Fishing umbrellas, or brollies, are essential gear for anglers seeking shelter from the elements. Designed to provide shade from the sun, protection from rain, and a dry space for your tackle, these versatile accessories come in various shapes, sizes, and styles.
The traditional fishing umbrella is typically round, with a metal frame and a diameter of around 45-50 inches. However, some manufacturers offer additional panels and covers to provide more shelter for longer fishing session and giving maximum coverage.
For added stability in windy conditions, many umbrellas feature pegging points, allowing you to secure the brolly to the ground. Whether you're battling the summer heat or enduring a sudden downpour, the best fishing umbrella is an indispensable tool for enhancing your angling experience.
Best fishing umbrellas at a glance
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 fishing umbrellas available...
Best match fishing brolly
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The Guru Large Umbrella is a robust and spacious shelter designed to withstand the rigors of match fishing. Crafted from durable 210D waterproof material and featuring a sturdy 8mm fibreglass frame, it offers 50” (2.2m²) of protection from the elements.
The umbrella can be used with the supplied ground spike or mounted on a seatbox-attached umbrella arm, providing anglers with ample room to maneuver and store equipment.
It features a detachable central pole with two screw points, allowing the umbrella to be secured in both upright and side-angled positions. When positioned at an angle, the two D-rings at the rear of the umbrella can be used for pegging it down to the ground. Combined with the supplied heavy-duty ground spike and adjustable guy ropes, this ensures excellent stability even in the harshest conditions.
Pros
- Very lightweight, yet robust
- Stong design resistant to been blown inside out
Cons
- Suited to coarse/match fishing, may not suit anglers fishing from a chair/bed chair
Best UV protecting fishing umbrella
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
A perfect choice for the UK’s unpredictable weather conditions is the Preston Innovations Coolmax Umbrella. Crafted from a UV protective and waterproof material with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50 it gives essential protection from the suns harmful rays, while offering reliable protection from rain showers.
The extended pole and guide ropes allow for optimal positioning, ensuring maximum comfort and coverage.
Pros
- Material is designed to reflect heat away keeping you cool and shaded
- Protection from UV rays
Cons
- Not great in a downpour
Best value fishing brolly
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If you like a bit more room under your shelter, The Daiwa N'ZON Square Umbrella is a great choice, featuring a premium 50-inch brolly with a square design that makes pegging easy and reduces annoying drafts.
Featuring more metal and less fibreglass, it's exceptionally tough. It boasts a steel frame and ribs, fully taped seams, a repositionable and detachable centre pole with a tilt mechanism, a telescopic spike, and D-rings for secure pegging.
The square design provides exceptional coverage, while the straight edges ensure there are no annoying spokes near your ears.
Pros
- Maximum coverage thanks to its square design.
- Spokes are out of the way.
Cons
- It is quite large, so you may struggle to put it up in smaller swims.
Best Pole fishing umbrella
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
The Matrix "Over the Top" Brolly is designed to live up to its name, offering unparalleled clearance for pole fishing and allowing for effortless shipping and manoeuvrability.
The lightweight yet durable construction ensures easy transportation and setup, while the generous 45-inch diameter provides ample protection from the elements.
Pros
- Designed to offer clearance for pole fishing
- Easy to put up and take down
Cons
- Won’t suit anglers looking for a more versatile shelter
Best for bedchairs fishing umbrella
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The redesigned Aqua Fast and Light Mk 2 Brolly model offers increased headroom and coverage while maintaining its renowned portability.
This space-saving design features an optimized frame that maximizes interior space without increasing overall size. With nine ribs and redesigned wings, it provides unrestricted views.
Constructed from high-quality materials with a reinforced frame, it ensures long-lasting
performance. The generous dimensions offer ample protection from the elements, and its quick, effortless assembly maximises your fishing time.
Crafted with Performance Grade Aquatexx fabric, this brolly delivers exceptional waterproofness and breathability. The stealthy black powder-coated fittings complement the green Aquatexx, creating a sleek and functional design.
Pros
- Highly waterproof and breathable making for very comfortable in all conditions
- Generous size, keeping yourself and equipment sheltered and dry from the elements
Cons
- Groundsheet not included
Best shelter fishing umbrella
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The revolutionary Trakker Tempest Brolly V2 is an upgraded evolution of its predecessor, featuring anti-twist poles and enhanced waterproof material to ensure exceptional durability and performance in challenging conditions.
Constructed from robust yet lightweight 210D polyester fabric with an impressive 10,000mm hydrostatic head, it's built to withstand the harshest weather. This brolly offers ample space, rapid setup, and a range of customisation options (available separately), making it a versatile choice for anglers seeking a reliable and adaptable shelter.
