The Best Fishing Umbrellas - (Full Guide On Fishing Brollies & Shelters)

If you are UK based then you’ll know that we can have all four seasons in one afternoon.

It’s a brave person who fishes without an umbrella. But the question is which umbrella?

This article will shine some light on what you should look for in the best fishing umbrellas based on research, testing and experience.

Strapped For Time?

If you haven't got the time to read the full article then here is list of some of our top recommendations that won't let you down...


What is a fishing umbrella?

A fishing umbrella is simply a system that is designed to keep you dry whilst fishing. They tend to be relatively light, easy to reposition and portable.

The key feature is their size and shape. The ultimate aim with a fishing umbrella is to be able to actually carry on fishing, whilst you are sat under it.

Brolly System or Fishing Umbrella?

Whilst the terms are used interchangeably, they are not quite the same. A brolly system is like a hybrid between an umbrella and a bivvy.

A fishing umbrella is a much lighter solution. It is rare that you will find room under a fishing umbrella to stow a fishing bed chair or sleep system, nor would you want to.

Whilst the best fishing umbrellas will occasionally have optional sidewalls, they are designed more to keep a temporary squall from interrupting your day than as a more permanent and fixed solution like a brolly system.

The best fishing umbrellas might borrow elements from a brolly system, however.

brolly system

Example of a brolly system

fishing umbrella

Example of a fishing umbrella

What to look for in the best fishing umbrellas

Ok first things first, think of the main reason you want to use an umbrella. We hope you said ‘to keep me dry’. Therefore, we want something that is waterproof, not weather ‘resistant’ or capable of withstanding only a shower or two, proper waterproof.

When looking out for waterproof qualities in a fishing umbrella, you should look out for the fabric rating often referred to as PU rating.

PU is short for polyurethane and is a composite material made of resins joined by urethane links and/or a textile backing made from cotton, polyester, nylon etc.

There is often a number related to the PU rating of an umbrella for example PU 210T. The number relates to the number of threads used in the construction of the material and in this example 210 threads are used. The higher the number, the more waterproof the material.

In terms of a fishing umbrella, a PU rating of 210 is more than adequate to fulfil its purpose and protect you from the elements even in the worst of downpours.

There are a whole host of materials used in the construction of the best fishing umbrellas, but keep in mind that they may be being used under trees, or on overgrown ground.

Lightweight material may rip or tear if it comes into contact with anything sharp, so pick something strong.

A good feature to look out for as a sign of strength in a fishing shelter is reinforced or taped seams. The seams are often the weak point in an umbrella so to have them reinforced would mean strengthening the weakest part and increasing the longevity of the product.

What Shape Should The Best Fishing Umbrella Be?

Shape is important too. You are looking for a shape that will allow water to run off the umbrella with ease and ultimately keep you and your fishing chair dry. 

The best fishing umbrellas will normally have some sort of system in place to ensure that any water does not fall down onto you whilst you are sat dreaming of sunny days.

A desirable factor alongside shape is to select a fishing brolly with a tilt action. Rain and/or sun will come at you from all angles and let's face it, you don't really want to be fishing with your back to the water you are fishing.

A tilt action will allow you to keep the elements off whilst still fishing effectively. 

What Colour Should The Best Fishing Umbrella Be?

Colour is important too. Green and black fishing umbrellas seem to be the popular choice. Anything other than that and you are risking two things.

The first is being an eyesore on the bank, and the second (which is somewhat related) is that you might actually spook the fish. So leave your neon pink monstrosity at home and choose something drab.

How To Secure A Fishing Umbrella

While many fishing umbrellas have a central ‘spike’ the best fishing umbrellas normally have a system that allows you to reposition the canopy once you have hammered it into the ground. Tilting umbrellas are the order of the day.

When it rains it can often get a bit windy too. You wouldn’t want to go out and splash the cash on the best fishing umbrella only to have it disappear over the horizon as soon as it gets a bit gusty.

Look for features such as firm central spikes, bendable or anti-break spokes, and guy lines, all designed to keep your umbrella where you left it.

When securing your umbrella on gusty days, you will need to ensure the central spike is firmly in the ground and ideally, guy ropes with pegs are deployed to pin down the back of the umbrella.

The best brollies come with elasticated rings or hoops at the ends of the framework to thread ropes through before pegging down.

Finally, let’s talk a little about convenience. The best fishing umbrellas are light enough to carry easily wherever you intend to fish.

