GOT Sports UPF 50+ Fingerless Sun Protection Fly Fishing Gloves Review (2026)

Sun protection that lasts

These gloves carry a UPF 50+ rating tested to the American standard for sun protective fabrics, with the protection engineered into the textile itself rather than applied as a coating. That distinction matters because coated sun protection on cheaper gear can wear off or diminish after repeated washing, while fabric-based UPF ratings are designed to hold up over the life of the garment. For anglers who spend entire days with their hands exposed while wading, casting, or running a boat, that consistent protection helps guard against the kind of cumulative sun damage that builds up on hands over a fishing season and is easy to overlook compared with sunscreen on the face.

Fingerless design and dexterity

The fingerless cut leaves the fingertips exposed, which is the whole point of a fishing sun glove, since fly anglers need full feel and dexterity to tie knots, thread tippet, and handle small flies without stopping to remove a glove. A blend of polyester and spandex gives the fabric stretch, so the gloves move with the hand rather than restricting grip or finger movement during repeated casting through a long session. That stretch also helps the gloves fit a reasonably wide range of hand sizes within each listed size option, though sizing up or down should still be checked against the size chart before ordering a pair.

Grip and palm construction

GOT Sports adds a leather pad across the palm, giving the gloves a grippier, more durable contact surface than plain fabric alone would provide, which helps when handling wet line, gripping a rod under load, or steadying a fish before release. That palm reinforcement also adds a layer of protection against abrasion from fly line running through the hand repeatedly during a day of casting. The rest of the glove stays lightweight fabric to keep the overall feel minimal, so the added durability is concentrated where the hand actually contacts gear rather than adding bulk everywhere or slowing down knot tying at the vise or streamside.

Breathability and climate fit

The fabric is built to be moisture-wicking and quick-drying, intended to keep hands cooler and drier during hot, humid fishing conditions rather than trapping heat and sweat the way a thicker glove would. That makes these a warm-weather glove first, suited to summer trout streams, saltwater flats, and any long day where sun exposure is the main hand-care concern rather than cold. Anglers fishing in cold or wet winter conditions will need a different glove entirely, since this fabric offers no meaningful insulation and is not designed to retain warmth once temperatures drop toward freezing.

Who these gloves are for

These suit anglers who fish long, sunny days and want to protect the backs of their hands without sacrificing the fine motor control needed for fly fishing tasks like tying knots or handling small flies. They are a sensible, low-cost addition to a warm-weather kit alongside a sun hat and a pair of polarized sunglasses. Anglers fishing in cold weather, or who need a glove built for durability against sharp teeth or spines rather than sun exposure, should look at a different style, since this pair is purpose-built around lightweight sun protection rather than rugged handling protection for toothy species.

Frequently asked questions