fishing shirts with uv protection from Murray Brothers

The best fishing shirts with UV protection aren't just an upgrade from sunscreen—they're a whole different class of defense. Think of it as a physical shield against the sun. No matter how often you reapply lotion, it can't match a purpose-built garment that physically blocks over 98% of damaging rays. For anyone who spends serious time on the water, this isn't a luxury; it's a fundamental piece of gear that keeps you safer and more comfortable all day long.

A Legacy Forged in Sun and Saltwater

Long before we talked about high-tech fabrics and UPF ratings, the pioneers of saltwater sportfishing had a different kind of R&D department: the open ocean. Legendary anglers Ed and Frank Murray built their careers under the punishing tropical sun, spending decades on the water before the full dangers of UV exposure were common knowledge.

They weren't just out for a casual weekend trip. They were legends in the making, chasing giant marlin and tuna from dawn until dusk in the world's most competitive saltwater sportfishing tournaments. These were grueling, sun-drenched battles where the sun was a constant, powerful opponent. The heat, the blinding glare off the water, and the invisible radiation were just as much a part of the fight as the fish on the line.

The Birth of a Necessity

That firsthand experience, earned over countless hours competing in and winning some of the world's most prestigious big-game tournaments, shaped their entire philosophy on gear. They learned a lesson the sea teaches best: your apparel is just as critical as your rod and reel. It has to be functional, tough, and above all, protective. There was simply no place for gear that couldn't handle the harsh reality of a life offshore.

This deep, practical understanding proved that the best equipment is always born from necessity, not from a passing trend. For the Murray Brothers, the need for serious sun protection wasn't a marketing gimmick; it was a matter of professional survival. Their time on the tournament circuit boiled it down to a few core truths:

• All-Day Exposure is the Norm: Tournament fishing means zero shade and maximum sun, which hits you from above and reflects right back up off the water.
• Performance Can't Be Compromised: Your clothing has to move with you—whether you're casting, wiring a fish, or scrambling across a chaotic boat deck.
• Durability is Non-Negotiable: Anything less than top-tier material would be shredded by salt, sweat, and constant abuse in no time.

From Experience to Innovation

The leap from simple cotton t-shirts to modern fishing shirts with UV protection is a direct line from the lessons learned by legends like Ed and Frank. Their decades on the water were the ultimate field test, revealing exactly what an angler needs to perform at their best while staying safe from the elements. You can dive deeper into the foundational days of the sport in our detailed overview of sportfishing history.

This legacy of authentic, hard-won wisdom is what separates truly effective gear from the rest. It’s the understanding that a fishing shirt isn’t just clothing—it's a critical tool designed to help you endure and succeed in the most demanding marine environments.

This guide is built on that same practical, experience-driven foundation. We’ll break down the science, the features, and the real-world uses of UV-protective apparel, all through the lens of what actually matters when you're miles from shore.

Understanding Sun Protection on the Water

When you’re hours into a fishing trip, with the sun beating down and bouncing off every wave, your gear needs to work as hard as you do. The science behind sun safety can get complicated, but for us anglers, it really boils down to one thing: putting a reliable barrier between your skin and harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This is where knowing the difference between SPF and UPF is absolutely crucial.

Most of us are familiar with Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the rating you see on sunscreen bottles. Think of it like a timer. In a perfect world, an SPF 30 lotion lets you stay in the sun 30 times longer before you burn. But out on the boat, perfect conditions don't exist. Sweat, spray, and just the act of casting and reeling mean sunscreen's effectiveness is constantly compromised unless you're reapplying it perfectly.

That's why we rely on Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), which applies to fabrics. UPF isn't a timer; it measures blockage. A fishing shirt with UV protection and a UPF 50 rating is your own personal, wearable shade that physically stops UV rays from ever reaching your skin.

Decoding the UPF Rating

So what do those numbers on a UPF tag actually mean? It’s a direct measure of how much UV radiation the fabric allows to pass through it.

