sun hoodie and not your average UV protective hooded shirt. It’s perforated, which you can’t really see in an image, but you feel it when you’re wearing it. It feels soft, and the breathability of the micro-perforations makes a real difference. Any angler who fishes in an open boat will know how much the sun takes it out of you on a long day on the water. UV shirts help, but lesser-quality models aren’t always breathable and you can feel sticky in them. The Apex is without doubt the best hooded sunshirt I’ve worn. Little things such as two snap buttons at the neck are a nice touch and the hood provides a lot of coverage, helping to block light coming in through the sides of your sunnies. The perforation in the hood is also notable – it doesn’t get hot or itchy as it provides air flow. I truly love the Apex and have gone on to buy more, as it’s hard to go back to other styles now.
Gear Matters
It’s easy to say you don’t want to spend money on fishing clothes, but when clothing is designed with both form and function in mind, the value becomes obvious. If it allows me to fish for longer and remain comfortable while also providing great durability, it’s a no-brainer. Yes, you’re going to spend a little extra on proper fishing clothes, but after you buy the boat, the car and all the gear, it’s a small price to pay to keep you on the water longer and waking up the next day fresher. Salty Crew’s current tagline is ‘Gear Matters’, and we couldn’t agree more. The shirts don’t feel like a compromise. They look good, perform on the water and are comfortable enough to wear all day.
Words & Images: Kosta Linardos
For more information visit: SaltyCrew
