The best fishing umbrellas

There's a huge choice of fishing umbrellas on the market to suit every need. Whether it be to sleep under, keep you dry or just your bait, there is an option available for you. Most umbrellas are based on a metal-ribbed design, usually around 45-50 inches in size and are generally round in shape.

Some manufacturers have built umbrellas that are square in design to give maximum protection for you and your gear. For anglers that brave all weather conditions, most umbrellas will have pegging points, allowing you to pin your brolly down and make it as stable as possible, especially useful in windy conditions. Umbrellas are also really useful in hot weather, as they provide shade and cover to retreat from the sun, keeping you cool, safe and comfortable.

Best fishing umbrellas at a glance:

• Best Lightweight Fishing Umbrella - Middy Sure-Dry 450 - View offer on ebay

• Best Match Fishing Umbrella - Guru Large Umbrella - View offer on Angling Direct

• Best Budget Fishing Umbrella - Discover Green Fishing Umbrella 50" - View offer on Angling Direct

• Best Value Fishing Umbrella - Daiwa N'ZON Square Umbrella - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle

When purchasing a fishing umbrella, it is worth noting that when spending a bit more, the quality of the structure generally improves. This will mean it won't be destroyed by the wind or collapse in on you, as we have all seen happen or experienced ourselves. Here is a guide to some of the best available on the market currently...

Best fishing umbrellas

What to look for in a fishing umbrella

Whilst the main objective of any fishing umbrella is to keep you dry, there are various different features available on a brolly. Some have the ability to tilt, which is beneficial if the rain is driving in, as it allows you to angle the brolly to prevent it getting underneath, it also helps if it's particularly sunny to provide shade.

Most umbrellas now attach to your seatbox or chair, so they have no need for a pointy spike. If, however, you like to push your brolly spike into the ground, make sure you choose one that has a pointed or screw end on it to enable you to do so. If you generally fish in all weathers, it can be beneficial that your umbrella has pegging points for added security in windy conditions.

If you like to cast from under your umbrella, it can pay to find one that has the spokes positioned out of the way and a more flat profile to prevent them getting in the way.

Glossary

Pegging point: A steel ring that can be used to directly peg the umbrella into the ground or have guy ropes tied to it to be pegged.

Ribs: The metal framework that gives an umbrella its shape and structure.

Taped seams: In order for a fabric to be 100% waterproof, the holes from the stitching need to be covered so no water can leak through the seams. In the process, a machine melts tape over the seams to seal them.

Guy ropes: A guy rope/line is a rope or cord used to tie down a tarp or tent flap.

210D (denier): In really basic terms, denier, often expressed as 'D' as in 40D or 80D, is a measurement of the thickness of the fibres used for a fabric. The lower the number, the lighter and thinner the fabric in general.

Tilt: The option an umbrella may have where the umbrella can move at angles independent of the brolly spike.

Frequently asked questions on fishing umbrellas?

Can I go night fishing under an umbrella?

Whilst bivvies and advanced shelters are a more popular choice these days, for anglers who like to travel light, an umbrella is a great option for an overnight session in the warmer months. You won't be quite as comfortable but provided your umbrella is of a generous size to fit a bedchair under, it will do the job perfectly. Most anglers who fish on canals and rivers opt to night fish under a brolly because they offer a really low bankside footprint.

Is it better to have a lighter or heavier fishing umbrella?

This largely depends on the type of fishing you do. If you're going to be fishing in some heavy rain and not moving around changing spots, then a heavier umbrella will generally be more stable and better built to withstand the elements. If you don't intend to be fishing under the umbrella for very long and are only popping it up in the case of a quick shower, then the lightest brolly you can get would be more suitable, as they are usually far easier to erect.

Do I have to push my fishing umbrella into the ground?

Historically, all fishing umbrellas came supplied with central spikes for the angler to push into the ground to keep the brolly stable and in place above their kit. These days, however, thanks to some of the amazing accessories developed for chairs and seatboxes, anglers can attach their brolly directly to their fishing station.

Author Dan Webb first became involved in angling journalism in 2015 and has worked as Tackle Tester at Angling Times since April 2021. He is a fanatical all-round match angler and former England Youth International.