Gear

Angler headwear trends

See which headwear the Elites choose to protect their heads from the elements and improve their ability to stalk big bass.

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It used to be bass fishermen pretty much relegated themselves to the standard baseball cap. It is and was a good piece of equipment.
It used to be bass fishermen pretty much relegated themselves to the standard baseball cap. It is and was a good piece of equipment.
A rounded bill could keep the sun out of your eyes and off your nose.
A rounded bill could keep the sun out of your eyes and off your nose.
It’s a lesson Mark Davis learned decades ago.
It’s a lesson Mark Davis learned decades ago.
Because guys like Paul Elias said it was so.
Because guys like Paul Elias said it was so.
Today some anglers opt for the straight bill look.
Today some anglers opt for the straight bill look.
No matter the shape; even a straight bill will put fish in the boat.
No matter the shape; even a straight bill will put fish in the boat.
But the old school anglers stuck with the cap.
But the old school anglers stuck with the cap.
Even though it often required some hands-on assistance.
Even though it often required some hands-on assistance.
Cutting the sun’s glare often required a hand to one side.
Cutting the sun’s glare often required a hand to one side.
Leaving many anglers giving the appearance of looking for treasure .
Leaving many anglers giving the appearance of looking for treasure .
And when that didn’t work, they used two hands.
And when that didn’t work, they used two hands.
Seeing into the water became paramount.
Seeing into the water became paramount.
After all, a bass could be anywhere.
After all, a bass could be anywhere.
And like all things in bass angling, there were those who sought to make the hat even better. Alton Jones used to wear a camo hat, but didn’t need it at St. Johns.
And like all things in bass angling, there were those who sought to make the hat even better. Alton Jones used to wear a camo hat, but didn’t need it at St. Johns.
Aaron Martens donned the Australian cowboy look.
Aaron Martens donned the Australian cowboy look.
And it’s obviously worked pretty well.
And it’s obviously worked pretty well.
Brent Chapman sports the floppy hat look.
Brent Chapman sports the floppy hat look.
Randy Howell goes somewhere in between.
Randy Howell goes somewhere in between.
Although, despite a Classic title, there are times when the fish don’t seem to like it all.
Although, despite a Classic title, there are times when the fish don’t seem to like it all.
At the St. Johns River, one bass apparently tried to knock it off his head.
At the St. Johns River, one bass apparently tried to knock it off his head.
Howell was able to fend off the hat-eating bass.
Howell was able to fend off the hat-eating bass.
And laugh and dance himself into the lead.
And laugh and dance himself into the lead.
And then there’s Kevin Hawk; we have no idea what look that is.
And then there’s Kevin Hawk; we have no idea what look that is.
But Hawk owns it, along with a reputation as a great angler.
But Hawk owns it, along with a reputation as a great angler.
Then there are those who don the Unabomber look.
Then there are those who don the Unabomber look.
Casey Scanlon makes that look work.
Casey Scanlon makes that look work.
And unlike Howell, the fish hug right up to him.
And unlike Howell, the fish hug right up to him.
Jared Miller wears the Unabomber as well. We thought it might be because a chill was in the air.
Jared Miller wears the Unabomber as well. We thought it might be because a chill was in the air.
But even when it warmed, Miller had an answer for that as well.
But even when it warmed, Miller had an answer for that as well.
When it comes to an old Florida look, there’s nothing like Bernie Schultz’s visor.
When it comes to an old Florida look, there’s nothing like Bernie Schultz’s visor.
It’s worked well for him over the years... for Steve Spurrier, as well.
It’s worked well for him over the years… for Steve Spurrier, as well.
When it’s not about hats, it becomes about Buffs.
When it’s not about hats, it becomes about Buffs.
Everyone seems to be wearing them these days.
Everyone seems to be wearing them these days.
Shaw Grigsby virtually looks like a mummy when he’s on the water.
Shaw Grigsby virtually looks like a mummy when he’s on the water.
And, again, it works for him.
And, again, it works for him.
It works for Justin Lucas as well ...
It works for Justin Lucas as well …
Who could argue with the leading Rookie of the Year? Who would want to argue with anyone looking like a bandit?
Who could argue with the leading Rookie of the Year? Who would want to argue with anyone looking like a bandit?
Even his Marshal is getting in on the act.
Even his Marshal is getting in on the act.
But we have no idea what Chad Pipkens is working to achieve.
But we have no idea what Chad Pipkens is working to achieve.
Joe Sancho owns the natural look of a shiny head that requires no headwear.
Joe Sancho owns the natural look of a shiny head that requires no headwear.
Regardless of what these Bassmaster Elites choose to wear on their heads, when they get ganged up like this, anything helps to keep from bumping heads in the mix.
Regardless of what these Bassmaster Elites choose to wear on their heads, when they get ganged up like this, anything helps to keep from bumping heads in the mix.

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