Youth fishing gear will keep kids warm, safe and dry for all day fishing. Time spent together outdoors as a family is especially important. Finding just the right gear for kids can be especially challenging. This is our selection of the undoubtedly best youth fishing gear this year.
Youth Fishing Gear
Columbia Big Kids’ Moritza Boot
Some things bear repeating—if you want kids to enjoy the outdoors, you have to keep them comfortable. These 3-season, slush-busting boots are a great choice for the changing conditions of fall-winter-spring. With Omni-Tech for waterproofing and breathability, Omni-Heat for warmth, and Omni-Grip for stability and traction, Columbia has put together a great boot at an affordable price.
Columbia Boys’ Hikebound II Insulated Jacket
This jacket is an excellent choice for the shoulder seasons in Alaska when you’re facing wet, windy, and chilly conditions. The Omni-Heat system from Columbia is an excellent feature to help keep kids warm, without cooking them into the sweat zone, while Omni-Tech fabric keeps them dry. The wrist features partial elastic cuffs, and the adjustable drawstring hood lets kids block out as much of the weather as they choose.
Carhartt Girls’ Long-Sleeve Flannel Button-Front Hooded Shirt
This top from Carhartt makes a great layering piece for your outdoor kiddo. Worn over a base layer, tucked into waders under a warm coat, and your youth should be content most Alaska days.
Carhartt Girls’ Fitted Utility Legging
Carhartt is just one of those brands that’s been popular in Alaska from the get-go. We think it’s because Alaskans want comfort in their wardrobes. That might go double for Alaskan kids. We think your youth will appreciate these extremely comfortable leggings for under their waders and rain bibs, or worn alone.
FORLOH Youth ThermoNeutral Down Jacket
Technical gear for kids isn’t in abundance, but companies like FORLOH fill those much-needed gaps. This jacket is extremely well made and ideal for kids recreating outdoors in Alaska winters. If your child is ice fishing, trapping, bird hunting, and/or building snow caves, grab this technical piece in a size large enough to grow into and get your money’s worth. And it’s 100% made in America.
Muck Kids Rugged II Boot
This popular brand makes a great wintertime slip-on, and it’s so appreciated when they offer their quality selections for the kids. Alaskan parents know how important it is to keep the kids warm, especially their feet and toes. And we know if they are not comfortable, they won’t wear them, so thank you Muck for helping us keep our outdoor kids warm…and outdoors! The Kids Rugged II Boot keeps feet warm in severe cold. A 5 mm neoprene waterproof insulated bootie is backed with a fleece lining. The sole has good tread too. They’re some of the best you’ll find for kids.
Columbia Youth Redmond Waterproof Shoe
The Redmond shoe is a versatile choice when it comes to footwear. It’s stylish and comfortable enough for school, waterproof and breathable for a good long sloppy hike, and grippy enough to keep your kid upright on a slippery boat deck. Columbia gear is also built to last, and I expect our testers to outgrow this shoe before they get a chance to wear it out.
XTRATUF TUFS Big Kids Ankle Deck Boot
Have you tried the XTRATUF Women’s Apres Fish Slide or the Riptide Sandal? They’re made from that lightweight EVA compound called BioLite. So, think about the Riptide sandal material merged into the Ankle Deck Boot but in kid’s sizes and that’s the new TUFS Big Kids Ankle Deck Boot. Our kid tester Maizie Norris really likes this new boot. They are super lightweight but entirely waterproof. They’re very versatile for Alaskan kids from the fishing boat to the next jumping puddle. Plus, they’ll last for years when stored correctly, so you can run them down the line of kiddos and get more than your money’s worth.
Carhartt Boy’s Long Sleeve Graphic Sweatshirt
For several years now, our kids from 6 to 16 have been living the hoodie life. Our twins have decided their sweatshirts are the de facto outerwear of second-, third-, and now fourth grade. Luckily, Carhartt offers this sweatshirt in 4 different colors, so the twins’ teachers have an easier time telling them apart. This shirt is a solid choice for dry, cool weather. It’s comfortable enough to wear to school everyday, and tough enough to take out on your adventures.
Grundéns Kid’s Zenith Jacket (282) and Bibs (117)
Publisher Melissa Norris’s daughter, Maizie, is one fantastic fishing buddy. It’s imperative that kids have the same quality gear we use for all our saltwater trips. We’re thankful Grundéns keeps children in mind when they plan their ongoing lineup of fishing gear and apparel. The Zenith jacket and bibs are perfect for your kiddos. Size up slightly and let them grow into the garments. You’ll find they’re used often. These items are made to the same quality standard as the rest of the brand. They’ll hold up to plenty of Alaska adventuring, enough to pass on to growing kids.
Salmon Sisters Kids Born to Be Wild Hoodie
Salmon Sisters is iconic to Publisher Melissa Norris. Not only are they responsible commercial fisherwomen, but they also created a well-known brand that represents Alaska and the fishing lifestyle we’re all about. What she loves most about Salmon Sisters’ designs is that they are very cool and message-sharing worthy like the Salmon Sisters Born to Be Wild Hoodie that Maizie rocked from fishing trips to her elementary school. This sweatshirt is a nice, thick quality, and makes a great gift.
Columbia Boys’ PFG Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Tee
Dressing the kids for the outdoors starts with a comfortable base layer and this top from Columbia is exactly that. The Columbia Boy’s PFG Terminal Tackle Long Sleeve Tee protects against UV rays, dries quickly, and is perfect alone for fishing on warm days, and as a base layer when it cools down.