They should be easy to put up, and indeed take down. (it doesn’t rain all the time you know?)

If you can't decide whether you want a fishing umbrella or to go more advanced with a brolly system, have a look at this video below it may give you some more ideas...

The Best Fishing Umbrellas

The following fishing umbrellas have been tried and tested and exude some of (if not all) of the recommended qualities and features mentioned above:

Our favourite fishing umbrella

great fishing umbrella

Korum Super Steel 50" Brolly

Key Features:

  • 50-inch frame
  • Width 127cm
  • Weight 2.9kg
  • Fabric around brolly points reinforced to stop wear
  • 210D nylon cover with taped seams
  • Extra strong steel wire frame

The Korum Super Steel 50" Brolly is one of our favourite fishing umbrellas we have tested.  

Built on a strong and durable steel wire frame, this brolly is as solid as they come.

The inner pole is constructed from extra thick walled aluminium to give the ultimate robust and durable brolly.

The 50-inch frame is really lightweight for its size at only 2.9kg.

The umbrella is fitted with a 210D Nylon cover that has been fully taped sealed and reinforced at all potential wear points.

Check out this brief video showcasing some of the features of the Korum super steel brolly:


Overall this is a fantastic fishing umbrella that we could consider one of the best on the market today.

Pros

  • Really strong, solid frame
  • All wear points have been reinforced perfectly
  • Fully adjustable
  • Taped seams make for an ultra waterproof brolly

Cons

  • Just ever so slightly on the heavy side

PRESTON - SPACE MAKER MULTI 60 INCH

Preston Space Maker Brolly

Key Features:

  • Simple push/pull ‘none-fail’ mechanism
  • Adjustable pole with tilt facility
  • Lightweight fabric cover with taped seams
  • Three pegging points for increased stability
  • Weight: 2.8kg
  • Main outer fabric: 100% Polyester
  • 60ins (125cm) frame

This impressive brolly by the reputable Preston has been designed particularly for those anglers that prefer a good amount of space underneath it. 

The Self-Tensioning System, gives it a unique advantage over conventional brollies, with the ability to open and close it without assistance.

Its special design provides much more headroom than other designs. The fibreglass arms are much lighter and stronger than traditional metal arms, giving it extra strength and stability.

The umbrella also features an adjustable pole which includes a tilt facility for better positioning and adaptability to changing weather conditions.

A lightweight polyester fabric cover with taped seams offers protection from the elements, whilst the three pegging points offer increased stability on uneven ground. This innovative brolly is constructed from 100% Polyester for lightweight durability and easy cleaning.

In summary, the Preston space maker is a fantastic fishing umbrella and its well thought out design makes it one of the best on the market today.

Pros

  • Great adjustability
  • Really nice and spacious
  • The self-tensioning system makes it a dream to open and close

Cons

  • One of the more expensive fishing umbrellas but well worth the money

Best Budget Fishing Umbrella

Bison Top Tilt Fishing Umbrella

Key Features:

  • Made from PU coated Nylon
  • Angle tilt top
  • Adjustable ground spike
  • Fits perfectly in most rod holdalls 
  • Lightweight and easy to put up
  • Stitched seams

If you are looking for something you can just stuff into your holdall and go, then this is a worthy choice. This umbrella isn’t too large, but if you need bigger it is available in a range of sizes.

It is constructed from lightweight nylon, which is incredibly waterproof, but if you are going to areas where there is likely to be thorns or sharp foliage then you should perhaps consider one of our more substantial offerings.

The seams are stitched meaning failure is highly unlikely, even in strong winds.  Our favourite feature is the adjustable tilt top. Hammer in the spike, and then angle the top until you have got it sitting perfectly.

Pros

  • Light and compact
  • Stitched seams for good waterproofing
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • Not as big as some of the other options

best uk fishing umbrella brolly

DAIWA N'ZON SQUARE UMBRELLA

Key Features:

  • High-quality Nylon canopy
  • Steel Frame and Ribs
  • Fully taped seams
  • Detachable and re-positional centre pole with multi tilt operation
  • Telescopic spike
  • D rings fitted for spiking down

The Daiwa N'Zon is a high quality, durable and easy-to-use umbrella that provides good coverage in all weathers. 

The canopy is made from 100% nylon for strength and durability and comes with taped seams for added protection against wind or rain. 

