Fishing might not seem like it, but it’s one sophisticated activity that needs the right gear and equipment to get the job done. Of them all, one of the most essential and important gear is a pair of ice fishing gloves, which provide both grip and protection during fishing. In fact, they have a plethora of features and come in many models. The best ice fishing gloves are waterproof, provide protection against super cold winds, and don’t limit your motor ability to a great extent. So, the only problem you’ll have is having lots of options to choose from! To help you with this, here are the 13 best ice fishing gloves your money can buy.
How To Choose The Best Fishing Gloves?
Just like the Best Travel Socks are important for travel, fishing gloves are an indispensable part of your fishing gear. It might not look it, but they not only keep your hands warm but also protect them from the bugs and cuts from the line. Also, you shouldn’t be choosing fishing gloves for their looks. To that end, here are the main things you should consider while looking for a pair of fishing gloves. Furthermore, we recommend that you get a few pairs so that you’ll have more than enough on hand.
Types of gloves
Fishing gloves can be full gloves, fingerless ones, or a combination of both. When the weather is really, really cold, then full gloves are your best bet. Think freezing cold winds and single-digit temperatures, and these ones will keep your hands a lot warmer since they cover it entirely. Fingerless gloves either don’t have fingers at all or cover only half of your fingers. While they’ll warm lesser than full gloves, they don’t limit your motor skills. What’s more, they provide excellent UV protection for fishing in sunny weather sans the sweat issues of full gloves. Convertible gloves are the best cross between the two, allowing adapting to various conditions while making it easier to move your fingers.
Material
To begin with, there’s a huge difference between fishing gloves and gloves for ‘handling fish.’ The latter is thicker since it’ll protect you from stuff like knife cuts et al. Fishing gloves are thinner so as to not inhibit your fine motoring skills.
First of all, we have neoprene fishing gloves, which make for the best waterproof ice fishing gloves. They’re made of the same material used for wet suits or waders and insulate exceptionally even when wet. The only thing – they’re thicker and need to be taken off for tasks like tying knots. Fleece ice fishing gloves, albeit not completely waterproof, will keep your hands warm even in freezing temperatures. That said, it’s quite easy to wring them out and slip into them again. Finally, we have classic wool gloves, which keep your hands warm and insulate well. However, they soak water quickly and don’t block out the wind as effectively as others.
Other features
UV protection
If you’re going to be doing a lot of fishing in sunny weather, then we’d highly recommend getting one that’ll stop the UV rays from reaching your skin. That said, all fishing gloves come with a certain amount of UV protection, so watch out.
Reinforced casting finger areas
The casting finger area is one that has to withstand the most amount of abrasions over time. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to look out for gloves with reinforced sections that improve the overall durability and longevity of the gloves.
Waterproof ice fishing gloves
There’s nothing doing after the cold water hits your skin; you lose motor skills, you lose warmth, and the fun of fishing is gone. Waterproof fishing gloves are the answer here which will prevent water from entering the glove and keep your hands dry. All you need to make sure is that your sleeves are long enough and the collar is tight. Moreover, waterproof ice fishing gloves are ideal for really cold weather too.
Glacier Glove Ice Bay Fishing Glove
13
There’s a reason that fishing enthusiasts from all over the world love the Glacier Glove Bay Fishing Gloves. They’re not just 100% waterproof but are also one of the most cold-resistant options on the list. This one features a 2mm thick and consistent palm design, complete with a fleece-lined Neoprene fabrication. What’s more, the gloves have glued invisible stitching along with a woolen Sharkskin finish. Finally, it comes in a plethora of sizes ranging from XS to XXL.
Despite coming in just one color, everything else about the glove is top-notch. The neoprene interior keeps the hands dry and cozy, even after you soak them in the water! The consistent palm design makes it resistant to tears and snags, while the fleece-lined exterior maintains the body heat even in freezing mercury. Finally, the sharkskin texture ensures a firm grip. While choosing them, keep in mind that some users have reported that they run small. So, go in for a size larger than your usual hand size.
Pros:
- Completely waterproof.
- Don’t hinder dexterity despite the fleece lining.
- The glued neoprene offers traction and ensures durability.
- Keeps the hands warm sands chafing or irritating them.
Cons:
- A bit unsuitable for warm weather.
