Next time you are going fishing, don’t forget to bring a fishing towel with you. During this exciting activity, your hands get dirty, there are an unpleasant smell and mucus of the fish. Even if you are just starting to fish, you may have noticed that ordinary napkins and towels don’t eliminate the smell and your hands are still sticky. However, by purchasing a specialized towel you will get rid of these problems. Read on to find out more and choose your fishing towel today!
Our Top List 11 Fishing Towels
There are various manufacturers of fishing towels on the market today. But not all of them produce really high-quality products. In order for you not to make a mistake and choose a towel of good quality, I have written this review with selection criteria. I suggest you take a look at the 11 best fishing towels in my opinion.
1# Bass Pro Shops Fishing Towels
The first towel on my list is Bass Pro Shops. This is the same towel that should be with you on your next fishing trip. You will not only need it to wipe your hands from mucus, dirt, but it will also eliminate the unpleasant smell of fish. It is great for drying out your fishing equipment. For convenience, attach it to a belt buckle or boat. This will allow you to quickly access the towel and not lose it. You can choose a towel in red, black or blue.
2# Baitowel BT-Black Fishing Towel
View on BassPro View on Amazon
You will be surprised how you managed without such a towel before. It is incredibly convenient and effective for fishing purposes. Its secret lies in its material. It is made of microfiber. This material perfectly absorbs odors and moisture. You don’t need to wait forever until it dries. It is the perfect size so the towel doesn’t take up much space in your bag.
3# Bait Towel Microfiber Overcast Gray
You will be equipped with excellent fishing towels for a long time. I suggest you pick up these 3 towels at a great price. A towel will help you get rid of the bad smell in seconds. Remove blood, mucus from your hands. You can attach a towel on a boat, on your tackle box, or on your belt. It is made of light microfiber which absorbs and dries quickly.
4# Booms Fishing Microfiber Fishing Towel with Clip
Get 3 pieces of soft towels designed specifically for use while fishing. It is intended not only to clean your hands from the smell and mucus of fish but also is excellent for wiping fishing tackle, boat seats, etc. Microfiber is what you need to quickly absorb water. You will not lose it thanks to the clip. This towel will last you a long time due to the fact that it can be washed in a washing machine. Wash without risk of finding the towel damaged.
5# Dead Fish Gear Fishing Towel
This towel is made from 100% cotton. This is another great material to use for fishing purposes. It not only absorbs water well but also blood, mucus, and eliminates terrible odors from your hands. Your hands will always be dry using such a towel. Don’t worry about its longevity. It is machine washable so it will last you a long time.
6# Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Towel & Gym Towel
This fishing towel is available in various sizes. Therefore, everyone will find the right one for him. Choose from small to XL. It is made of microfiber. Great for fishing due to its fast absorption and incredibly fast drying. Because of its softness, it is pleasant to the body and doesn’t cause irritation on your hands.
7# Greens Towel Microfiber – Amazon’s Choice
Take this towel with you and clean your fishing equipment before use. You will see how easy and effective it is to use this thing. Your hands will not be sticky and will not smell fish. Microfiber can quickly remove dirt.
8# Micro Miracle Microfiber Quick Dry Towel
You have not seen such a lightweight towel before that is ideal for use during fishing. In addition, it comes with a special bag that makes carrying things easy. The towel is able to absorb water 9 times its own weight. Even with a strong wet, it dries very quickly. Check this!
9# Rainleaf Microfiber Towel Perfect Travel & Sports & Beach Towel
Wipe not only your hands but also your face thanks to safe soft microfiber. Even if you completely wet it, it will dry in a short period of time and will be ready for use again. A choice of 10 colors will satisfy everyone’s needs. The towel is substituted in a convenient cover that allows you to take a towel with you without any problems.
10# BAGAIL Microfiber Camping Fishing Towels
You have a place to roam here! This model of fishing towel is available not only in various colors but also in sizes. Its material is able to absorb large amounts of water and dries much faster than many other microfiber models. This is a safe towel for your health. It is soft and doesn’t scratch the skin. It is convenient to take with you thanks to the packaging.
11# Chill Pal PVA Cooling Towel – Amazon’s Choice
This towel differs from others in its functions. Of course, you can use it to clean your hands, but its main purpose is to relax you while fishing. This is a cooling towel that will relieve tension from your neck and relieve headaches. You just need to soak it in cold water and then wrap it around your neck. So your fishing will take place in calm and relaxed.
What to Look for When Choosing a Fishing Towel?
Material
When choosing a fishing towel, you should first pay attention to this criterion. If you skip this point, everything else makes no sense. Not all materials can absorb odors and leave your hands clean and non-sticky. This is why you can’t use your regular toilet towel. Ideal towels are made of cotton and microfiber. These materials are highly absorbent and therefore leave your hands clean. Read more about the material in the following sections.
