6 Best Quick Dry Swim Trunks For Fishing That Last Season After Season

You’re wading thigh-deep in your favorite river, the morning sun just starting to warm your back, when you hook into a good one. After a solid fight, you release the fish and start the walk back to the bank, only to spend the next hour feeling soggy and uncomfortable. The right pair of fishing trunks can be the difference between a great day and a chafed, distracting one, keeping you focused on your cast instead of your clothes. They are your first line of defense against sun, spray, and the occasional unplanned swim.

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What Makes a Great Quick-Dry Fishing Trunk?

A great fishing trunk is more than just a swimsuit. It’s a piece of technical equipment designed to handle the dynamic environment of being on or near the water. The core function is, of course, drying quickly. This prevents that clammy, waterlogged feeling that can chill you on a breezy day and lead to serious chafing on a long hike between fishing spots. Modern fabrics are engineered to shed water and allow moisture to evaporate rapidly, keeping you comfortable whether you’re hit by boat spray or take a quick dip to cool off.

Beyond the fabric, construction is everything. Look for durable stitching, especially in the seat and crotch, which are high-stress areas. Saltwater, UV rays, and abrasion from rocks or non-skid boat decks will quickly destroy inferior materials. The best trunks use robust nylon or polyester blends that resist fading and tearing. It’s the difference between a pair that looks haggard after one season and one that becomes a trusted piece of gear for years.

Finally, consider the fit and features. A trunk designed for fishing will offer freedom of movement through a gusseted crotch or built-in stretch, allowing you to crouch, cast, and climb without restriction. Pockets should be functional, with mesh for drainage so you don’t carry a gallon of water back into the boat. Some are simple, while others offer specialized pockets for pliers or a zippered pocket for securing your keys and license.

Patagonia Baggies: The All-Around Angler’s Classic

If you need one pair of shorts to take you from the trout stream to the taco stand, the Patagonia Baggies are the undisputed classic. They are the definition of a do-it-all piece of gear. Their simple, bombproof design has remained largely unchanged for decades for one simple reason: it works. For the angler who might spend the morning on the water and the afternoon hiking to a swimming hole, their versatility is unmatched.

Made from NetPlus® 100% postconsumer recycled nylon faille, these shorts are tough as nails and have a positive environmental story. The fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR finish (durable water repellent coating that does not contain perfluorinated chemicals) that effectively sheds moisture and dries incredibly fast. The internal polyester mesh liner is comfortable and supportive, and the simple vertical side pockets have mesh corners for quick drainage.

The tradeoff for this simplicity is a lack of fishing-specific features. You won’t find a dedicated plier pocket or zippered security pouches. However, their legendary durability and timeless comfort make them a staple in any outdoor enthusiast’s closet. They are a true investment, a pair of shorts that will likely last a decade or more of hard use.

Huk Pursuit Volley: Sun Protection for Long Days

Imagine a long, sweltering day on an exposed flat, with the sun beating down from above and reflecting off the water from below. In these conditions, sun protection isn’t just about comfort; it’s a critical safety consideration. The Huk Pursuit Volley is built specifically for these scenarios, prioritizing sun-blocking and breathability above all else.

The key feature here is the fabric’s UPF 50+ rating, which blocks more than 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This provides a reliable layer of protection for your skin during peak sun hours. The lightweight, 4-way stretch polyester material is also designed for maximum moisture-wicking, pulling sweat away from your skin to keep you cool and dry in humid, sticky weather.

These shorts are designed with an athletic focus. They feel less like a traditional trunk and more like a piece of high-performance sportswear. While they may not have the rugged, canvas-like feel of other options, they excel in hot climates where staying cool and protected from the sun is the primary mission. For the angler spending long hours under a tropical sun, this is a purpose-built tool for the job.

AFTCO Original Shorts: Unmatched Rugged Durability

When your fishing involves sliding across boat gunnels, kneeling on gritty docks, or bushwhacking to a remote spot, you need shorts that can take a beating. The AFTCO Original Fishing Short is a legend in the saltwater community for its sheer, uncompromising toughness. These aren’t lightweight, fashion-forward shorts; they are a piece of workwear built for the harshest marine environments.

The secret is the 3-ply DuPont™ Supplex® nylon fabric. It’s incredibly strong, abrasion-resistant, and treated with a DWR finish to repel water and stains from fish guts and bait. Everything about these shorts is overbuilt, from the double-reinforced seat to the heavy-duty stitching. They feature a unique pocket layout with a Cordura®-lined plier pocket and numerous other storage options, making them one of the most functional shorts on the list.

