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Mates Gloves

Mates Gloves

Regular price $3.79 USD
Regular price Sale price $3.79 USD
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22 in stock

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Mates Gloves - Basic Hand Protection That Works

Mates Gloves are the standard-issue work glove found on charter boats and private sportfishers across the coast. Cotton construction gives you cut and abrasion resistance when handling fish, pulling wire leaders, or doing general boat work. They are breathable enough for warm weather use and flame retardant for added safety. At $3.79 a pair, smart captains keep a stack of them in the console.
  • Cotton construction resists cuts and abrasion
  • Breathable for warm weather use
  • Flame retardant material
  • Flexible open cuff for comfort
  • Affordable enough to replace regularly

Browse our guide to saltwater fishing lures and gear

The Glove That Lives on Every Charter Boat

There is a reason you see these on every charter boat from the Keys to Cape Cod. Mates Gloves cost less than four dollars, protect your hands from leader cuts and fish spines, and breathe well enough that you do not overheat on a July afternoon. When they get blood-soaked or shredded from wiring a big fish, you toss them and grab a fresh pair. No one hesitates to use them hard because replacing them costs almost nothing.

The cotton construction gives you enough dexterity to tie knots, handle hooks, and work tackle without taking the gloves off. They are not as grippy as latex-coated gloves in wet conditions, but they are lighter and cooler. For offshore fishing where you need to wire fish and handle gaffs, these are the go-to. Keep a handful of pairs on the boat and replace them as they wear out. At this price, there is no excuse for bare-handing a wire leader.

Cut and Abrasion Resistant Cotton

The cotton weave protects your hands from monofilament and wire leader cuts, fish spines, and general abrasion from rope and tackle. It is not cut-proof, but it provides enough protection for the majority of boat tasks. The material also resists tearing better than thin synthetic gloves.

Breathable and Comfortable

Cotton breathes. In hot weather, these gloves do not trap sweat and heat the way rubber or latex gloves do. The open, flexible cuff does not constrict your wrist or dig into your skin during extended wear. You can keep them on for hours of fishing without discomfort.

Flame Retardant

The flame retardant treatment adds a layer of safety around engines, stoves, and any open flame on the boat. It is not a replacement for dedicated fire-resistant gear, but it means your fishing gloves will not ignite or melt if they contact a heat source briefly.

How to Choose the Right Fishing Gloves

1. Determine your primary use: wiring fish, handling fish, general boat work, or bait cutting

2. For wiring and handling big fish, cotton mates gloves provide cut resistance and dexterity

3. For wet, slippery conditions, consider latex-coated gloves like our Non-Slip Fishing Gloves for grip

4. For maximum visibility when handing off tackle or wiring, consider high-visibility Orange Fishing Gloves

5. Buy multiple pairs regardless of type - fishing gloves are consumable and should be replaced when worn

6. Store gloves in a dry location between trips to prevent mildew in cotton pairs

Specs & Common Questions

Everything you need to know before you buy

Full Specifications +
Brand Epic Fishing Co.
Material Cotton
Size Large (fits L-XL)
Cut Resistant Yes
Flame Retardant Yes
Breathable Yes
Cuff Style Open, flexible
Price $3.79 per pair
What are mates gloves used for? +
Mates gloves are used for wiring fish, handling fish at the boat, pulling leaders, and general boat work. They protect your hands from cuts and abrasion. Charter boat mates and deck hands wear them throughout the day. Read our tuna fishing guide for more on boat-side fish handling.
What size do these gloves come in? +
These come in one size (Large) that fits large to extra large hands. For smaller hands or if you need size options, check our Non-Slip Fishing Gloves or Orange Fishing Gloves, which come in Medium, Large, and Extra Large.
How do these compare to rubber-coated gloves? +
Cotton mates gloves are more breathable and provide better dexterity for knot tying and tackle work. Rubber-coated gloves like our Non-Slip Fishing Gloves provide better grip in wet conditions. Many anglers keep both types on the boat and switch based on the task.
How many pairs should I keep on the boat? +
At least 3-4 pairs. They are consumable - one hard wiring session on a big fish can shred a pair. At $3.79 each, keeping a stack on the boat is cheap insurance for your hands. Browse our accessories collection for other boat essentials.
Are these gloves good for handling bait? +
They work for handling larger bait and for cutting tasks, but the cotton absorbs moisture and gets saturated quickly. For heavy bait handling in wet conditions, Non-Slip Fishing Gloves with latex coating give better grip on slippery baitfish.
Can I wash and reuse these gloves? +
You can rinse them with fresh water and air dry between uses. They hold up to several trips before the cotton breaks down. At $3.79 per pair, most anglers treat them as disposable and replace them when they get worn, blood-soaked, or stretched out. See our saltwater gear essentials guide for more on maintaining fishing accessories.