Hanging Mechanism
Another difference between fishing towels and others is the presence of a fishing towel clip. During the fishing process, we don’t have enough time and energy to spend them on finding towels. It should always be at hand. To do this, use a clip and your towel will hang on you. It is convenient and you will not lose your thing.
Easy to Wash
This item is also worth taking into account if you don’t want to throw your towel away after a couple of uses. Choose a towel that is washable in the washing machine. You must understand that you will have to wash it after each use, as there may be blood, mucus, and an unpleasant odor.
Why are Microfiber Towels Good?
Lightweight
A microfiber towel weighs several times less than a normal bath towel with comparable sizes. The difference is more than five times. And it is dry.
Compactness
The microfiber towel almost doesn’t take place in your fishing bag. A large towel when folded is comparable to the size of a fist.
Hygienic
Many manufacturers use silver ion treatment to prevent the development of bacteria.
Quick-drying
A microfiber towel dries in just 10-20 minutes. It will become completely dry, especially in the sun or on a windy day.
Fast Absorbency
Despite their compactness, such towels quickly absorb moisture in large quantities.
Easy to Use
As a rule, it is convenient to hang such towels to the belt, slide them into a small pocket, or throw them in a bag and forget them. On the towel itself, a special loop is provided, for the possibility of hanging on a hook or branch.
Easy to Clean
The compact towel is easy to wash even at low water temperatures. Machine washable.
Microfiber Towel Care Tips
Microfiber towels can be washed both by hand and in a washing machine at a temperature of + 30 … + 40°C. Try not to use granular washing powder and don’t use rinsing agents – their particles leave poorly with water and the towel loses its antibacterial properties and impairs absorption. The towel can not be dried over an open flame and on hot stones, heaters. It’s best to just hang it or lay it out in a well-ventilated place. Check how resistant the colors are in towels before washing them with your laundry.
Conclusion
Now choose a fishing towel isn’t difficult for you. With my selection tips and review of the 11 best fishing towels, it’s simple and easy. Your hands and fishing equipment will always be clean and will not smell disgusting. Get it now and go with a towel to your upcoming fishing trip!
Tags: #fishing towel / #fishing towel apron / #fishing towel with grommet / #fishing towel clip / #fishing hook towel holder / #how to clean my fishing towel

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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Wow, I had no idea that there were so many fish out there that could really do a number on your hands if you try to handle them without proper protection. I knew about catfish being able to sting you and some pike biting, but apparently, there are many more species that can be dangerous.
I just wanted to point out that using towels to get a good grip on these fish may not be the best idea. While towels can help protect your hands from catfish fins and the like, they can also rub off the protective slime coating on the fish’s skin. This can leave the fish more susceptible to infections, which is not ideal if you plan on releasing them back into the water.
If you’re catch-and-release fishing and want to handle these fish safely, a wet bare hand is actually the best option. This way, you don’t risk damaging the fish’s skin, and you can still get a good grip without putting yourself in danger. Just be sure to handle the fish gently and quickly, and always release them back into the water as soon as possible.
Overall, it’s important to do your research before handling any type of fish. Some species may be more dangerous than others, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution.
I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect towel for my one-bag travel adventures, but I’ve had a tough time narrowing down my options. However, after a lot of research and testing, I’ve come up with a list of the top contenders:
First up is linen, especially the waffle weave variety. It’s lightweight, quick-drying, and has a nice texture that’s perfect for exfoliating.
Another option is microfiber, with Sea to Summit’s Airlite towel being a standout choice. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it perfect for travel. Plus, it dries super quickly and has antimicrobial properties to keep it fresh and clean.
Turkish towels are another great option, especially the kind that can double as a scarf or piece of clothing. They’re versatile, absorbent, and can add some style to your travel wardrobe.
Of course, there’s also the option to go towel-free. This is a personal choice and may not be for everyone, but it can save space and weight in your luggage.
As for towel size, it really depends on your needs and preferences. Some people prefer a larger towel for more coverage, while others are happy with a smaller size to save space. Personally, I tend to go for a medium-sized towel that can be used for both drying off and as a makeshift blanket or pillow.
In my experience, linen towels are the way to go for one-bag travel. They have an incredible ability to absorb water despite being lightweight, and they dry extremely quickly. I’ve found that even if I need to shower more than once a day, a linen towel can dry itself in the time it takes for me to take another shower. Plus, they’re very durable and can last a long time without needing to be washed.
I’ve personally used my linen towel for up to a month without washing it, simply because I didn’t have the ability to do so. Surprisingly, it didn’t start to develop a bad odor until it was thrown into a dirty laundry bag. Overall, I highly recommend a linen towel for anyone who wants a reliable, quick-drying option for their one-bag travel adventures.