Pros
- 10,000mm hydrostatic head resulting in excellent water repelling
- Anti-twist poles reduce any tangling and knotting when disassembled
Cons
- Customisation options all need to be purchased separately, we would like to see a few options included
Best Overnight Fishing Umbrella
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The Fox R Series Brolly features an innovative space-saving mechanism that maximizes interior headroom, while its four-point ground contact ensures exceptional stability. Extended side skirts provide enhanced protection from the elements, and the front drainpipe effectively diverts rainwater.
Quick and easy to erect thanks to the short-threaded center pole, this brolly comes complete with storm caps and side storm poles for added versatility. A full-length front zip allows for customisation with optional panels, tailoring the shelter to your specific needs. Crafted from durable 100% polyester fabric with a 10,000mm hydrostatic head, it offers reliable protection in all weather conditions.
Pros
- Supplied with storm cap and side storm panels
- Front drainpipe effectively channels rainwater
Cons
- Inclusion of additional panels to customise (available separately) would have set this brolly apart
Best umbrella for river fishing
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If you like to travel light and fish on uneven terrain, the Korum Supa Lite River Brolly is an excellent choice, as it is specifically designed to meet the challenges of riverbank angling. Its unique design, featuring adjustable graphite poles, allows for perfect positioning even on the steepest slopes.
Constructed from lightweight yet durable SUPA LITE fabric with a 5000mm hydrostatic head, it offers excellent weather protection. The brolly's compact pack size and minimal weight make it ideal for the mobile angler. With its practical features and innovative design, this brolly is a reliable companion for any angling adventure.
Pros
- Specifically designed for the challenges of fishing on riverbanks
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- May not be suitable for use when fishing other situations
Best specialist umbrella
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If you fish in extreme conditions, choosing the Drennan Specialist Umbrella might be the best investment you make. The umbrella offers ample security with securing rings and included ground pegs, while incorporated bankstick attachments allow you to screw in the banksticks for even greater stability.
The adjustable center pole and angle tilt mechanism provide unparalleled flexibility, enabling you to adapt the umbrella to a wide range of fishing conditions. Its lightweight yet robust design ensures easy transportation and setup, making it an ideal choice for anglers who value portability without compromising on performance. The umbrella is available in two sizes: 44” and 50”.
Pros
- Choice of two sizes to suit your needs
- Flexible ways of securing via bankstick attachments and rings
Cons
- Quite substantial in weight compared to others
What to look for in a fishing umbrella
A fishing umbrella, or brolly, is an essential piece of kit for any angler. Offering protection from the elements and creating a comfortable space for your gear, a well-chosen brolly can significantly enhance your fishing experience.
Modern brollies offer a range of features to cater to different angling styles and weather conditions. Adjustable tilt mechanisms allow you to fine-tune the angle of your brolly, providing optimal shelter from rain or sun. Many brollies can be attached to your seatbox or chair, eliminating the need for a ground spike. However, if you prefer to ground-stake your brolly, look for models with pointed or screw-in spikes for added stability.
Some umbrellas can be adapted to create a shelter, making them suitable for longer or even overnight sessions. These models have enough room to accommodate equipment, along with a chair or bedchair. They often come with customizable options like added panels and groundsheets, enhancing comfort and resistance to the elements.
For anglers who frequently cast from under their umbrella, consider a brolly with a flat profile and strategically positioned spokes to prevent obstructions. By carefully considering these factors, you can select the perfect brolly to suit your angling needs and enjoy increased comfort and protection during your fishing sessions.
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.
Hydrostatic head is a measurement used to determine how waterproof a fabric is. It's expressed in millimetres (mm) and indicates the height of a water column that a fabric can withstand before water starts to penetrate.
<strong>Frequently asked questions on fishing umbrellas?</strong>
Can I go night fishing under an umbrella?
While bivvies are the preferred choice for overnight fishing, a larger umbrella can be a viable option for warmer months, especially for anglers who prioritise minimal gear. Ensure the umbrella is spacious enough to accommodate a bedchair for comfort. While not as protective as a bivvy, an umbrella offers a practical solution for those seeking a lightweight and compact setup, particularly for canal or river fishing.
Is a lighter or heavier fishing umbrella better?
The ideal weight of your fishing umbrella depends on your fishing style. For anglers who encounter harsh weather conditions and remain stationary for extended periods, a heavier umbrella offers superior stability and durability. Conversely, if you're on the move and seek a quick and easy shelter solution, a lightweight umbrella is more practical. Consider the balance between portability and performance when choosing the right umbrella for your needs.
Do I have to push my fishing umbrella into the ground?
Traditionally, fishing umbrellas were secured using ground spikes. However, modern advancements in fishing equipment have introduced alternative methods. Many anglers now opt to attach their umbrellas directly to their seatboxes or chairs using specialised accessories. This eliminates the need for ground spikes and provides a more stable and convenient setup.
Author Jonathan Longden, is an experienced angler. With over 20 years experience in the tackle trade specialising in match and coarse fishing he has an extensive practical knowledge of the latest equipment and the specific needs of anglers. He currently occupies the role of digital content writer at Angling Times.