Berkley Fishing Gloves
12
The Berkeley Fishing Gloves are the best ice fishing gloves for women. Designed ergonomically for women’s hands, these gloves are perfect for those who don’t like handling fish with their bare hands. The best part? These gloves come in a gamut of colors like grey, blue, and pink.
Despite coming in just one size, these strong, thick gloves are designed specifically for a no-slip grip and protection against hooks, barbs, spines, other sneakily sharp things. Although they’re not waterproof but rather water-resistant, they do fine when the water contact is kept to the minimum. So, a little bit of water contact is fine. Above all, they’re great for cleaning and handling slippery fish. Finally, they keep the hands very warm in extremely cold temperatures, so they’re ideal for ice fishing too.
Pros:
- The full coverage helps for handling slippery fish.
- Prevents injuries.
- Flexible enough for movement.
- Coated palms ensure an excellent grip.
- Durable.
Cons:
- Not waterproof.
Glacier Glove Islamorada 079GY
11
There’s a reason that there are so many Glacier Glove products on the list, and that’s the brand design and quality. And one of the best of the lost is the Glacier Glove Islamorada 079GY, which gives you all the protection you need while fishing. The fingerless glove design has an in-built 50+ UPF protection that’ll protect your hands against any sunburns due to prolonged exposure to the UV rays. So, it not only keeps the skin healthy but also allows your pores to breathe. This is thanks to the quick-drying materials, which also laps up water quickly and leaves the hands feeling dry.
Moreover, the palm design features synthetic leather, which assures a no-slip grip so you can handle even the lightest and thinnest of things with confidence.
Pros:
- 50+ UPF protection protects hands from sunburns.
- Keeps hands dry and warm.
- Synthetic leather palm ensures a secure grip.
- A fingerless design leaves you feeling comfortable and confident in handling things.
Cons:
- Sizes need to be chosen carefully as some will leave only the tips of your fingers exposed, leaving you incapacitated.
Goture Outdoor Sport
10
A waterproof glove is a must while fishing, which is why the Goture Outdoor Sport is one of the best ice fishing gloves. The gloves feature an innovative design that allows you to stick the forefinger and thumb out of the glove cover. This is particularly useful for maneuvering small, sharp objects or using your smartphone. Moreover, the back of the glove features an extremely durable and upscale neoprene fabrication. It not only keeps the hand warm and dry but also keeps the gloves from abrasions and scratches. Plus, the material on the palm is artificial leather that’ll help you handle slippery fish with ease.
What makes this glove so great is that it’s made of ultra-soft materials. So, your fingers and hands aren’t limited to mobility hindrances, and you can use and handle a great number of things with ease. Furthering the fit is the Velcro wrist strap, which ensures that the glove won’t loosen while you’re using it.
Pros:
- A one-size-fits-all design.
- Comfortable to wear and maneuver.
- Made from durable yet sift materials.
- Highly innovative design.
Cons:
- Unsuitable for extremely cold winter conditions.
Frabill FXE Performance Task Glove
9
The Frabill FXE Performance Task Glove has been designed with ice fishing in mind. In fact, the ergonomics and the curvature of these gloves ensure the ultimate feel as well as fit for handling the line, the reel, and the rod. The fingers and palms offer great sensitivity while providing both the toughness and warmth needed for handling ice fishing tools. Moreover, the diamond-plate silicon grip pattern on the fingers and the palms ensure a good grip even while clutching slippery fishes or extra-thin handles and rods.
Going further, the wind-proof nylon shell with the Thinsulate layer on both the palm and the back of the hand keeps the hands warm in all but extreme cold conditions. Rounding up the comfy fit is the adjustable wrist strap with internal elastic bands that ensures a snug, no-seepage fit. Despite having a lot of seam work, the gloves are durable and are essentially ideal for ice house fishing or moderate temperature ranges.
Pros:
- Well-thought-out design.
- Excellent grip on the surface of the palm.
- Excellent sensitivity.
Cons:
- Too many seams could cause ripping sometimes.
