Fishing Umbrella with Sides vs. Regular Umbrella: Which One is Right for You?

Fishing is a great way to relax, unwind, and spend time in nature. However, as with any outdoor activity, it's important to be prepared for whatever the weather might throw your way. That's why a fishing umbrella is an essential piece of equipment for any angler. 

The problem is that there are so many options available on the market that it can be hard to know which one is best for you. In this article, we'll compare fishing umbrellas with sides to regular umbrellas and help you make an informed decision.

What is the difference between a brolly and a bivvy?

Fishing umbrellas offer a convenient and affordable solution for short-session anglers who need to protect themselves, their bait, and their gear from the rain or sun. Plus, unlike a fishing shelter or bivvy, a fishing brolly system can be set up in just minutes with minimal frustration, so you can get to fishing without delay.

Regular Fishing Umbrellas

Regular umbrellas for fishing are typically made from a lightweight, waterproof material and have a central pole that you can place in the ground. They are easy to set up and take down, and they provide a decent amount of shelter from rain or sun. 

Regular fishing umbrellas also come in various sizes and designs, from basic models to those with advanced features such as UV protection and ventilation. They are also affordable, making them accessible to most anglers. 

What is a standard umbrella size?

The standard umbrella typically has a 33-inch canopy and can expand up to 40 inches wide. The handles are adequate for most adult hands. Brolly size can cover both the span of the shelter provided by the brolly and the length the arm of the brolly can reach. 

10 Benefits of Fishing Umbrellas

1. Protects anglers from sun, rain, and wind.

2. Keeps you dry during light rain showers.

3. Provides shade from the sun on hot days.

4. Lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport.

5. Easy to set up and take down.

6. Affordable, making it accessible to most anglers.

7. Can be used for other outdoor activities, such as picnics or camping.

8. Can be adjusted to suit different weather conditions.

9. Offers a more comfortable fishing experience compared to being exposed to the elements.

10. Helps to prevent heat stroke or hypothermia, by maintaining a stable body temperature.

Who Should Buy A Fishing Umbrella?

Great for the casual angler, an ordinary umbrella is good for fishing in fair weather, and provides enough coverage to shield one in light precipitation. These umbrellas are budget-friendly and come with simple instructions. Good for an angler on the move so you can carry the umbrella closer to the bankside if needed

Top 3 Fishing Umbrellas

There are some drawbacks to using a regular umbrella for fishing. 

- Regular umbrellas only provide shelter from above. 
- If the wind changes direction or picks up, you can easily get wet or cold. 
- Not ideal if you're fishing in a location with a lot of gusts or strong winds.
- Can be quite small - less space for you to move around or store your equipment. 
- You might feel cramped and uncomfortable when spending a lot of time fishing.

Fishing Umbrellas with Sides

Fishing brollies with sides are designed to protect from all directions. They are extra large fishing umbrellas that can keep you dry and warm, even when the wind changes direction. As a large fishing umbrella, they typically have a central pole and several side sections. These can then be adjusted to create a partly enclosed space.

Larger than regular umbrellas, a fishing shelter umbrella provides more space to move around and store your gear. They also provide a more comfortable fishing experience, as you can sit in your fishing chair, inside the shelter without feeling cramped. Below are some more benefits to fishing umbrellas with sides.

10 benefits of using fishing umbrellas with sides:

1. Protects from wind, rain, and sun from all angles.

2. Keeps you warm and dry during inclement weather.

3. Provides a larger sheltered area for you to move around and store your gear.

4. Offers a more comfortable fishing experience, without feeling cramped.

5. Reduces the risk of wind gusts or rain showers affecting your fishing experience.

6. Can be adjusted to suit different weather conditions.

7. Helps to maintain a stable temperature within the sheltered area.

8. Allows you to focus on your fishing without being distracted by the weather.

9. Can improve your overall fishing experience, leading to better catches.

10. Provides a more comprehensive shelter for overnight fishing trips.

Are you a true fishing enthusiast?

Do you love spending many hours near water, no matter the weather? If so, a fishing umbrella shelter may be better for you. Plus, you can enjoy a more spacious and leisurely fishing experience.

Top 3 Umbrellas with Sides

There are also some downsides to fishing umbrellas with sides. 

- Can be more difficult to set up and take down than regular umbrellas. 
- Tend to be heavier and bulkier
- Less portable and more difficult to transport
- More expensive than regular umbrellas. 
- May not be worth the cost for some anglers

How do I choose a quality umbrella?

1. Choosing the Right Size Umbrella

Consider the size of the umbrella and the amount of sheltered space you need. Taller anglers will certainly benefit from a taller umbrella but low-profile brollies ensure the wind does not sweep them away!

2. Weight

Consider the weight of the umbrella and how easy it is to transport. One with sides will be heavier. 

3. Material

Consider the material of the umbrella and how durable it is in various weather conditions. Also the colour of the umbrella material. Carp fishing umbrellas with sides tend to be green or brown to help camouflage you.

4. Ease of Use

Consider how easy the umbrella is to set up and take down, especially when you are out fishing alone. Consider if the best fishing umbrella for you needs pegging points to secure it in place.

5. What is the price of fishing umbrellas?

Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on an umbrella. Prices for fishing umbrellas range from £20 to over £100.

6. Waterproofing

Check this through the hydrostatic rating and whether the seams are taped. 

7. Central Boss of the Umbrella

Maximize the internal space of your umbrella with a decent central boss. It is the part that slides up the pole and holds the spokes. The best fishing umbrellas with sides tend to have a neat and flush boss, giving you more headroom.

8. Umbrella Pole or Handle

There are three main types of brolly poles: carbon, stainless steel, and aluminium. Of the three, carbon is the lightest, while stainless steel is the most durable.

So, which type of umbrella is right for you?

The answer depends on your personal preferences and fishing style. When choosing an umbrella, consider the size and weight of the shelter, as well as the ease of set up and take down. Look for an umbrella that is made from durable materials and has sturdy poles that can withstand wind and rain.

If you're a casual angler who only fishes in good weather conditions, a regular umbrella might be sufficient for your needs. They are affordable, easy to use, and provide enough shelter to keep you dry in light rain.

However, if you're a serious angler who spends a lot of time on the water, a large fishing umbrella with sides is likely to be a better investment. They provide more comprehensive shelter from the elements, and they offer a more comfortable and spacious fishing experience. For sea anglers, a beach fishing shelter is a lot of effort but a brolly with sides can be a real winner!

In summary, both regular fishing umbrellas and fishing umbrellas with sides have their advantages and disadvantages. The right choice for you depends on your personal preferences and fishing style.

If you're unsure which type of umbrella to choose, speak to a knowledgeable member of the AD Team either by contacting our Customer Services or by visiting your nearest fishing tackle shop! We will be able to help you decide from our fishing umbrella selection. With the right umbrella, you can enjoy your fishing experience no matter what the weather is like.

Related Articles

The Absolute Buyers Guide to Fishing Umbrellas

An Angler's Buying Guide to Bivvies and Shelters

Your Guide to Short Session Angling

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