It's safe to say that, throughout history, anglers have always had that distinct look on the bank. You can always spot a fellow angling enthusiast even when they haven't got a rod in their hand, and that's often because of our fashion choices. Here we take a look at how angling fashion has changed through the years. So, next time you're in the tackle shop, you will know exactly what fishing clothing you need to pick up to look trendy on your next visit to the bank...
TIES, HATS AND PIPES - 1950s
Exactly when ‘modern angling’ began is a debate for another day, but we’ll start in the 1950s – the era of the Mitchell 300, Dick Walker and the launch of Angling Times.
One of this magazine’s founders was Bernard Venables, whose original Mr Crabtree Goes Fishing book was published in 1949. A look at his angling clothing of choice – which remained largely unchanged until his death in 2001 – is indicative of the time.
A heavy jacket, some form of hat and a tie were the order of the day, while both Mr Crabtree and Bernard loved to smoke a pipe.
SEATBOXES HAVE MOVED ON FROM WICKER BASKETS. HERE'S OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT.
EVOLUTION NOT REVOLUTION - 1960s
It might have been the Swinging Sixties on Carnaby Street, but on the riverbanks things were more sedate.
A move away from stiff jackets and ties was beginning, with the emergence of man-made waterproof materials, but thick jumpers and warm hats were still common.
GRAB THE BEST FISHING WATERPROOFS RIGHT NOW BY TAKING A LOOK AT THIS GUIDE.
THE MAN IN RED - 1970s
River Trent ace Jan Porter made a deliberate plan to stand out from the crowd in the late 1970s and became ‘the Man in Red’.
It began with a red beret bought by a girlfriend, then a bright-red Coca-Cola tracksuit, before developing into a fully fledged look.
ANGLING TIMES NOW CELEBRATES OUR FISHING LEGENDS IN OUR NEW HALL OF FAME, FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHO ENTERED LAST YEAR.
THE WILSON WAISTCOAT - 1980s
John Wilson’s Go Fishing TV series brought angling to millions, and with it came the host’s trademark chuckle, thigh-high waders and – most notably – his waistcoat.
It became the must-have item and key accessories included an angling club badge, clipped-on forceps and Polaroids.
A GOOD PAIR OF POLAROIDS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR FISHING. HERE'S OUR GUIDE TO THE BEST ON THE MARKET AT THE MOMENT.
RETRO RETURN - 1990s
A Passion for Angling is responsible for igniting many angling careers, but its TV debut in 1993 also helped fuel a retro revival thanks to Chris Yates’s distinctive appearance.
The eccentric angler’s love of wicker creels, split-cane rods and old-school clothing captured anglers’ imagination in the 1990s.
Waxed Barbour coats, deerstalker hats and fingerless gloves became fashionable again.
HAS CHRIS YATES GIVEN UP FISHING? FIND OUT MORE HERE.
AGE OF REALTREE - 2000s
We can once again thank trailblazer Jan Porter for helping propel this trend. He led Shimano’s Tribal team of specimen-hunters who were dressed head-to-toe in American-inspired Realtree camo.
Even his van was covered in the stuff, and for a couple of years all serious big-fish anglers waddled around like walking reedbeds.
As the patterns faded in the wash, so did the Realtree appeal.
CARP ANGLERS LOVE CAMO. GET THE BEST KIT FOR CARP FISHING IN OUR BUYER'S GUIDES TO RODS, REELS, BIVVIES, BEDCHAIRS, ALARMS AND MORE.
FROM THE SWIM TO THE PUB - 2010s
Fishing fashion has generally trodden a different path to actual clothing trends, but the boom in carp angling’s popularity in the 2010s saw the emergence of dedicated clothing companies trying to bridge the gap between the bivvy and the high street.
Diem, founded by top skateboarder and angler Mark Munson, was the first to make it work and other brands such as Fortis, Navitas and Wofte have followed suit.
NEVER BE UNCOMFORTABLE WHEN CARP FISHING BY CHECKING OUT OUR GUIDES TO THE BEST BIVVIES AND BEDCHAIRS.
THE PRESENT DAY - 2020s
Hi-tech materials have had an impact on fishing clothing, but perhaps we’re in a bit of a lull when it comes to trends.
Speci-hunters have settled into dull greens and browns, while matchmen tend to sport a splash of colour.
We’re in the era of the brand advocate, with even non-sponsored anglers wearing the name of their favourite manufacturers on every trip.
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