PFAS in Fishing Gear: How to Choose Safer Rods, Reels, and Rain Gear

If you have been working to reduce PFAS in your home, your fishing gear deserves a closer look. From waterproof rain jackets to fluorocarbon fishing line, many of the products anglers rely on contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These persistent synthetic chemicals accumulate in the body over years of exposure, and spending all day on the water in PFAS-treated clothing adds up. Below, we break down where PFAS hide in your tackle and outerwear, and what to grab instead.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS free bedsheets and PFAS free menstrual products.

Where PFAS Hide in Your Fishing Gear

PFAS show up in fishing equipment in a few specific places. Knowing where to look helps you prioritize your swaps:

• Rain jackets and waders. Most waterproof fishing outerwear uses a durable water repellent (DWR) coating made with PFAS. This is probably the single biggest source of PFAS exposure for anglers, since these garments sit directly against your skin for hours at a time.
• Fluorocarbon fishing line. The name gives it away: fluorocarbon line is made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is itself a PFAS compound. While the risk from handling fishing line is lower than from wearing treated clothing all day, it is worth knowing what you are touching.
• Tackle bags and rod cases. Water-resistant coatings on soft-sided tackle bags, rod tubes, and gear organizers often rely on PFAS-based treatments.
• Wading boots. Waterproof membranes and stain-resistant treatments on wading boots frequently contain PFAS.

Research published by environmental health scientists has found detectable PFAS in blood samples of people with common consumer product exposures. Because these chemicals do not break down, every unnecessary exposure matters, especially for children and pregnant women who may join you on fishing trips.

How to Choose PFAS-Free Fishing Gear

You cannot trust marketing claims alone. A few things actually help:

• Ask about the DWR coating. Brands like Patagonia and Simms have started transitioning to fluorine-free DWR coatings on their fishing outerwear. Look for products that specifically say “PFC-free” or “fluorine-free DWR.”
• Consider polyurethane-coated rain gear. Brands like Frogg Toggs and Grundens offer rain suits that use polyurethane coatings instead of PFAS-based DWR. They are affordable and widely available.
• Skip fluorocarbon line when you can. Monofilament nylon line and braided lines (like Spectra or Dyneema) are PFAS-free alternatives. Fluorocarbon still has performance advantages for certain techniques, but you can limit your use to leader material rather than spooling up an entire reel.
• Choose hard-sided tackle boxes. A simple plastic tackle box does not need a water-resistant coating. Save the treated soft bags for situations where you truly need them.
• Check the PFAS Free Life Database for verified clean products across hundreds of categories.

Top PFAS-Free Fishing Gear Alternatives

Good alternatives exist across every category. Here is what we recommend:

1. Rain gear: Look for polyurethane-coated jackets and bibs. Frogg Toggs and similar brands offer waterproof protection without PFAS-based DWR.
2. Fishing line: Switch to braided or monofilament mainline and reserve fluorocarbon for short leader sections only.
3. Waders: Patagonia’s Swiftcurrent line uses fluorine-free DWR. Simms has also committed to transitioning away from PFAS in their product lines.
4. Storage: Hard-sided tackle boxes from Plano, Flambeau, and similar brands are inherently PFAS-free.

A great starting point for waterproof gear: Frogg Toggs Men’s Ultra-Lite2 Waterproof Rain Suit, which uses a polyurethane coating instead of PFAS-based DWR and is a favorite among anglers for its lightweight packability.

Practical Steps to Reduce PFAS Exposure While Fishing

You do not need to replace everything at once. Start with the items that touch your skin the longest and work outward:

• Replace rain gear first. It is the biggest surface area against your skin. Swap to a PFC-free or polyurethane-coated jacket when your current one wears out.
• Wash your hands after handling fluorocarbon line. A quick rinse reduces skin absorption.
• Store food in glass or stainless steel containers rather than PFAS-treated soft cooler bags when packing your shore lunch.
• Check cookware safety if you cook your catch at home, using our PFAS free cookware guide.
• Use our guide to PFAS free food storage bags for packing snacks and bait sandwiches.

Swapping out gear takes time, and that is fine. The PFAS Free Life Database tracks verified clean products across hundreds of categories so you can check back whenever you are ready for the next upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fluorocarbon fishing line contain PFAS?

Yes. Fluorocarbon fishing line is made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is classified as a PFAS compound. While the exposure risk from handling fishing line is lower than from wearing PFAS-treated clothing for hours, it is still worth considering. You can reduce your exposure by switching to braided or monofilament mainline and limiting fluorocarbon to short leader sections.

What health risks are linked to PFAS exposure from outdoor gear?

PFAS exposure from consumer products has been associated with elevated cholesterol, immune system disruption, hormone interference, thyroid disease, and in some cases increased cancer risk. Children and pregnant women are considered especially vulnerable. Reducing exposure through product swaps can lower your body burden over time, because PFAS do eventually clear from the body when exposure stops.

Are all waterproof fishing jackets treated with PFAS?

No. While most traditional DWR coatings use PFAS-based chemistry, a growing number of brands now offer fluorine-free alternatives. Look for jackets that specifically state “PFC-free DWR” or that use polyurethane coatings. Brands like Patagonia, Frogg Toggs, and Grundens have options that provide waterproof protection without PFAS.

*Research reference: Toxicological Sciences

Environmental Research 2022*