Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
Columbia PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt
The benchmark long-sleeve fishing shirt
- Omni-Shade broad-spectrum UPF 50 fabric blocks UVA/UVB rays
- 100% lightweight nylon dries fast after spray, sweat, or rain
- Hidden shoulder vents move air and cut the on-water heat
- Two velcro chest pockets and roll-up sleeve tabs for hot days
If you fish full days in open sun, bare arms are the first thing to burn and the last thing you notice until it is too late. A long-sleeve fishing shirt solves that without sunscreen slathered from wrist to collar, and the Columbia PFG Bahama II is the piece most anglers reach for first. It has been a category staple for years, and the reason is simple: it does the boring things well.
The fabric is 100% nylon carrying Columbia’s Omni-Shade broad-spectrum UPF 50 rating. That protection is built into the weave rather than sprayed on, so it does not wash out or wear off as the shirt ages. For anyone counting sun exposure across a season, woven-in UPF is the detail that matters most, and it is why this shirt earns its sun-protection score.
Nylon is also the practical choice on the water. It sheds spray, sweat, and light rain and dries far faster than cotton, so you are not sitting in a damp shirt after the first big splash. The trade is that dense synthetics can feel warm, which is where the Bahama II’s hidden back-cape vents earn their keep, letting hot air escape while you keep casting.
Details are geared for fishing rather than fashion. Roll-up sleeve tabs let you convert from full coverage to forearm airflow in seconds, and two velcro chest pockets hold a phone, license, or leader spool. The cut is deliberately relaxed so raising a rod overhead does not drag the hem out of your waistband, though slim anglers may find it a touch boxy.
Reputation is where the Bahama II separates from cheaper copies. Anglers keep buying it season after season because the stitching holds, the color stays reasonable, and the fit is predictable, including a genuine Big & Tall range that many performance shirts skip. It is not the single lightest shirt on the market, but it is one of the most dependable.
Bottom line: the Columbia PFG Bahama II is the default long-sleeve fishing shirt for good reason. Honest UPF 50, quick-drying nylon, and vents that work make it the shirt to buy if you only buy one.
Specifications
| Type | Long-sleeve vented fishing shirt |
| Material | 100% nylon (Omni-Shade) |
| UPF Rating | UPF 50 |
| Sizes | S-XXL, plus Big & Tall |
| Features | Back cape venting, roll-up sleeves, dual chest pockets |
| Best For | All-day sun coverage on boat or bank |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Columbia PFG Bahama II run true to size?
It is cut for a relaxed, roomy fit, so most anglers find it true to size or slightly generous. If you prefer a trim look, sizing down one is a common move; if you layer or want maximum airflow, stay with your normal size.
Is the UPF protection permanent or does it wash out?
The UPF 50 rating comes from the tight nylon weave itself, not a topical coating, so it does not wash out over the life of the shirt the way sprayed-on treatments can.
Will nylon feel hot compared to a cotton shirt?
In direct sun, covered skin with a vented synthetic shirt generally stays cooler and drier than exposed skin or heavy cotton, because the fabric dries fast and the shoulder vents move air. In truly dead, still air a very light ripstop may breathe marginally better.
Can I wear it off the water?
Yes. The Bahama II reads as a casual button-up, so plenty of people wear it for hiking, travel, and yard work as much as fishing.
How do I care for it so it lasts?
Machine wash cold, skip fabric softener, and hang or tumble low. Softeners and high heat are the fastest way to shorten the life of any technical nylon shirt.