9 Best Women’s Fishing Shorts | Stop Shrinking Your Catch

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UPF 50+ sun protection and zippered cargo pockets at a price that undercuts most rivals — the BASSDASH 5-inch is the value leader.

The BASSDASH 5-inch shorts deliver serious sun protection. The UPF 50+ rating blocks 98% of UV rays, a big advantage over the HUK (no stated rating) and the PELAGIC Moana (also unrated). The fabric is 90% nylon, 10% spandex with a water-resistant treatment. Splashes bead up and roll off rather than soaking in. Owners mention they “dry quickly without wrinkles and absolutely no shrink,” even after repeated washes. The zippered cargo pockets keep your phone secure when you lean over the boat rail.

However, a few owners note the material feels heavier than paper-light volleyball shorts. One describes a “ballooning” effect around the front and back in the slim fit. The fit runs a touch small, so consider sizing up if you are between sizes. If you prefer ultralight fabric, the HUK is wispier. But for the price, the BASSDASH gives you sun protection and secure pockets that neither the HUK nor the PELAGIC offer.

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The stretch waist lets you pull these on over a wet swimsuit in seconds — no buttons to fight.

The Columbia Backcast II is built around an elastic stretch waist that slips on and off fast. That is a real advantage when you hop from the water back onto the boat. The sun-blocking nylon repels water and stains, so a splash or coffee spill wipes clean quickly. Buyers confirm: “super comfy and the material dries fast when swimming!” The regular fit is generous enough for curvy thighs without being baggy. Columbia offers extended sizing, which widens the range beyond many competitors.

The catch: some customers note the fabric pills (forms small fuzz balls) after a few months of use. The color on screen can be misleading — one owner found the “Bright Pink” was a neon shade very different from the listing photo. The fit is true to size for most, but a minority find the waist too tight and the legs too loose for active movement. Unlike the BASSDASH, the Backcast II has basic side pockets only — no zippered storage for your phone.

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A 7-inch inseam for full thigh coverage — at 7 inches compared to the HUK’s 3.5 inches — plus ripstop durability for hikes to the water.

The baleaf cargo shorts have the longest inseam on this list at 7 inches. That gives you full thigh coverage that protects against sun and boat-seat wear. The ripstop fabric (woven with a reinforcing grid) resists tearing when you brush against brush or tackle boxes. The UPF 50+ rating blocks UV rays. The elastic waistband is thicker and stretchier than average, which owners single out for comfort during long days. “Wow are these comfortable,” one buyer says, “the pockets are perfect.” The zippered pockets fit a phone securely.

But some owners note the front pockets puff out and do not lay flat, which can look bulky. The fabric runs slightly thicker than the BASSDASH, though it is still breathable. Sizing can be inconsistent — a few reviewers point out the waistband runs snug, while others find them true to size. The 7-inch inseam is at 7 inches versus the BASSDASH at 5 inches., so you trade leg freedom for coverage. If you prefer a sleek, low-profile pocket silhouette, the puffy front pockets here are a recurring complaint.

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Golf-style tailoring that goes from the course to the dock — with UPF 50+ and a button fly for a structured feel.

The Willit 4.5-inch shorts have a fitted, clean look. The 90% nylon, 10% spandex fabric stretches when you reach for a cast. UPF 50+ protection keeps the sun off your legs. The front-button and fly closure gives a more structured feel than the pull-on waistbands of the Columbia or baleaf. Shoppers say these shorts “fit great” and “look expensive,” with a wrinkle-free look that travels well. The 4.5-inch inseam lands between the HUK and the BASSDASH. Owners at 5’2″ call it “perfect mid-thigh length.”

The deep front pockets hold a scorecard or phone. But the back pockets are too shallow for a modern phone. The material is thin enough to show pocket outlines in lighter colors. The fit runs small — most owners recommend sizing up. The fabric also picks up dust and moisture marks more easily than the BASSDASH, so light colors need care on a muddy bank. Compared to the Columbia PFG Tidal III, the Willit has a sportier, more tailored cut that will not look out of place at lunch after fishing.

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Two inseam options (3 and 5 inches) plus zippered pockets — this is the most versatile Columbia fishing short for daily life and the water.

The PFG Tidal III comes in 3-inch and 5-inch inseam versions, so you pick the coverage that fits your day. The fabric is sun-blocking, repels rain and stains, and stays light and stretchy even when wet. Zippered pockets secure your phone and keys — an edge over the Backcast II, which has no zippered storage. Buyers rave about the quality: “washed these shorts probably 100 times and they have held up better than any other shorts I’ve ever owned.” The regular fit works for daily wear to work, not just the boat. The patterns and colors are more modern than older PFG designs.

The shorts run a bit large for some, especially around the legs. If you are normally a size 14, an XL might feel too roomy. The material is lightweight but not see-through — a nice balance between the windbreaker-thin HUK and the thicker baleaf. The price is premium, but owners consistently say the durability and versatility justify it. The 5-inch version is a direct competitor to the BASSDASH 5-inch, but the Tidal III offers a dual-inseam choice that the BASSDASH does not.

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The Rainier is built for hiking but crosses into fishing thanks to a dedicated utility phone pocket on the leg.

Eddie Bauer’s Rainier Short uses a 2-way stretch nylon/spandex blend (stretches side to side) with a durable water-repellent finish (DWR, a coating that makes water bead up). That means it stands up to abrasive boat surfaces and wet conditions. The built-in UPF sun protection covers your legs without needing a separate sunscreen layer. The standout feature is a dedicated cell phone utility pocket on the leg, which keeps your phone accessible and secure — a design detail the HUK and BASSDASH lack. Buyers report they are “lightweight” and “dries quickly,” and “true to size” for most. “These are my go to shorts,” one owner notes.

The fit is accurate for most, but there are occasional quality-control issues. One buyer received a size 6 with tags that was actually two sizes smaller. A few owners note the cotton-like fabric can shrink a bit after washing, so sizing up is a safe hedge. The mid-thigh length works well for hiking and wading. The material resists pilling better than the Columbia Backcast II. The price is on the higher side, but the Eddie Bauer name and warranty back it up. The phone pocket is not zippered, so it is less secure than the BASSDASH’s zippered pockets if you lean far over the water.

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A 2.5-inch inseam from a dedicated fishing brand — the shortest, fastest-drying short for the serious angler.

The PELAGIC Moana Shorts are purpose-built for serious fishing. The 2.5-inch inseam is the shortest on the list, and the 10.5-inch outseam (the length from waistband top to hem) means the shorts sit lower on your waist. The 4-way stretch fabric dries fast and packs light, ideal for travel. The closure is a simple button waistband without a drawstring. Owners mention they are “super comfortable, breathable and look good for any activity.”

The four-pocket layout (no zippered closure) provides standard storage — a trade-off for the lightweight feel. The white color is notably see-through. The fit runs a bit large for most; Pelagic fans often size down. The price is the highest on the list, but the brand is a known name in fishing apparel. The 4-way stretch and rapid drying make it a top-tier choice for the dedicated angler. The Moana sits lower and shorter than the Columbia PFG Tidal III, so it is better for hot, wet conditions than for full-day hiking. No stated UPF rating means you need separate sunscreen for your legs.