When the temperature drops and the fish are biting, keeping your hands warm and functional is a non-negotiable part of the experience. The right pair of cold-weather fishing gloves can mean the difference between a productive day on the water and a miserable, early retreat. This guide focuses on gloves that provide essential warmth without sacrificing the dexterity needed for tying knots, handling fish, and managing gear in chilly conditions.
From insulated waterproof mittens to specialized touchscreen-compatible liners, the options are varied. The best choice depends on your specific fishing style, the severity of the cold, and your need for tactile sensitivity. We have compiled a list of ten highly-regarded options to help you find the perfect balance of protection and performance for your next winter adventure.
Our Top Picks for Cold-Weather Fishing Gloves
- Lindy Fish Handling Glove (Small/Medium)
- Promar Insulated Progrip Gloves, Large
- Rapala Fisherman’s Gloves, Large
- Simms Freestone Foldover Mitt, Large
- KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves (Blackout)
- HUK Liner Glove with Touchscreen Fingers
- Fish Monkey FM21 Pro 365 Guide Gloves
- BASSDASH WintePro Insulated Fishing Gloves
- PELAGIC Battle Fishing Gloves
- Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Glove
Lindy Fish Handling Glove
Designed for the practical angler, the Lindy Fish Handling Glove prioritizes safety and durability. Its puncture-proof and cut-resistant construction provides essential protection when grabbing fish or handling sharp hooks. This makes it a reliable choice for species with teeth or spiny fins.
The glove offers a secure hold on slippery fish and is built for use in all weather conditions. Its high-visibility yellow and black color scheme (for S/M size) helps keep your hands in view during low-light situations. It is a straightforward tool focused on the critical task of safe fish handling.
Promar Insulated Progrip Gloves
The Promar Insulated Progrip gloves are built for anglers facing genuinely cold conditions. As part of a bundled offering, these large, orange gloves are designed to provide insulation to maintain hand warmth during extended periods on icy water or in freezing air temperatures.
Their bright color enhances visibility, a useful safety feature on the water. While details on specific materials are limited, the “Progrip” name suggests a focus on maintaining a secure hold on rods and gear even when wet, which is a fundamental requirement for any cold-weather fishing glove.
Rapala Fisherman’s Gloves
Rapala’s Fisherman’s Gloves offer a classic, no-frills approach to fish handling. The key feature is a non-slip surface that provides a confident grip on wet, slippery fish, helping you maintain control during release or photo opportunities. They are suitable for both freshwater and saltwater use.
A particularly thoughtful design element is that these gloves are made to float. If you accidentally drop one overboard, it will remain on the surface, preventing the frustration of losing a glove to the depths. This practical feature adds value for any boating angler.
Simms Freestone Foldover Mitt
The Simms Freestone Foldover Mitt provides exceptional versatility for cold-weather anglers. Its 2-in-1 design combines a half-finger glove with a stowable overmitt. When you need dexterity for detailed tasks, you can fold back the mitt portion; when maximum warmth is required, simply cover your fingers.
Constructed with durable, water-resistant fleece and a brushed interior, these gloves offer comfort and thermal efficiency. The pairing snaps allow you to keep the gloves together when not in use or store the overmitt to prevent line snags, making them a smart and adaptable choice for changing conditions.
KastKing Mountain Mist Fishing Gloves
KastKing’s Mountain Mist gloves are engineered for functionality in freezing weather. Their standout feature is the strategic open finger slots on the thumb, index, and middle fingers. A hook-and-loop system holds the folded fingertips securely out of the way, exposing only the tips for precise work like tying knots.
These gloves also integrate smart phone-friendly conductive material on the fingertips, allowing you to use a touchscreen without exposure. With a fleece-lined back, neoprene palm, and an anti-slip grip, they are a strong option for anglers who need to balance warmth with high dexterity and modern connectivity.
HUK Liner Glove
The HUK Liner Glove is designed as a versatile base layer or standalone option for cool conditions. Made from performance fleece, it provides a comfortable, form-fitting layer of warmth that maintains a high degree of finger sensitivity, crucial for feeling line tension and performing fine motor tasks.
Touchscreen-compatible fingertips are a key benefit, enabling the use of GPS, fish finders, or phones without removing the glove. This glove is ideal for early mornings, late evenings, or as an insulating layer under a heavier waterproof shell when temperatures plummet further.
Fish Monkey FM21 Pro 365 Guide Gloves
The Fish Monkey FM21 Pro 365 gloves are built for all-season performance with a focus on sun protection and grip. The non-slip silicone palm print ensures a superior hold on rods, reels, and slippery fish, providing confidence in any condition. Their construction offers a second-skin fit for excellent dexterity.
With a UPF 50+ rating, these gloves are as useful for shielding hands from harmful sun rays in the summer as they are for providing a warm, protective layer in cooler weather. They represent a versatile choice for anglers who fish year-round and value consistent hand protection.
BASSDASH WintePro Insulated Fishing Gloves
The BASSDASH WintePro gloves are specifically designed for harsh winter conditions. A water-repellent and windproof outer shell works in tandem with a plush fleece lining to trap heat and block moisture, keeping hands warm and dry. This insulation is key for ice fishing or extended cold-weather sessions.
