6 Best Fishing Shorts For Men That Repel Stains and Odors

You’ve just spent a perfect day on the water, but your shorts tell a different story. They’re splattered with bait, fish slime, and maybe a little coffee from that bumpy morning ride out. Worse, they’ve absorbed the unmistakable aroma of a successful fishing trip, a scent that’s less appreciated back on shore. The right pair of fishing shorts can be the difference between staying comfortable and focused all day and feeling grimy and distracted by your own gear.

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Key Features in Stain and Odor-Resistant Shorts

When you’re looking at a wall of fishing shorts, the tech can seem overwhelming. Let’s cut through the noise. The two most important features for this job are a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish and an antimicrobial treatment. DWR is a coating that makes liquids bead up and roll off, which is your first line of defense against blood, coffee, and fish slime stains. Antimicrobial treatments are woven into or applied to the fabric to inhibit the growth of odor-causing bacteria, keeping your shorts fresh even after a long, hot day.

The base fabric is just as critical. Forget cotton; it absorbs moisture, stays wet forever, and becomes a breeding ground for mildew and odors. Look for synthetics like nylon or polyester. These materials don’t hold water, so they dry incredibly fast and are naturally more resistant to smells. They also provide the foundation for other key features.

Beyond stain and odor resistance, consider the whole package. Four-way stretch fabric provides the mobility you need for casting, kneeling to unhook a fish, or hopping onto a dock. A high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating is non-negotiable for long days under the sun. Finally, look at the pockets—are they deep enough for your phone? Is there a reinforced pocket for your pliers? The best shorts balance all these needs, creating a piece of gear that works with you, not against you.

Huk Next Level 10.5" for All-Around Performance

Imagine you’re launching at dawn for a long day of bass fishing. It’s cool to start, but you know the sun will be beating down by noon. You need a short that can handle it all, from fending off morning dew to drying quickly after you lip a fish boat-side. This is where a versatile, all-around performer shines.

The Huk Next Level is a workhorse designed for exactly these kinds of days. It combines a lightweight, quick-drying fabric with a DWR finish and an antimicrobial treatment. This means spray from the boat, splashes from a thrashing fish, and sweat all dry in a flash without leaving you feeling soggy or smelling like a bait bucket. The 10.5-inch inseam offers good coverage without feeling restrictive.

What makes it a great all-rounder is the balance of features. It has just enough stretch to move with you as you cast or crouch, and the adjustable waistband ensures a secure fit all day long. While it may not be the absolute toughest short for grinding on a commercial deck or the lightest for a minimalist fly angler, it hits the perfect middle ground for the vast majority of fishing scenarios, from the inshore flats to the local lake.

Simms Superlight Short: The Fly Angler’s Choice

Picture yourself wet-wading a clear, rocky river in the middle of July. You’re constantly moving, high-stepping over boulders and navigating currents. In this environment, heavy, bulky shorts are a liability. You need something that feels like it isn’t there, dries almost instantly, and lets you move without a second thought.

The Simms Superlight Short is built for this exact purpose. The name says it all—it prioritizes a featherlight feel and maximum breathability. The fabric is a water-resistant, fast-drying nylon with a healthy dose of spandex for excellent stretch. This is the short you wear when freedom of movement and next-to-skin comfort are your top priorities.

This is a specialized piece of gear, and that comes with tradeoffs. It doesn’t have a burly, reinforced plier pocket or the heavy-duty construction of an offshore short. Its pockets are streamlined to keep a low profile. The Superlight’s strength is its simplicity and performance-focused design, making it an ideal choice for fly anglers, kayakers, and anyone who values mobility and quick-dry comfort above all else.

AFTCO M01 Original: A Durable, Timeless Classic

Think back to photos of legendary anglers from decades past. Chances are, they were wearing something that looks a lot like the AFTCO M01. This is the original fishing short, a piece of gear that has earned its place in the hall of fame through sheer, uncompromising durability. It’s the short you buy once and wear for a decade.

The secret to the M01’s longevity is its fabric: a heavyweight DuPont Supplex nylon. This material is famously tough, abrasion-resistant, and surprisingly soft for its strength. It’s treated to repel stains and dries much faster than cotton, which is why it became the standard for serious fishermen. The design is simple and functional, featuring seven pockets, including the iconic Cordura-lined pliers pocket that’s been copied countless times.

