Last updated on September 21st, 2023.
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Fly fishing sunglasses – one of the most important items when hitting the water. We share our opinion on the best polarized sunglasses for fishing on the market.
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
How to Choose the Best Fishing Sunglasses? When choosing a pair of fly fishing glasses there is a number of factors to consider: the most important one being the fit of the sunglasses. They need to match the shape of your face and rest firmly on your nose. Otherwise you won’t have a lot of fun on the water.
Secondly, your fishing glasses should definitely be polarized. We will explain this technology in more detail later. It basically means that certain rays of light are filtered which takes the glare off and enables you to see fish you otherwise wouldn’t see. In our review, the Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses ticked both of these boxes to our fullest satisfaction.
In this article we want to share our experiences and introduce you to a number of different options concerning lenses and shapes of the polarised sunglasses for fishing. For our test we selected multiple high quality lenses from well known brands such as Costa, Oakley and Smith Optics but also included sunglasses that cost a fraction of the well known brands to see how they can keep up.
We chose different shapes, glass technologies and glass colors. The reason behind this was to give you a better overview about what options for sunglasses for fishing are out there. Polarized glasses are the standard in fishing glasses nowadays. Let’s jump right into the best polarized sunglasses for fishing on the market.
Best Polarized Sunglasses Quick Answer List
Here’s an overview of our top 16 favorite polarized fishing glasses, ranging from entry level products to mid range and high end.
Best Sunglasses for Fishing
- Best Overall: Smith Optics Guide’s Choice
- Best Fit: Wiley X Kryptek
- Best for Saltwater: Oakley Split Shot Prim
- Best Lens: Costa del Mar Reefton Pro
- Best Polarization: Maui Jim Peahi
- Best Value for Money: Huk Polarized
- Best Daily Use: Bollé Anaconda
- Best Entry Level: Kast King Toccoa
- Best for Freshwater: Suncloud Polarized
- Best Versatility: TOREGE Polarized
- Best Budget: Tifosi Swank
- Best Women’s: Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square
- Best for Big Heads: Redfin Sanibel
- Best Versatility: Roka AT-1
- Most Stylish: Bajio Bales Beach
- Best Armless: Ombraz Teton’s
Best Fishing Sunglasses Brands
I can’t stress the importance of a quality pair of fishing sunglasses enough. Your eyes are your most important sense when it comes to spotting fish and increasing your chancing of catching them. Some brands have been making fishing sunglasses for decades and their products have been improved over time. These include:
– Costa
– Smith Sunglasses
– Oakley
– Maui Jim
– Redfin
Besides these well known brands, there are some newcomers that have shaken up the industry in recent years with innovative products and excellent value for money. Worth mentioning here when it comes to the best fishing sunglasses brands in recent years are:
– Torege
– Bajio
– Suncloud
– Roka
– Tifosi
Budget Comparison
#1 Entry Level
- Excellent Value for Money
- 100% UV protection plus polarisation
- Light blue lens is a great allrounder and works great on bright days
#1 Mid-Range
- Very snug fit reduces glare
- Wide variety of lens options
- Excellent polarisation and glare reduction
- Very lightweight frames
#1 High-End
- Fantastic clarity of the lenses
- Chromapop for color enhancement
- Excellent lense color variety
- Great customer service
Best Polarised Fishing Glasses on the Market in 2023
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1. Best Overall: Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses
Specs: Lens Height: 42mm – Lens Width: 62mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 120mm
Why we picked it:
Smith Optics is a manufacturer that has a long tradition in producing some of the best polarized fishing sunglasses. They praise themselves to add another dimension to polarisation through their ChromaPop technology. As the name of this model suggests, the Guide’s Choice are the go to lenses for many professional fly fishermen and women around the globe.
Here is what I like about the Guide’s Choice: With the help of a special lens technology, you can see detail and color beyond normal capabilities. ChromaPop filters two specific wavelengths of light that cause color confusion. By doing this the lens delivers greater definition, more natural color, and unmatched clarity to allow you to see more detail.
The Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses come in a variety of color options as for most quality manufacturers. I found the Green Mirror Lens (pictured above) to be a fantastic all-around lens color. I think the Blue Mirror variant is a great choice for bright days on the water. If you want the utmost in low light qualities which can be especially helpful fishing during the colder months when it’s less bright, the ChromaPop Plus Polarchromic Ignitor is the way to go.
PROS
- Fantastic clarity and glare reduction
- Lightweight and snug fit
- Multiple lens color options
- Scratch resistant
CONS
- Quality comes at a price
- These lenses are scratch resistant but don’t take that promise too seriously and always store your shades in a soft pouch since small scratches add up
2. Best Fit: Wiley X Omega
SPECS: Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 19mm – Temple Length: 122mm
Why we picked it:
Here’s another great quality pair of polarized fishing sunglasses: the Wiley X Omega. What I like in particular about this pair of fishing glasses is their snug fit. No matter how hard you are fishing, these shades stay where they are supposed to. The Captivate Polarized Green Mirror lenses (pictured above) are a great choice for bright days out on the water.
If a lot of your fishing happens in low light situations you should check out the Captivate Bronze Mirror option of the Wiley X Omega. These lenses shine with their low light capabilities. If you are looking for an allrounder that will serve you well no matter the light conditions, the Captivate Polarized Gray are the way to go. No matter which lens color you go for, you will surely get a quality pair of polarized fishing sunglasses with the Wiley X Omega. Black Zippered Clamshell Case, Cleaning Cloth with Wiley X Logo, Leash Cord with Rubber Grips.