For necessary tasks, the thumb, index, and middle fingers can be exposed through dedicated openings. The palm area features durable, slip-proof synthetic leather for a firm grip on gear and fish, offering both warmth and practical functionality when you need it most.
PELAGIC Battle Fishing Gloves
PELAGIC Battle Fishing Gloves are geared toward anglers targeting large, powerful saltwater species. They are constructed with durability and protection as the top priorities, offering defense against abrasive line, rough fish skin, and sharp teeth during the fight and release process.
While specific features are not listed, gloves in this category typically provide enhanced grip and abrasion resistance. They are a specialized tool for serious offshore or big-game anglers where hand safety during the “battle” is a critical concern, even in cooler weather.
Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Glove
Columbia’s PFG Terminal Tackle Glove is part of their respected professional fishing gear line. It is designed to protect hands during the precise work of handling terminal tackle—hooks, swivels, and lures—while also offering warmth and sun protection. The fit is typically tailored for maximum dexterity.
These gloves often feature Columbia’s advanced omni-shade sun protection and quick-dry materials. They serve as a reliable, multi-purpose option for anglers who need a glove that performs well in cool weather but is also versatile enough for use in brighter, cooler conditions throughout the year.
What to Look For in the Best Fishing Gloves for Cold Weather
When I’m picking out my gear for a winter trip, my gloves are just as important as my rod. Getting it wrong means cold, stiff fingers and a miserable day on the water. So, let’s talk about what actually matters when you’re hunting for the best fishing gloves for cold weather. It’s not just about thickness; it’s about balancing warmth with the ability to actually fish.
First up is dexterity. This is the big one for me. A glove that turns your hands into clumsy paws is useless. You need to feel the line, tie knots, and handle small hooks and lures. Look for gloves with textured fingertips, often made from materials like silicone or a grippy synthetic leather. Many of the best options are “fingerless” mittens, where you have a mitten flap for warmth that folds back to expose your fingers when you need precision. This hybrid design is a total game-changer.
Next, consider the materials and insulation. Neoprene is a classic because it provides good warmth even when wet, which is a constant risk. Many modern gloves use synthetic fleece linings like Polartec or Thinsulate, which trap heat without adding too much bulk. For the outer shell, a waterproof and windproof barrier is non-negotiable. Technologies like Gore-Tex or similar proprietary membranes will keep the biting wind and spray from stealing all your warmth. Remember, no glove is 100% waterproof if you submerge it, but a good one will resist splashes and rain.
Finally, think about the fit and features. A glove that’s too tight will restrict blood flow and make you colder, while one that’s too baggy will ruin your dexterity. Look for an adjustable wrist cuff to seal out water and wind. Other handy features I love include a soft nose-wipe patch on the thumb (trust me, you’ll use it), touchscreen-compatible fingertips so you can use your phone or fish finder without exposing your skin, and a secure way to clip the gloves together so you don’t lose one overboard. By focusing on these key areas—dexterity, weather protection, and smart features—you’ll find a pair that keeps you fishing comfortably long after others have packed it in.
FAQ
Can I really tie knots with cold weather fishing gloves on?
Yes, but it depends heavily on the glove design. Full-fingered, heavily insulated gloves will make tying a Palomar knot a real struggle. That’s why I prefer the flip-top or convertible mitten style. You can keep your fingers covered and warm in the mitten compartment, then quickly flip it back to expose your bare or thinly coated fingertips when you need to tie on a new lure or fix a leader. Gloves with very thin, textured synthetic leather palms and fingers also offer a surprising amount of feel for knot-tying.
Are neoprene gloves the warmest option for winter fishing?
Neoprene is excellent for wet, cold conditions because it insulates even when damp, making it a top choice for ice fishing or kayak fishing where your hands are often wet. However, for dry, bitter cold, a glove with a breathable waterproof shell and a lofty synthetic insulation like PrimaLoft might be warmer. Neoprene can sometimes make your hands sweaty, which then gets cold. The “warmest” option truly depends on whether you’re dealing with wet-cold or dry-cold conditions.
How do I keep my fishing gloves from getting smelly?
This is a real issue! The best defense is to let them dry thoroughly after every single use. Never just toss wet gloves into your gear bag. If they’re machine washable (check the tag!), wash them periodically with a technical gear cleaner that won’t damage waterproof membranes. For a quick refresh, I sometimes lightly spray the inside with a mix of water and a little white vinegar or use a dedicated boot/glove dryer, which kills odor-causing bacteria with warm, dry air.
What’s the most important feature for ice fishing gloves?
For me, it’s a combination of waterproofing and quick-drying liners. You’re constantly handling wet line, fish, and possibly slush. Your gloves will get wet. A waterproof outer shell is crucial, but I also look for gloves with a removable liner. That way, if the liner gets soaked, I can pull it out, wring it, and have a chance of drying it in my shelter while using the shell as a windblock, or swap in a spare dry liner. Dexterity is still important, but frostbite prevention from wet hands is the top priority.
Are there any fishing gloves for cold weather that work with touchscreens?
Absolutely, and this is a feature I now consider essential. Many modern fishing gloves have conductive material woven into the fingertips of the index finger and thumb, allowing you to operate your phone, GPS, or fish finder screen without taking the glove off. The sensitivity varies by brand, so if this is a key feature for you, it’s worth checking reviews to see how well the touchscreen capability actually works before you buy.