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Product Review: Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle Shorts

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Tackle tray is 4 1/2″ wide by 7 3/8″ tall. Elastic lanyard and small pocket can hold pliers, etc.

Yes, I’m wearing gloves. Those will be reviewed soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I used to use MMA training shorts in the board shorts style to surfboard and kayak fish. No, I don’t train MMA but they were stretchy, and had hip pockets to hold my phone. After years of use they started unraveling, and since I rarely board fish anymore, I was looking to replace them with shorts that had open front pockets since I didn’t plan to be swimming or wading in waist deep water.

Columbia Sportswear makes a line of clothing specifically for fishing, called Performance Fishing Gear, or PFG.  I hadn’t worn Columbia clothing for more than a decade, but the shirts and pants I had before were very functional and reasonably priced.  My dad still wears my long sleeve, button down, collared, vented fishing shirt to do yard work. 🙂

West Marine has a great selection of the Columbia PFG line, so I tried on some long sleeve, high tech, sun reflecting shirts and the Terminal Tackle shorts.  Columbia shirts run a bit big.  I wear a Large in other brands of fishing shirts but their Medium is roomy for me.  I was a size 30 in the shorts which is about what I wear in surf trunks cuz a 30 really has a 31 – 32 inch waist maybe?

I liked that the Terminal Tackle shorts had 4-way stretch material, deep, useful front pockets, and a zippered side pocket that could fit my Galaxy S8 Active. It also came with a bottle opener / line cutter on an elastic leash.  I don’t keep anything in my pockets while seated in the kayak, but having pockets would be super helpful during the loading and unloading process and for boat fishing.

Purchased some long sleeve shirts that I haven’t tried yet, and the Terminal Tackle shorts.  Oama fished in them, and they were comfortable due to the stretch. I loved having a place to put my keys and phone when I got out of the water.  They’re also sun, stain and stink resistant which is key when you’re using smelly baits for picky oama.

Kayak fishing for 6 hrs was a much better stress test.  The shorts were comfortable in the heat, didn’t chafe, dried quickly and held my pre and post fishing stuff easily.  They look more like walk shorts than surf trunks, which is ok I guess.  I removed the bottle opener/line cutter and can attach a fishing tool to the elastic lanyard if I want.  At $50 in the stores locally, they’re cheaper than stretchy surf trunks and at times some colors are on sale at www.columbia.com.  The Terminal Tackle shorts are everything I wanted in fishing shorts – I highly recommend them.

The stuff I use and why I use ’em – Fishing Attire

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(Updated April 2019)

Just a few years ago, the only people you’d see decked out in hats, neck gaiters (those tube scarf things) and long sleeve performance shirts were fly fishers. Now all the sensible anglers are adorned that way.  Since we’re in the sun a lot and always wet, I try to cover up with materials that provide UV protection and stain resistance, shed water and breathe.  Cotton retains water and isn’t your friend in these situations, stretchy polyester is.  That applies to everything on your body.

I’ll briefly list what I like to wear, from head to toe.  Please check out my other gear recommendations.

Anetik mask, Anetik performance shirt, Columbia Terminal Tackle shorts, Anetik shade socks

Patagonia Sunshade Crew: All these blood spots washed off. Note the vertical zippered pocket. Very easy to open with one hand.  Maui Jim Twin Falls wrap around sunglasses.Sunglasses: Maui Jim Twin Falls

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sunglasses: Maui Jim Twin Falls Polarized Prescription.  So light and comfortable, and the nose pads keep the frame off my cheeks.  The polarized bronze lenses remove glare but allow enough light in to see when the sun is lower in the sky. Wrap style minimizes the amount of light sneaking in from the sides.  Couldn’t find oama without them.  My fishing and everyday glasses because Maui Jim makes the best looking, functional sunglasses, IMHO. I’ve tried sunglasses made specifically for fishing that have great lenses but uncomfortable frames/arms. I wouldn’t want to have to carry around a pair to fish with and another pair to drive home with. Here’s the in-depth review.

Neck Gaiter –

Buff UV Mask. Buff is the industry leader in neck gaiters. I like the way the UV Mask drapes over the shoulder area for even more sun protection, and has perforated breathing holes that won’t unravel. 

Anetik Face Mask.  This contoured mask fits the best out of all the masks I’ve tried, is very breathable, and doesn’t fog if you breathe through the perforated holes.  It looks the best also, IMHO.

Long Sleeve Performance Shirt – Patagonia Sunshade Crew. I’ve tried a lot of long sleeve fishing shirts and these are my favorites.  They are light weight, breathable, stain resistant, loose fitting, under-stated and have a zippered chest pocket.  Everything you want in a fishing shirt and attractive enough to keep wearing after you’re pau fishing.  I store my phone in the easy to unzip pocket when I don’t wade too deep, and put my sunglasses in it when I’m cleaning up at dusk.  Patagonia has a Fall clearance sale (30 – 40% off I think? Free shipping over $75) of the product line (style or color) that won’t be carried into the following year so I try to stock up then.  I haven’t had any problems with my shirts so far, but if I do, I can take them to the local Patagonia store in town for repair or replacement.

UV Leggings – Anetik Shade Socks.  Designed specifically for kayak anglers, these socks breathe well and negate the need for sun tan lotion on your legs. As an added bonus they provide some protection from jellyfish stings! Here’s a brief review.

Shorts: Columbia PFG Terminal Tackle.  4-way stretch, sun, stain and stink resistant with 2 deep front pockets and a zippered side pocket large enough to hold your phone securely. Here’s the in-depth review.

Underwear: Polyester stretch material that wicks water and doesn’t bind on those long kayak paddling days.

Foot wear – Wading: Tabis with felt soles and zipper.  I really should buy a better one that keeps the sand out and supports my foot.

Foot wear – Kayak Fishing: Surf booties, ankle cut.  Enough protection on sole if I have to walk on the reef, and light enough to swim with in an emergency.