A garment with a UPF 50 rating, for instance, only lets 1/50th—or just 2%—of the sun's UV rays get through. It’s a consistent, physical shield that’s far more dependable than a chemical one that sweats off or gets applied unevenly. That’s not just a small upgrade; it’s a total game-changer for anyone spending a full day on the water.

Here's a quick reference to make sense of the ratings you'll see on performance fishing apparel.

UPF Rating vs UV Ray Blockage

UPF Rating	UV Radiation Blocked	Protection Category
15-24	93.3% - 95.9%	Good
25-39	96.0% - 97.4%	Very Good
40-50+	97.5% - 98%+	Excellent

As you can see, once you hit that UPF 50+ mark, you’re getting the gold standard of fabric-based sun protection.

This is why serious anglers invest in high-performance gear. It’s about endurance and having the right tools for the job, from your tackle to your shirt.

A true legacy in fishing is built on putting in the time, day after day, and that means having sun protection that you never have to second-guess.

The Global Shift Toward Protective Apparel

This need for reliable protection has completely transformed the angling community. The move to UPF-rated fishing shirts is part of a massive global trend, with the sun protective clothing market now valued at a staggering USD 8.86 billion and still growing. Anglers everywhere have come to realize that UPF 50+ isn't just a nice feature—it's the new standard for being on the water.

Why? Because a UPF 50+ garment blocks over 98% of UV radiation, giving you the kind of defense that’s essential for those long days offshore. It’s a reflection of a much smarter approach to sun safety in our sport.

A UPF 50+ fishing shirt blocks over 98% of harmful UVA and UVB radiation. It provides a constant, reliable barrier that doesn’t wash off, sweat off, or require reapplication throughout the day.

This simple fact is the foundation of modern fishing apparel. It means less time worrying about getting torched and more time focused on the fish.

Of course, sunscreen is still vital for your face, neck, and hands, but a high-quality shirt covers the largest areas of your body with unwavering protection. You can learn more about creating a complete on-the-water system in our guide to sun protection clothing for fishing. At the end of the day, choosing the right shirt is the single most effective step you can take to stay safe under the sun.

Anatomy of a Tournament-Ready Fishing Shirt

Sure, a UPF 50+ rating is the baseline for any serious fishing shirt, but that’s just the ticket to get in the game. What truly separates a pro-level shirt from the rest of the rack are the features built on top of that sun-blocking foundation.

Think about the sportfishing legends who built this sport, guys like Ed and Frank Murray. They didn't just need something to block the sun; they needed gear that could perform under the grueling pressure of competitive fishing. Their shirts had to stand up to sweat, salt spray, and the constant, explosive movements of fighting a fish without a single point of failure.

That demand for high-performance gear is exactly why the UV fishing shirt market is booming, projected to hit an incredible $2.8 billion by 2033. This growth is almost entirely driven by long-sleeve, technical polyester styles prized for their toughness and ability to handle moisture. You can dig into the numbers yourself in this UV fishing shirt market report.

Moisture Wicking: Your First Line of Defense Against Heat

When you’re hooked up to a big fish under a blistering sun, staying cool isn’t about comfort—it's about having the endurance to win the fight. This is where moisture-wicking fabric is absolutely essential.

A standard cotton t-shirt is the worst offender; it soaks up sweat and turns into a heavy, wet blanket that traps heat against your body. A true performance fishing shirt does the exact opposite. Its synthetic fibers, usually polyester, act like a high-tech cooling system by pulling sweat away from your skin and spreading it across the fabric's surface. This allows it to evaporate in a flash, keeping you drier, lighter, and focused when it matters most.

Strategic Ventilation: Where It Counts the Most

Even the most advanced fabric needs airflow to work its magic. The best shirts are designed with strategic ventilation, often using fine mesh panels in the places you heat up the fastest, like under your arms or down your back. This isn't just about punching a few holes in the fabric; it's about engineering channels for air to move.

