Pros and Cons of Wearing Fishing Cargo Shorts for Men — A Perfect Catch for Anglers? There’s nothing quite like an early morning fishing trip. Last summer, a couple of buddies and I loaded up the truck and drove out to a remote lake we’d heard about but never tried. The mist was still hanging over the water when we launched the boat, tackle boxes at the ready. By noon, we had reeled in a few impressive bass, swapped plenty of fish stories, and enjoyed a perfect breeze that made the day feel effortless.
One piece of gear that really stood out that day? My fishing cargo shorts. Lightweight, loaded with pockets, and quick-drying — they turned out to be just as essential as my favorite rod. If you’re a fellow angler or even just a weekend hobbyist, let’s dive into the pros and cons of men’s fishing cargo shorts so you can decide if they’re worth adding to your gear.
Pros of Men’s Fishing Cargo Shorts
🐟 1. Functional Storage
Fishing trips often mean carrying lots of small gear: pliers, line cutters, hooks, bait containers, phone, keys — you name it. The multiple cargo pockets on fishing shorts help keep all these items organized and easily accessible. No more digging through a backpack for that one tool!
🐟 2. Lightweight and Breathable
Fishing under the sun can get hot. Many fishing cargo shorts are made of moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics like nylon or polyester blends, which help keep you cool and dry even on sweltering days.
🐟 3. Quick-Drying
Whether you’re wading in shallow water or caught in an unexpected rain shower, fishing shorts designed to dry quickly come in handy. Wet cotton shorts can stay damp for hours, but good fishing cargo shorts dry in a flash.
🐟 4. UV Protection
Some premium fishing cargo shorts offer built-in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor), which gives extra protection against sunburn — an often-overlooked bonus when you’re on the water all day.
Cons of Men’s Fishing Cargo Shorts
🎣 1. Bulky Pockets
While those cargo pockets are great for storage, if you overfill them, the shorts can become bulky and uncomfortable — especially when sitting in a boat or kayak for long periods.
🎣 2. Not Always Stylish
Let’s be honest — fishing cargo shorts are made for function, not fashion. They might not be the best choice if you’re heading straight to a restaurant after your trip.
🎣 3. Limited Cold Weather Use
These shorts are fantastic in warm weather but obviously not practical for colder fishing trips. You’ll need to swap them out for insulated gear when the seasons change.
Final Cast
That fishing trip to the remote lake remains one of my favorites, and so does my well-worn pair of fishing cargo shorts. They’ve become a staple for every warm-weather trip — helping me stay comfortable, organized, and ready for whatever the water throws my way.
If you fish in hot conditions, value utility, and appreciate comfort, a good pair of men’s fishing cargo shorts might just be the next piece of gear you never leave home without.
Tight lines and happy fishing! 🎣✨
Products you will be interested in:
BASSDASH 10.5” Mens Fishing Cargo Shorts Quick Dry UPF 50+ Water Resistant FP01M
APTRO Men’s Cargo Shorts Elastic Waistband Drawstring Summer Casual Cotton Big & Tall Relaxed Fit Work Shorts
ELETOP Men’s Cargo Shorts Elastic Waistband Drawstring Big and Tall Cotton Summer Casual Work Shorts
View other product reviews
As an Amazon Associate we may earn from qualifying purchases.