In the past few years, I’ve really had my eyes opened to the sheer importance of sun protection. My dad was diagnosed with skin cancer and has been getting chunks of his skin cut and scooped out for the past year or so. Not only is treatment expensive, but it hurts. He’s a tough, big ol’ boy and he dreads going to get more cancer cut out. I’ve been doing everything I can to buy him sun hoodies, face masks and of course, gloves.
While helping him get his skin care back under control, I’ve started tinkering with protective garments as well. Lately I’ve been testing the Fish Monkey Pro 365 Guide Glove and this particular model has been very impressive in regards to comfort and feasibility. I’ll quickly run through what I’ve liked most about them.
No worries about my grip
I’ve used some fishing gloves in the past but I wasn’t too crazy about ’em because the palms seemed to be too slick. I’d lose grip on my gear and they even affected my grip on the steering wheel.
The Fish Monkey Pro 365 Guide Glove palms feel like those gloves that wide receivers wear in football games. They’re super tacky and give me a rock-solid grip on everything I touch. Whether they’re wet, slimy or dry, I can easily grip my rods, reels, steering wheels and anything else I need to grab ahold of.
This particular trait was a welcomed surprise that has made them a must-have in my boat.
Exposed fingertips for dexterity
I simply can’t fish in full-fingered gloves. I’ve tried it countless times and I just can’t do it. I lose all my “feel” and it’s just not for me.
These gloves, however, have exposed fingertips which allow for like-normal dexterity for all types of delicate tasks. Unhooking fish, tying knots, working on tackle and operating touch-screen electronics is a breeze with the Pro 365 Guide Glove. Although I don’t think this model was made to keep your hands warm, I’ve actually been using them for that lately. I’ve been having to fish in a bunch of cold fronts lately and have been wearing these gloves for those early morning and late-evening runs to and from the boat ramp.
Feels like you’re not even wearing gloves
If you’re anything like me, you’ll forget you’re wearing these gloves. I’m very particular about being comfortable when I fish and these have certainly exceeded my expectations in terms of comfort.
It’s also worth noting that they do seem to dry quite quickly, too. Of course, any fishing gloves are going to get wet, so it’s important that they can handle it. They dry completely overnight and they don’t get that nasty mildew smell, either.
Final impressions
These will either be on my hands or in my boat’s glove box from now on. They really are an impressive glove and with UPF 50+ sun protection, I have peace of mind knowing that I’m doing my part to combat skin cancer. I’m really glad I decided to try these.
The Fish Monkey Pro 365 Guide Glove is available at TackleWarehouse.com and more colors are available at FishMonkeyGloves.com.