It’s like the venting on a high-performance engine. These panels let hot, humid air escape while drawing in cooler, drier air from the outside. That constant exchange is what keeps you from overheating during a long, 12-hour day offshore. It’s a small detail that makes a world of difference.

Durability and Practical Features

A tournament boat is a harsh environment. Your gear gets hit with corrosive salt spray, grimy bait, and fish slime. A shirt has to be built to take that abuse day in and day out.

• Stain Resistance: Many of the best shirts are treated with a finish that makes liquids bead up and roll right off. This means blood, coffee, or bait stains are less likely to set, keeping your gear looking good and lasting longer.

• Antimicrobial Treatment: Let's be honest, a long day of fishing can get sweaty. An antimicrobial treatment stops odor-causing bacteria from growing, keeping your shirt from smelling like the bottom of a baitwell, especially on multi-day trips.

• Athletic Fit: Look for a fit that moves with you. A well-designed shirt won’t bunch up or restrict your shoulders when you cast, allowing for a full, natural range of motion when you're working a fish.

Choosing Your Style: Hoodie vs. Collared Shirt

The final decision often comes down to personal preference and the conditions you expect to face. Both hoodies and collared shirts offer fantastic protection, but they each have their sweet spots.

The long-sleeve hoodie delivers the most complete coverage possible. The built-in hood protects your neck, ears, and the sides of your face—all areas that hats and sunscreen often miss. Many, like AFTCO's SpeedVent™ hood, are even designed to stay put when you’re running the boat at high speed.

On the other hand, the classic collared shirt offers a more traditional look with excellent ventilation options. You can flip the collar up for extra neck protection or unbutton the front for more airflow. It’s a versatile choice that looks just as sharp on deck as it does back at the dock for weigh-in.

Ultimately, the best fishing shirt is one that disappears. It should protect you so effectively and feel so comfortable that you forget you're even wearing it, allowing you to focus completely on the fish.

The Murray Brothers Standard for Angling Gear

When legendary anglers Ed and Frank Murray spent decades on the saltwater tournament circuit, they weren't just fishing. They were putting gear through the wringer under the most punishing conditions you can imagine.

Out there, they learned a simple truth: your apparel isn't just clothing—it's equipment. Every stitch, every seam, and every fabric has a job to do. On the open ocean, the little things can be the difference between a trophy and heading back to the dock empty-handed.

That hard-won knowledge is the bedrock of the Murray Brothers' philosophy. A great fishing shirt with UV protection is so much more than a high UPF number. It’s a purpose-built tool, crafted from experience to solve the problems that anglers actually face day in and day out.

Built from Experience, Not Trends

A lot of brands find a cool fabric and then figure out how to make a shirt out of it. The Murrays did the opposite. They started with a lifetime of challenges on the water and designed apparel specifically to overcome them.

This "experience-first" approach means they obsess over details that only a seasoned angler would even notice. It’s about setting a standard where performance isn't just a buzzword—it's measured in durability, mobility, and protection you can count on.

Three core principles, born from thousands of hours offshore, define this standard:

• Corrosion-Proof Construction: Saltwater is brutal. It eats zippers for breakfast, weakens stitching, and destroys fabric. Every single component has to be chosen for its ability to stand up to salt spray, season after season.
• Unrestricted Athletic Movement: You don't stand still when you're fighting a big fish. You’re casting, pulling, and scrambling around the deck. The gear has to move with you, providing a full range of motion without ever pulling, bunching, or getting in the way.
• Timeless, Functional Design: The best gear looks right whether you're on the boat or at the awards dinner. The Murray Brothers standard demands a classic, clean look that performs at a tournament level without screaming "technical gear."

This is how they ensure every piece of apparel is battle-tested before it ever gets to you.

The Murray Brothers standard isn’t about chasing trends. It's about engineering gear based on one simple question: "Would we trust this on our own boat during a week-long tournament?" If the answer is anything but a hard 'yes,' it doesn't get made.

It's this practical, no-nonsense mentality that makes their apparel essential equipment.