Seal Skinz Extreme Cold Weather Glove
8
The Seal Skinz Extreme Cold Weather Ice Fishing Gloves are the best overall gloves for warmth and comfort. The gloves feature goatskin leather and a breathable microporous polyester membrane shell over a Primaloft insulation layer. To top that, it features a 100% polyester liner. The leather palm ensures excellent feel and flexibility. What’s more, it even improves over time using a waterproofing sealant that’ll better water resistibility too. Since 99% of ice fishing is all about exposure to the wind, the cold, and definitely a bit of water here and there, there’s very little of underwater activity. To that end, Seal Skinz all-day warmth and sealing against water and drafts are the reasons why it’s a favorite with ice fishers.
The fit of the glove is excellent too, thanks to the slip-lock drawstring and the elastic snugger band. Even though they’re not completely immersion proof, they do well against general splashes and slops. Plus, the overall warmth due to their wind-proof construction makes them excellent all-day cold-weather fishing gloves.
Pros:
- Well-sealed cuff.
- Soft suede thumb wiper pad.
- Natural leather is sensitive and durable.
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side.
Glacier Glove Alaska River
7
The selling point is right in the name – the Glacier Glove Alaska River is designed to deal with the harsh weather and withstand the coldest temperatures like Alaska is well known for. The gloves feature an outer neoprene layer which, among other things, offers superb waterproofing. The hybrid hand covering features a windproof fleece interior and lining and is a cross between a mitten and a fingerless glove. So, you can simply flip the mitt back for performing nimble actions and adapt to changing weather conditions. Moreover, the thumb cover has a slit, so you can poke it out whenever the need arises. So, whenever you’re worried that your fingers are getting cold, all you need to do is pull the mitt over the fingers.
To ensure that your hands are warm, the gloves come with a 2-mm neoprene palm lining with a sharkskin-textured grip. It’s extremely helpful for holding on to your smooth smartphone, hoisting up to a perch, or holding on to your fishing pole. That, coupled with the windproof fleece keeps you at your most comfortable feeling, even when the fishing conditions are less than ideal.
Pros:
- The neoprene exterior and sharkskin palm ensure a good drip.
- The flip-mitt design offers versatility and is suitable for multiple weather conditions.
- The windproof fleece offers extra warmth.
Cons:
- Some users with large hands have reported fit issues.
Stormr Typhoon Ice Fishing Gloves
6
One of the best waterproof ice fishing gloves for the winter is the Stormr Typhoon Ice Fishing Gloves. These gloves are designed especially for foul weather conditions. They’re made of 3mm-thick neoprene with a micro-fleece lining for comfort, warmth, and dryness. Moreover, the robust Kevlar construction for the fingers and palms along with the blind-stitched and glued seams avoid ripping. These extra-tough fingertips are a blessing for using baitcasters for cold-weather fishing or for wrangling the braided line.
Plus, the high-grip, abrasion-resistant palm offers a comfortable and strong grip, augmented by the adjustable wrist closure. The best part? The gloves are water-resistant and can also withstand heavy-duty workloads. Finally, since the exterior is neoprene, the gloves do a superb job of keeping your fingers and palms dry and warm. The fabric is just the right amount of thick and is stretchable and flexible enough for you to be able to complete most tasks.
Pros:
- Touchscreen and electronic devicles compatible.
- Fleece liner keeps the hands warm and dry.
- Water-resistant.
Cons:
- They aren’t waterproof.
Rapala Marine Fisherman Glove
5
The Rapala Marine Fisherman Gloves are the perfect gloves for any angler. The best part about the gloves is the long-lasting latex coating, which offers lots of insulation to keep your hands dry and warm, even in cold temperatures. It also provides lots of protection while handling fish, as your hands won’t get hurt or cuts from the teeth, gill plates, etc. What’s more, the textured grip ensures that your catch, or even the gear for that matter, doesn’t slip out of your grasp. So, you have control, grip, and comfort all at the same time.
The best part is that the gloves are ideal for both salt and freshwater fishing, and are very easy to clean later on. In fact, you can even throw them into the washing machine if you don’t want to launder them by hand. Plus, they’re available in both L and XL sizes and are weatherproof for all kinds of expeditions.
Pros:
- Latex coating offers protection for hands.
- Machine-washable.
- Hands stay dry and warm even in frigid and freezing temperatures.
Cons:
- Can’t be worn for filleting.
