Full Gloves or Fingerless Fishing Gloves

At first glance you may think that the main difference between fingerless gloves and full-finger fishing gloves is just the finger tips. This often be an incorrect assumption. We will explore this further, but suffice to say, fingerless gloves are generally of a lightweight construction to provide a level of protection while maintaining dexterity and mobility. While the general benefit of full-finger gloves is increased protection, let it be from handling a fish or protection from nature such as cold temperatures and as such are generally of a more robust construction.

Let’s quickly consider the benefit that both fingerless and full-finger fishing gloves provide. Both these fishing gloves provide to some degree:Warmth and protection from the cold

• Sun protection
• Protection from fish teeth, spikes and bills
• Protection from fishing line cuts and when leadering
• General protection when fishing (hooks, tackle, grabbing objects, filleting, etc)
• Improved grip when handling fish or tackle
• Minimise damage to fish through improved fish handling
• Reduced blisters and hand fatigue when casting and fighting fish

You will have quickly assessed that different types of gloves will offer a varied levels of protection or advantages based on their design and objectives. You will no doubt already start to now consider the differences between fingerless fishing gloves and full finger fishing gloves. Now let’s have a deeper look into these glove types.

Fingerless Fishing Gloves

Again, you may think what is the point of fingerless gloves? In winter they are kind of pointless. Let me try and change your find if this is what you think.

Generally speaking, fingerless fingering gloves are made of a lightweight stretchable material, offer a level of protection from the elements and other harms while maintaining close to full use of your fingers.

Pros:

• Generally very comfortable as they are almost like having an enhanced second skin and you may not even realise you are wearing your fishing gloves
• Provide a level of protection against cuts, spikes and hooks. Obviously your finger tips are not protected
• Provide the benefits of a glove with the dexterity of your fingertips for rigging up your fishing rods and equipment
• Improves endurance and ability to maintain skill levels during extended fishing
• More breathable and therefore your hands should not become clamy.
• Most fingerless glove are made of lighter weight material
• More conformable in hot and humid conditions
• Easy to use electronic devices and touch screens

Fingerless gloves may come with padding on the palms, protection between the index finger and thumb and have different length cuffs. The material may be very thing or little more bulky.

Cons:

• Not so great in winter as your fingers will get cold. Especially if they become wet
• Generally no good for offshore fishing and leadering
• Generally no good for handling large fish
• No good for filleting as insufficient protection

Full Finger Fishing Gloves

Full finger fishing gloves are your go to gloves in cold temperatures, including icy fishing scenarios. They are also best when big game fishing or when you are seeking maximum protection. They also provide better grip of objects as you don’t have to worry about your finger tips. Another major advantage if when using a baitcaster reel, fly fishing reel or even spinning reel with braid that can result in line cuts to your fingers when casting. This is most problematic if your fingers are either wet or extremely dry.

Full finger gloves should be made strong. Look for all round protection (fingers and thumb sections, fourchettes, stitching, palm, back section and also cuffs when buying full finger fishing gloves.

Pros:

• Generally made of strong material for increased protection
• Maximum protection when handling fish, fishing gear or cleaning fish
• Much preferred when fishing in cold environments
• Can keep your fingers and hands dryer. Although this still depends on the type of materials
• They can provide better grip of large slippery objects, such as fish!
• Prevents line cuts from casting braid

Cons:

• They often reduce dexterity and make rigging up tackle, hooks and bait difficult
• They are less breathable which is especially noticeable in warm or humid conditions. This does depend somewhat on the material types
• May have to constantly remove your fishing gloves when you need increased dexterity

Hybrid Fishing Gloves:

These days you can also buy hybrid version of fingerless fishing gloves. These are gloves that either have a couple of exposed finger and thumb tips or the ability to open and close the tips of these fingers. If you think fingerless fishing gloves look weird, wait to see this type of fishing glove! These gloves provide casting and lead protection of small fish, most often used in fresh water environments.

Conclusion:

By now you should understand the benefit of both types of fishing gloves. They have different purposes and therefore different pros and cons. We own several different types of fishing gloves depending on where we are fishing and the fishing conditions. I feel naked if I don’t have my fingerless fishing gloves when kayak fishing in the warmer months. While in winter, I must have my full finger fishing gloves.

Similarly when offshore fishing, I each for my full finger solid and strong fishing gloves. These give me the confidence to focus on my fishing and not obsessive on hand protection.