The Anatomy of a Murray Brothers Shirt

So how does all that experience translate into an actual shirt? It shows up in specific, purposeful features—not a bunch of bells and whistles, but a perfection of the fundamentals that matter when you’re focused on the fish.

Take the lightweight polyester fabric. It’s not just about providing top-tier sun protection; it actively wicks moisture away from your skin to keep you cool and dry. That’s more than just comfort—it’s a performance edge that helps regulate your body temperature and fight off fatigue on those long, hot days.

You can see this commitment in every detail, from the flatlock seams that prevent chafing to the resilient material that holds its shape wash after wash. The Murray Brothers UPF 50+ Fishing Shirt is a perfect example of this legacy in action.

Ultimately, the Murray Brothers' name on a shirt isn't just a brand. It's a guarantee that it was designed by anglers, for anglers, and built to the highest standard of performance on the water.

Keeping Your High-Performance Fishing Gear in Fighting Shape

Think of a quality fishing shirt with UV protection as an investment, just like your best reel or your chartplotter. It's a critical piece of gear that keeps you safe and comfortable on the water. And like any other essential equipment, it needs a little upkeep to perform its best. Taking care of it is simple, but a few common mistakes can quickly ruin the very technology you paid for.

The goal here isn't just to keep it clean, but to preserve the shirt's UPF rating and moisture-wicking power for years, not just a single season. A few good habits will ensure your gear is ready to go every time you are.

The Right Way to Wash and Dry

Properly cleaning your performance apparel is less about hard work and more about knowing what not to do. Follow these simple steps to keep your gear in tournament-ready condition.

1. Rinse It Down: If you can, give your shirt a quick rinse with fresh water right after you get off the boat. This gets the corrosive salt and sweat off before it has time to settle into the fabric.

2. Go Cold: Always wash on a gentle cycle with cold water. Hot water is the enemy of synthetic fibers; it can damage the delicate weave, weaken the material, and even degrade its UPF effectiveness over time.

3. Choose a Gentle Detergent: Stick with a mild, liquid detergent. Heavy-duty powders or those with lots of dyes and perfumes can leave a residue that clogs the fabric's pores, killing its ability to breathe and wick sweat.

4. Air Dry is Best: The single best thing you can do is hang your shirt to dry in the shade. The intense heat from a machine dryer is the fastest way to cook the life out of synthetic fabrics. If you absolutely have to use a dryer, put it on the lowest heat setting you can—or better yet, a no-heat, tumble-only cycle.

Common Mistakes That Wreck Performance Fabrics

What you keep out of the laundry is just as important as how you wash. Many standard laundry products are made for cotton and will absolutely destroy the tech in your high-performance fishing shirt.

If there's one thing to avoid, it's fabric softener. It works by coating the fibers with a waxy film, which completely blocks the micro-channels that pull moisture away from your skin. It single-handedly renders the moisture-wicking feature useless.

Here are the top culprits to keep far away from your fishing gear:

• Fabric Softeners: As mentioned, they’ll suffocate the fabric and stop it from wicking sweat.
• Dryer Sheets: They do the same thing as liquid softeners, leaving a film that cripples performance.
• Bleach: Chlorine bleach doesn't just stain; it permanently weakens the fabric's structure and destroys its UV-blocking properties.
• High Heat: Whether it’s hot water in the wash or a hot cycle in the dryer, heat is the fastest way to shrink, warp, or ruin the protective qualities of your shirt.

By sticking to these simple rules, you're not just washing a shirt—you're maintaining a piece of equipment. You'll ensure it keeps providing the protection and comfort you need every time you leave the dock.

How Sun Safety Became a Sportfishing Standard

The move toward high-performance fishing shirts with uv protection wasn't just a quiet trend. It was a sea change in how we think about a day on the water. What started with the hard-earned lessons from sportfishing legends like Ed and Frank Murray has grown into a global standard. Fishermen everywhere now get it: sun protection isn't an option, it's a core piece of your kit.