Clam Outdoors IceArmor Edge
4
The imported pair of Clam Outdoors IceArmor Edge is one of the best ice fishing gloves you can buy. For more than 30 years, Clam Outdoors has been a leader in fishing equipment, and it’s easy to see why. Weighing just 2.4 ounces (68 grams), these gloves are the lightest ones on this list. So, you can wear them for a long. long time sans worrying about chafing. What’s more, the exterior is made of thermoplastic polyurethane, making these gloves both abrasion and puncture-resistant. Plus, they offer a unique grip for fishing as well as protection from all hassles of fishing. To top it all, they’re weatherproof, water-resistant, and super warm.
The best part about this pair of gloves is that it comes with a one-year warranty and is lightweight. The only hitch is that while they’re advertised as men’s medium-sized fishing gloves, they might fit men a little snug.
Pros:
- Waterproof and weather-proof.
- A one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Cons:
- The sizing might be a bit off for those with large hands.
Frabill All-Purpose Task Glove
3
The Frabill All-Purpose Task Glove is ideal for frigid days and is one of the best-fitting gloves in the market. Constructed from an Oxford nylon shell, these all-purpose gloves feature a brushed tricot lining, high-quality inserts, and are made of heavy-duty threads. The combination makes them not just warm, but also 100 percent waterproof. The material of the palms is reinforced chamude, complete with a double, top-stitch seam detailing, ensuring grip, traction, and dexterity. In fact, the excellent natural curvature of these gloves ensures ultimate comfort and fit.
Furthermore, they come with an adjustable neoprene wrist strap which only augments their wearability comfort. And even though they weigh about a pound, a host of favorable features including breathability and their availability in two sizes — L and XL are what makes them so popular.
Pros:
- Hook-and-loop adjustable strap.
- Extremely durable with heavy-duty threads and double top stitching.
- Tricot lining is durable yet soft.
- Windproof and waterproof with a breathable oxford nylon shell.
Cons:
- None, really.
Glacier Glove Pro Angler
2
One of the best ice fishing gloves out there is the Glacier Glove Pro Angler, which is perfect for angling and ice-fishing in extremely cold weather. They feature fleece insulation with a thin neoprene exterior providing an excellent grip for both the fingers and the palms. Moreover, the heavy and thick Velcro wrist straps prevent water from seeping in and help keep the wrists and the hands warm. And don’t worry about the fleece lining getting wet of your hands’ sweat, for it dries up pretty quickly if you turn them inside out for a while.
What makes the gloves so popular is their slit design. Both the index fingers and the thumb are slit, so you can slip your fingers in and out extremely easily. What’s more, the finger slits are elasticized, ensuring that water doesn’t even seep from within slits into the gloves. All-in-all, it ensures a tighter fit around the fingers, also avoiding the bunching up of material that could possibly limit motor ability. Finally, the gloves come in numerous sizes, so do make sure to check the measurements before you buy them. And although they were made for angling, it’s great for those who photograph in all weathers too!
Pros:
- Made of high-quality materials and durable.
- Practical and warm.
- The size measurements are perfect to the T.
- Allows you to operate smartphones and other electronic devices precisely.
Cons:
- Not suitable for very heavy-duty work.
The Fishing Tree Fingerless Fishing Gloves
1
If you’re looking for ice fishing gloves to protect your hands while fishing as well as ensure a good grip, then look no further than the Fishing Tree Fingerless Fishing Gloves. This might be a basic pair of spandex fishing gloves, but the fingerless design ensures a firm grip while castling lines, tying knots, and unhooking fish. Moreover, the faux leather palms are ideal for a better grip and extra strength. Plus, the fake leather isn’t as tacky as neoprene, making it ideal for handling cork rod handles. It’s comfortable, durable, and stretchable for better motor movement.
Furthermore, the double-layered with the thin PVC film beneath the faux leather lends the gloves a heftier and bulkier feel. So, it’s perfect when it comes to gripping a thinner rod handle or the steering wheel of a boat. Securing the entire contraption are the hook and loop straps near the wrist.The best part is that gloves are unisex and come in five varying sizes and four different colors.
Pros:
- Quick-drying spandex.
- Machine washable.
- Four-way stretcahble fabric.
- Protects hands from insect bites and injuries.
- SPF 50+ with UV skin protection.
Cons:
- Fingers aren’t fully covered.