In a world of four-way stretch and ultralight fabrics, the M01 can feel a bit old-school. It doesn’t have the athletic stretch of modern hybrid shorts. But its appeal isn’t about chasing the latest trend; it’s about reliability. For the angler who values bombproof construction and a timeless look over high-tech stretch, the AFTCO Original remains an undefeated champion.

Pelagic Mako Hybrid for Offshore Versatility

You’re 30 miles offshore, trolling for tuna. The day involves intense sun, salt spray, and moments of high action followed by long waits. You might even decide to jump in the water to cool off. You need a short that can transition seamlessly from a technical fishing garment to a comfortable board short.

This is the world of the "hybrid" short, and the Pelagic Mako is a prime example. It’s built with a four-way stretch fabric that moves like a high-performance board short but is equipped with the features an angler needs. The material is treated to repel water and stains, drying incredibly fast after being hit by a wave or after a quick swim.

The Mako’s design reflects its dual purpose. It features multiple zippered and secured pockets to keep valuables safe whether you’re fighting a fish or diving off the transom. The fit is athletic and comfortable for all-day wear in dynamic, wet conditions. It may not have the rugged, canvas-like feel of a dedicated work short, but for fast-paced offshore action where you’re constantly in and around the water, its versatility is unmatched.

Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle for Sun Protection

The sun on the water is relentless. Reflected off the surface, UV exposure can be double what you experience on land. On a long, shadeless day on a flats skiff or a kayak, sun protection isn’t just a feature—it’s the most important piece of gear you have.

Columbia’s PFG (Performance Fishing Gear) line has always focused on protection, and the Terminal Tackle short is a perfect illustration. Its headline feature is the Omni-Shade UPF 50 fabric, which blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This is like wearing a powerful sunscreen you never have to reapply. The fabric is also treated with Omni-Shield to repel water and the stains that come with a day of fishing.

This short is built for comfort in the heat. It’s lightweight, breathable, and designed with a simple, uncluttered layout that includes a dedicated plier pocket. It might not be the choice for someone needing extreme abrasion resistance, but for any angler whose primary concern is beating the sun and heat, the Terminal Tackle offers an exceptional and accessible solution.

Grundéns Gaff Short for Rugged On-Deck Use

Imagine you’re on a multi-day trip, working the deck of a sportfisher. The environment is abrasive, wet, and unforgiving. You’re kneeling on non-skid surfaces, getting splashed with salt water, and constantly reaching for your pliers and knife. Your gear can’t just be comfortable; it has to be a tool that can withstand abuse.

The Grundéns Gaff Short is engineered for exactly this kind of hard use. It’s constructed from a durable, water-resistant stretch canvas that prioritizes toughness without completely sacrificing mobility. This is a short built to last through seasons of hard fishing, not just a few weekend trips.

Every detail is purpose-driven. The plier pocket is lined with ballistic nylon to prevent tools from wearing through the fabric. The hand pockets are mesh-lined for quick drainage. This focus on durability means the Gaff is heavier and burlier than a superlight model. It’s a clear tradeoff: you’re choosing maximum ruggedness for the most demanding on-deck environments.

Comparing Fabric Tech: DWR, UPF, and Stretch

When you’re reading product descriptions, a few key acronyms pop up again and again. Understanding them helps you choose the right tool for the job. First is DWR, or Durable Water Repellent. This is a chemical finish applied to the outside of the fabric that causes water, blood, and other liquids to bead up and roll off instead of soaking in. It’s your best defense against stains, but be aware that it can wear off over time and may need to be reapplied with a spray-on or wash-in treatment.

Next is UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor. This measures how much of the sun’s UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. A UPF 50 rating, the standard for high-quality outdoor gear, means the fabric blocks over 98% of UV rays. For long, exposed days on the water, a high UPF rating is a critical health and safety feature, providing far more reliable protection than sunscreen alone.

Finally, let’s talk about Stretch. This is usually achieved by blending spandex (also called elastane or Lycra) into the primary fabric. Two-way stretch means the fabric stretches along one axis (usually cross-grain), while four-way stretch means it stretches both crosswise and lengthwise. Four-way stretch offers the ultimate freedom of movement, which is a massive comfort upgrade when you’re casting, climbing, or fighting a fish. It’s the difference between a short that moves with you and one you have to fight against.

Ultimately, the "best" fishing short is the one that keeps you comfortable, protected, and focused on why you’re out there in the first place. Whether it’s the timeless durability of an AFTCO or the featherlight mobility of a Simms, the right choice depends on your style of fishing. Don’t get bogged down in finding the single perfect piece of gear; find the one that works for you and get back on the water.