This durability comes with a tradeoff in weight and feel. They are heavier and stiffer than other options, especially when new, but they break in over time like a good pair of work boots. For the offshore angler or anyone who is notoriously hard on their gear, the AFTCO Originals are the benchmark for durability that lasts season after season.

Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry for the Fly-Fishing Purist

Picture a classic trout stream, with an angler making a delicate presentation to a rising fish. The Orvis Jackson Quick-Dry Shorts fit this scene perfectly. They blend a clean, traditional aesthetic with the modern technical features required for a comfortable day on the water, appealing to the fly-fishing purist who values both form and function.

These shorts are crafted from a lightweight, stretch-woven polyester that provides excellent mobility for casting and navigating tricky riverbanks. A UPF 50+ sun protection rating guards against sun exposure, while a DWR finish helps shed errant spray. The fit is slightly more tailored than baggier options, giving them a polished look that’s equally at home on the river or at the lodge afterward.

The features are subtle but thoughtfully designed for anglers. A gusseted crotch enhances freedom of movement, and the pocket layout includes a zippered security pocket in addition to mesh-lined hand pockets. They represent a refined approach, prioritizing lightweight comfort and a classic style without sacrificing the performance needed for serious fishing.

Simms Superlight Shorts: Pro-Level Performance

For the dedicated angler who logs dozens of days on the water each year and demands the absolute most from their equipment, the Simms Superlight Shorts deliver. Simms builds gear with a laser focus on the needs of professional guides and serious anglers, and it shows. These are less all-purpose shorts and more a piece of specialized fishing equipment.

The foundation is Simms’ proprietary COR3™ fabric technology. This material is a triple threat: it offers UPF 50 sun protection, incorporates anti-odor treatments to manage long days in the heat, and features best-in-class moisture-wicking to keep you dry and comfortable. The cut is athletic, designed to eliminate any restriction during the repetitive motion of casting.

What truly sets them apart are the fishing-specific details. You’ll find a dedicated, tool-compatible plier pocket, zippered thigh and back pockets to secure valuables in rough water, and a comfortable, stretch-elastic waistband. This is the choice for the angler who sees their clothing as an integral part of their fishing system, where every feature is designed to enhance performance on the water.

Howler Bros Bruja: Style Meets On-Water Function

Not every angler wants to look like they’re wearing a technical uniform. For those who want their gear to have as much personality as it does performance, the Howler Bros Bruja Boardshorts are a perfect fit. They seamlessly blend a unique, often retro-inspired style with the quick-drying functionality needed for a day of fishing.

The Bruja shorts are typically made from a quick-drying polyester fabric that offers a softer hand-feel than pure technical nylon. This makes them exceptionally comfortable for all-day wear, easily transitioning from poling a skiff to grabbing a post-fishing beer. The design often incorporates a button-fly and a drawcord closure, giving them a classic surf-style look.

Functionality isn’t an afterthought. Howler Bros cleverly integrates useful features into their stylish designs. A button-flap back pocket keeps a wallet secure, while a side pocket is often sized and reinforced to handle a pair of fishing pliers. These shorts prove that you don’t have to sacrifice style for on-water capability.

Key Features: Pockets, Liners, and Fabric Tech

When you’re comparing shorts, the details matter. Pockets, for example, are not all created equal. Basic mesh-lined hand pockets are great for casual use, but for serious fishing, look for more. A zippered security pocket is non-negotiable for storing car keys or a license, while a reinforced plier pocket with a drainage grommet keeps your most-used tool handy and prevents premature wear.

The liner debate is a personal one. A built-in mesh liner offers convenience and support, eliminating the need for another layer. However, some find them restrictive or prone to holding sand. Unlined shorts, or boardshorts, offer more versatility. You can wear them as-is or pair them with your own preferred underwear or compression shorts for a custom level of support and chafe-prevention.

Finally, understand the fabric acronyms. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is a coating that makes water bead up and roll off the surface. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) indicates how much UV radiation the fabric blocks; a UPF 50 rating is the gold standard for sun protection. Materials like nylon excel in durability, polyester is a champion of fast-drying and UV resistance, and a touch of spandex or elastane adds crucial stretch for mobility.

Ultimately, the best quick-dry fishing trunk is the one you forget you’re wearing. It should keep you comfortable, protected, and focused on why you’re out there in the first place. Don’t get bogged down in finding the "perfect" pair; find the one that best fits your style of fishing and get back on the water. The fish are waiting.