I’ve been a big fan of Turkish towels for both home and travel use for over 10 years now, and I can’t recommend them enough. My first Turkish towel was a Hammamas brand that had a pretty high price tag of £20, but it has definitely stood the test of time. I’ve tried other cheaper Turkish towels that I’ve purchased online, but they just aren’t as soft or durable as my first one.
When it comes to travel, I simply loop my towel through the carry handle on my backpack on the day of travel and let it air dry. This way, I don’t have to worry about packing a wet towel in my luggage. Plus, the versatility of Turkish towels means that I’ve used mine as a scarf, eye mask, blanket, and even a sarong before.
Overall, if you’re looking for a towel that can do it all and stand up to years of use, I highly recommend investing in a good quality Turkish towel. It may cost a bit more upfront, but it will save you money in the long run by lasting longer and being more versatile than other towels.
When it comes to travel towels, I used to rely on microfiber towels due to their lightweight and fast-drying qualities. However, they do tend to develop a bad odor after just a couple of uses. Wanting to find a better alternative, I did some research and discovered waffle weave linen towels.
I decided to try the Outlier Grid Linen Towel, but unfortunately, I wasn’t too impressed with it after just one use. My main concerns were the towel’s odor retention and portability. While the linen material felt more comfortable than polyester, it still ended up developing a stink after just one week of use. I’m wondering if I didn’t hang it up properly after using it, but either way, I was pretty disappointed.
I’m still hopeful that the linen towel will perform better than my previous polyester ones, but I’m starting to wonder if the issue is more about how I’m caring for the towel after use. Perhaps the key is to learn proper techniques for hanging and storing the towel to prevent odor and prolong its lifespan. Overall, I think finding the perfect travel towel involves a lot of trial and error, and I’m still on the search for the ideal one.
Personally, I’ve found that having two towels is a game-changer for one-bag travel! I use a large one for drying laundry and a medium-sized one for drying myself. It’s important to note that using one towel for both tasks can often leave it too wet to do either job effectively.
Having an extra towel allows me to pack less clothing, as it’s quicker and less frustrating to do laundry more frequently. I always have a dry towel for myself and a dry towel for laundry, which helps my clothes dry faster. For my towels, I prefer waffle weave linen towels from Linen Fiesta on Etsy, but this concept should work regardless of what type of towels you use.
I highly recommend considering the benefits of carrying an extra towel on your next one-bag travel adventure. It might just make your life a whole lot easier!
Based on my personal experience, I would highly recommend linen towels over microfiber towels. Although microfiber is lighter in weight, it eventually develops an odor that is hard to remove. I used a large Matador microfiber towel for almost 6 months before giving up on it because the frequency required between washes to keep the musty odors out kept increasing.
On the other hand, I have been using linen towels for 3 months now and have not encountered any issues except for shedding from some of the linen towels I’ve tried. In my opinion, the absorption and drying capabilities of linen towels outweigh the weight advantage of microfiber towels.
I’ve been using the MSR PackTowl Nano and it has been working well for me. I was able to dry myself off effectively after taking a dip in the water. It’s quite small but surprisingly absorbent, so I can just ring it out and keep using it until I’m completely dry.
For those looking for other options, I would suggest checking out REI’s house brand of pack towels. I have both a small one that I carry while backpacking and a large one for trips to the swimming hole or leisurely day floats. They are affordable enough that you can even buy a larger size and cut it up to fit your various needs. Overall, I have found them to be reliable and effective.
I have a blue shop towel-like cloth that I always hang off the back of my hard hat. It’s amazing for evaporative cooling and it protects my neck from direct sunlight. I don’t remember the brand, but I probably got it from Safety House or a similar store on Merivale.
Another towel that I use and absolutely love is the Frogg Togg brand scarf-shaped one. I use it while kayaking, fishing, mowing the grass, and more. It stays cool, so I can re-drape it over my neck or press it against my cheeks and forehead for a refreshing cooling sensation. It’s truly wonderful.
I was out on the canal last Thursday from about 11:30-1:00 and barely noticed how excessively hot it was. Of course, I wear a large sun hat, and sunglasses, and drink plenty of water as well. I recommend this towel to everyone who asks me about it (it’s very bright and hangs like a scarf, so it does attract attention). I ordered it from Amazon.
I have found that cooling towels can be more effective with a few tricks. One way is to keep them in the fridge with cold water in the container, so they are ready to use when you need them. When you take them outside, simply remove them from the container, wring them out, and give them a few snaps and shakes. This will produce a refreshing and cooling effect.
If you want to keep using the towel for an extended period, consider bringing a small ice pack in a thermal bag and wrapping the towel around it. This will help to maintain the cooling effect for a longer period, and you can enjoy the refreshing sensation for even longer.