The centre pole can be detached and rotated to three different positions, providing you with flexibility when you need it most.

This classic umbrella also comes with handy D rings fitted inside the shaft so that you can secure your umbrella in place no matter what the contours of your swim contain.

Pros

  • Lovely, unique, square design
  • Super solid steel frame
  • Detachable and versatile centre pole is a nice touch

Cons

  • We are not a great fan of the fairly bright blue colour
Alternative Daiwa Fishing Umbrella:
Daiwa N'Zon Fishing Umbrella
Daiwa N'Zon Fishing Umbrella
£54.99
eBay

Koala UImbrella

Koala Ultra Lite 50" Fishing Brolly

Key Features:

  • Waterproof 50" closed and 2.5mtr when open
  • Polyester coated nylon
  • Extendable centre pole with tilt mechanism
  • Reinforced edges
  • Lightweight design

The Koala Ultra Lite Fishing Brolly offers great value for money whilst boasting many of the characteristics of a much more expensive umbrella.

The brolly is made from polyester coated nylon and features an extendable centre pole with a tilt mechanism making is very versatile.

With reinforced edges, a 19mm wide pole and a total weight of only 2.8kg, this is a fishing umbrella you won't be disappointed with.

Pros

  • Simple and lightweight in design
  • Nice and big at 50"
  • Good adjustability options
  • Great value for money

Cons

  • The centre pole isn't as strong as some of the more premium umbrellas
Alternative Lightweight Brolly:
FLADEN Fishing 2.2m Fishing Umbrella
FLADEN Fishing 2.2m Fishing Umbrella
£39.99
£37.92
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon price updated: 8 November 2024 09:13

Ultra Fishing umbrella

Ultra Fishing - 2.2m Span Fishing Umbrella

Key Features:

  • Flat to ready to go shelter in just a few minutes
  • 2.2m umbrella, Zip on walls providing rear and side protection
  • Multi-angle tilt function
  • Adjustable height of the umbrella
  • Pegs included to anchor walls to the ground

Whilst this umbrella isn’t bristling with new technology what it will do is keep you dry and the wind off.

Detachable side walls will keep you safely ensconced even if the rain is going sideways! 

The umbrella has a tilting mechanism and comes with nylon guy ropes and pegs to complete the package.

Pros

  • Really quick and simple to set up
  • Can tilt at multiple angles
  • Rear and side protection can be a real benefit
  • Good price point

Cons

  • Not as solid as more premium models

kingcarp umbrella

KINGCARP - Fishing umbrella 2.5m

Key Features:

  • Solid 4mm steel frame and ribs complete with 2 guylines and hammer pegs
  • Green 210D Oxford polyester fabric with PU taped seams
  • Removable and adjustable steel centre pole with ground spike
  • Size H120, W200, D120cm

What do you get if you cross a brolly system with an umbrella? Perhaps one of the best fishing umbrella systems we have seen.

The wind will no longer be a problem if you go down this route, with two super-strong guy lines and enough pegs to stop a horse get set up and sit down in comfort.

A really neat feature is the removable centre pole. Once you get set up, you can unscrew it and put it out of the way, giving more space and flexibility. The seams of the umbrella are taped, so absolutely no chance of leaks.

Pros

  • Super solid when installed with the guy lines
  • Removable centre pole is a lovely touch
  • Taped seams
  • Great protection from the elements

Cons

  • The supplied pegs are a little flimsy so had to invest in some heavy-duty pegs on top
Alternative Fishing Umbrella With Sides:
Korum 50'' Graphite Brolly Shelter
Korum 50'' Graphite Brolly Shelter
£88.99
eBay

Conclusion

If you’ve ever seen someone struggle with an umbrella in bad weather you can probably see what you want to avoid when purchasing a fishing umbrella.

Imagine that feeling of being wet through with an upside-down parachute trying its best to unseat you, whilst you pray it doesn’t fly into your swim alongside the majority of your gear. You might as well call it a day there and then!

A decent fishing umbrella is therefore paramount to avoid all these nightmare scenarios. As stated above, after extensive testing the best fishing brolly in our opinion is the Korum super steel 50" brolly and if a budget version is needed then the Bison top tilt will do the trick.

Provided you stick to our guidance however you should fair well. Choose the best fishing umbrella you can.

Thanks for reading, we’ll see you down on the bank, it won’t matter if it's raining!

All of the fishing tackle featured in this article can be found at good tackle shops.

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