This shift in thinking has completely transformed fishing apparel. The demand for smarter, safer gear forced brands to step up their game, making UPF 50+ ratings and advanced moisture-wicking fabrics the new baseline. It's a direct response from a community that's spending more time fishing and expecting more from their equipment.

The Market Follows the Mindset

You don't just have to take my word for it—the numbers back it up. The global market for fishing clothing was valued at a staggering USD 46,845.2 million and continues to climb, driven by the demand for breathable, technical fabrics. In fact, these shirts work so well that hikers, boaters, and other outdoor lovers have adopted them, too.

As anglers wise up to the long-term risks of UV exposure, they're pushing the industry toward better, more durable solutions. You can dig deeper into these numbers by checking out the full fishing wear market report.

This growth proves one thing: a top-tier fishing shirt is no longer a luxury. It’s essential equipment, right up there with a dependable reel and a sharp hook. It shows we've all come to understand that being a responsible outdoorsman means preparing for the elements.

A New Standard of Performance

What does all this demand mean for you? A higher standard across the board. Today, a UPF 50+ rating isn't a bonus feature; it's the bare minimum you should expect. This has pushed manufacturers to focus on real-world performance, building features that were once niche right into their main product lines.

Choosing a high-quality UV fishing shirt is more than a personal preference. It's an alignment with a global community of anglers who have embraced a smarter, safer, and more responsible way to enjoy the sport they love.

This collective movement is a powerful thing. It means that when you invest in good gear, you’re making a smart choice for your health and joining a community that’s set a higher bar for the sport. When you pull on that shirt, you’re not just getting ready for a day of fishing—you’re gearing up like a modern, well-equipped angler.

Got Questions About UV Fishing Shirts? We've Got Answers.

Even after laying it all out, a few questions always pop up. It's only natural when you're serious about your gear. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often from anglers just like you.

Is a UPF 50+ Fishing Shirt Really Better Than Sunscreen?

Think of it this way: a UPF 50+ shirt is like having a permanent, physical shield. It blocks 98% of UVA and UVB rays all day long. It won't sweat off, wash off in the spray, or need to be reapplied every couple of hours.

Sunscreen is still your first mate for exposed skin—your face, neck, ears, and hands. But for your torso and arms, a high-UPF shirt provides coverage you can set and forget, which is a huge advantage when the bite is on.

Won't a Dark-Colored Fishing Shirt Make Me Hotter?

That's a classic bit of dock talk, but it doesn't hold up with today's performance fabrics. While it's true that darker colors absorb more light, the technology built into the material is what really dictates your comfort.

These shirts are engineered to be lightweight and incredibly breathable. More importantly, they're moisture-wicking, pulling sweat off your skin and using evaporation to create a powerful cooling effect. The fabric's performance will always have a bigger impact on how you feel than its color.

The UV protection in a high-quality fishing shirt, where the UPF rating is achieved through the fabric's tight weave and construction, is designed to last the lifetime of the garment. It won't wash out or fade away with proper care.

How Long Does the UV Protection in a Fishing Shirt Actually Last?

For a well-made shirt, the protection lasts for the life of the garment. The UPF rating comes from the fabric's incredibly tight weave, not a chemical coating that can wash away.

As long as you treat it right—wash it in cold water and skip the fabric softener and high-heat dryers—that protective weave will stay intact. It'll keep shielding you from the sun for years of trips.

Can't I Just Wear a Regular Cotton T-Shirt?

You could, but it would be a big mistake. Your average white cotton t-shirt has a UPF rating of maybe 5 to 7, and that number drops to almost nothing once it gets wet from sweat or spray. It’s barely better than wearing nothing at all.

A purpose-built UPF 50+ fishing shirt offers at least ten times that protection. For anyone spending serious time on the water, the difference isn't just about comfort; it's about staying safe from sun damage.

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Ready to gear up with apparel built on a legacy of sportfishing expertise? Explore the full collection of tournament-ready gear from Murray Brothers Palm Beach and experience the difference that decades of on-the-water knowledge makes. Shop Now.