Best Waterproof Fishing Jackets

If you’re even a moderately serious fisherman, you need a good waterproof fishing jacket and a pair of polarised fishing sunglasses. You don’t want to be caught in a storm fighting the biggest fish of your life in a t-shirt and shorts. Or a water-absorbent fleece. Trust me when I tell you it’s not an enjoyable feeling.

Below you’ll find the best waterproof fishing jackets on the market. From some of our favourite brands like Savage Gear and Caperlan to a couple of brand-new options for the upcoming year, these jackets are top-of-the-range and don’t break the bank.

Much like the best fishing boots and best fishing waders on the market, a good fishing waterproof is an essential piece of kit for the average British fisherman.

Table of contents

What is the best waterproof fishing jacket?

The best waterproof fishing jacket is the Caperlan Waterproof Fishing Jacket 900. Suitable for almost any weather conditions with excellent storage and shoulder pads for carrying bags, Caperlan’s jacket is our personal favourite. Whisper it quietly, but it is even aesthetically pleasing. Extraordinary for fishing clothing.

What makes a good waterproof fishing jacket?

A good waterproof fishing jacket should be waterproof (or at least water resistant), made of high-quality, rip-resistant material and have good waterproof storage options. For tackle boxes and life essentials – phone, wallet et al.

Additionally, the best jackets have features like elasticated waistbands and cuffs, thermolite inner lining and reinforced shoulders to prevent abrasion and wear and tear when carrying bags making them stand out above the rest.

At a glance

The 7 best waterproof fishing jackets

Decathlon’s own fishing brand Caperlan has some absolutely brilliant quality rods, fishing equipment and – importantly in this case – jackets. Caperlan’s Waterproof Fishing Jacket 900 is the best fishing jacket on the market.

The majority of fishing jackets are the same sludge green colour and have the aesthetic appeal of a new dad. However, this dark blue and black combination could almost be considered cool were you to wear it out and about. Rich in internal and external storage, the elasticated cuffs, waistband and built-in visor protect you from the elements perfectly. And the reinforced shoulders are a godsend for longer trips.

Capable of withstanding any weather conditions (we tested it in the deepest darkest Scotland) and with a host of outstanding features, you won’t find a better fishing jacket for the price.

Whilst Korda’s Kore Thermalite Jacket is only water-resistant, it is an outstanding jacket when the cold snap comes in without the accompanying heavy rain. Ultra-lightweight thanks to its patented hollow-fibre technology (lightweight, hollow strands of polyester that trap air in its layers) and thermolite inner layer.

The outer shell is made from a two-layer bonded fabric which provides excellent insulation, even when wet. It’s also rip-resistant, which is a relatively unique feature for puffer jackets. Unlike the majority of waterproof jackets, it’s also breathable, keeping you warm in the cold and ambient in the warm.

Reminiscent of a Liam Gallagher parka circa 1995, Westlake’s Waterproof Jacket is another almost fashionable fishing jacket that is waterproof in even the harshest conditions.

With excellent storage, storm flaps for water resistance and fully taped seams to prevent exposure to the rain you’ll stay dry and – dare I say it – maintain an ambient temperature thanks to its breathable nature. Its adjustable hood complete with a built-in peak is an excellent addition for the bleaker moments on the bank and the ripstop fabric should prevent any irritating holes from brambles, bushes and tackle.

Nash ZTs Extreme Weather Jacket is an insanely durable, breathable all-weather waterproof competent in the harshest of conditions. Designed for ‘extreme weather conditions’ the jacket’s best features are all focused around raging wind and rain. If you’re someone who, like Dickens, will sit through both the best and worst of times, this extreme weather jacket is a superb option.

The peaked storm hood; zipped, waterproof pocket storage, elasticated waist and cuffs create a virtually airtight cocoon. Well, water and wind at least. The interior pocket is suitable for your phone or other essential items. Whilst the exterior storage is ample enough for your go-to tackle.

From one of our all-time favourite brands, Savage Gear’s HeatLite Thermo Fishing Jacket is a technically superb waterproof. The completely waterproof membrane, high-quality 150g/sm polyester wadding, and inner liner make this jacket one of the lightest and best insulated on the market. It’s a contender for the best jacket and is certainly the best-value fishing jacket on the market.

The rip and tear-resistant fabric make it ultra-durable. We’ve walked through dense forests and canoed down raging rapids (by UK standards at least) and come out sparkling on the other side. Storage wise the pockets are capable of holding multiple small tackle boxes and – thanks to the elastic suspenders – this jacket is primed for comfort.

Aqua’s F12 Torrent Fishing Jacket is another breathable, waterproof jacket designed for tough conditions. Impeccably waterproof with excellent internal and external storage and a hat-compatible hood, it’s a truly all-weather option.

Two of our favourite features are the cold-finger-friendly locks and the coat’s packability. When the sessions are long, you’re into the bitterly cold hours and your fingers have locked up, the cord locks are specifically designed with rigid fingers in mind. So even when you can’t retie your bait and the world looks bleak, your jacket will still be your ally. Particularly as it packs away into a tiny bag.

Whilst this isn’t a fishing-specific jacket, Stormline’s Stormtex Workwear Waterproof is specifically designed for manual workers who spend their entire lives outside. If you’re planning a long trip where stormy conditions come with a high degree of certainty, Stormline could be your brand.

The baggier fit is excellent for walking longer distances and retying rigs without feeling suffocated. The one downside to this fit is it isn’t the best for traipsing through thicker forests or snaggy conditions as it can be easily caught. Although it’s largely rip-free. The 550g/sm PVC makes this arguably the toughest fishing jacket on the market.

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