PROS
- Snuggest fit of all sunglasses tested
- Shatterproof lenses
- Prescription ready
- Great color enhancement
CONS
- Other manufacturers offer more lens color options
3. Best Saltwater: Oakley Split Shot Prizm Sapphire Polarized
SPECS: Lens Height: 43.5mm – Lens Width: 64mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 132mm
Why we picked it:
I wore the Oakley Split Shot during bright days on the water since that is the environment that these lenses are designed for. If you want a higher light transmission you should opt for the Prizm Shallow Water Polarized lens option. This makes the Oakley Split Shot a better option for cloudier days and the time during dusk and dawn.
Oakley has been known for building high performance fishing sunglasses for a while. In my eyes, the Split Shot have a great, close fit that shields your eyes from the sun completely. Another lovely feature is the detachable leash that holds your shades when you take them off.
These lenses are a great choice if you are into other outdoor sports besides fly fishing such as skiing or mountain biking. Their tight fit protects you against air stream when executing these sports.
PROS
- Great detailed vision thanks to PRIZM technology
- Impact protection makes it a great choice for all outdoor sports
- Customisable
CONS
- Limited color options
4. Best Lens: Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro
SPECS: Lens Height: 44.9mm – Lens Width: 62.9mm – Bridge Width: 15mm – Temple Length: 120mm
Why we picked it:
Costa has made a name for themselves amongst fly fishermen. Their polarized fishing sunglasses are amongst the best on the market. Brand new for the season is the Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro. Made from Bio Resin material, it features a lens width of 62.9 mm and a frame width of 138 mm. This makes this model a great fit for wider, bigger heads.
In my opinion, the grey 580 lenses are a great all around choice and perform well in all light situations. Costa praises their glass as lighter and thinner than other brands and we found the Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro very comfortable to wear all day. The adjustable nose pad adds to the comfort.
What I like in particular about the Costa’s is the clarity of the colors. The polarization of the water’s surface works excellently – as you would expect from a brand as experienced as Florida-based Costa. You can choose from a wide variety of glasses depending on the environment you fish in. As with the Oakley Split Shot Prizm we chose for the test, Costa’s Blue Mirror glass is a great choice if you fish in saltwater a lot. For the utmost in low light qualities the Sunrise Silver Mirror is the way to go. The Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro is also available with RX lenses.
PROS
- Polarized glass lenses
- Perfect for wide faces
- Adjustable nose pad
CONS
- A yellow or orange lens would be a nice addition
5. Best Polarization: Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses
Maui Jim Peahi Sunglasses Polarised
SPECS: Lens Height: 41mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 19mm – Temple Length: 120mm
Why we picked it:
The Hawaiian manufacturer Maui Jim is another premium brand when it comes to fly fishing sunglasses. The Peahi has a tight fit similar to the Oakley Split Shot Prizm but is a little bigger. It has a rubber insert on the inside where the glasses meet the nose. The very thin glass lenses provide excellent polarization and take stress off the eyes on a long day of fishing.
The Maui Jim Peahi comes in a wide range of colors to provide a solution for any possible fishing situation. I found the bronze polarized lenses to be great for low light situations and fishing during dawn. For really bright conditions the Blue Hawaii Polarized version is my favorite lens color.
The rubber inlay where the glasses sit on the nose is a neat little feature as the nose pad ensures the Maui Jim Peahi lenses stay on your nose even on hot days when you sweat.
PROS
- Ideal for slightly wider faces
- Superior clarity
- Anti corrosive spring – great for saltwater fishing
CONS
- Like the Oakley, a few more lens colors would be great
6. Best Value for Money: Huk Polarized
SPECS: Lens Height: 38.9mm – Lens Width: 64.2mm – Bridge Width: 16.7mm – Temple Length: 118mm
Why we picked it:
The Huk Polarized are another great pair of sunglasses for smaller budgets. At around $50 they provide 100% UV protection, polarisation and water repellent lenses. HUK is well known for producing quality gear at affordable prices – make sure to check their fishing shirts and shorts as well.
I found the Huk Polarized to have a snug fit that makes them comfortable to wear all day and prevents sunlight from hitting your eyes. The Huk Polarized come in a variety of colors for all kinds of different fishing situations. The Blue Mirror lens (pictured above) is great for bright days fishing in saltwater. If you are looking for good lowlight capabilities, go for the brown lens. If you are looking for an allrounder, the gray lens is my favorite choice.
PROS
- Great value for money
- Multiple color options
- Solid fit
CONS
- Not ideal for smaller faces
7. Best Daily Use: Bollé Anaconda
SPECS: Lens Height: 35mm – Lens Width: 64mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 125mm
Why we picked it:
The French manufacturer Bollé has been known for decades for the high quality of its sports sunglasses. The Bollé Anaconda in polarized offshore blue offers an entry into high-quality polarized glasses for well under $100. It’s also available with grey lenses, which is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an all-rounder.
I like the Bollé Anaconda’s snug fit which makes them a good fit for other outdoor sports such as skiing or mountain biking as well. All Bollé sunglasses come with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. If you’re looking for a very good pair of polarized glasses for fishing that won’t take the hair right off your head, the Bollé Anaconda is an excellent choice.
PROS
- Best for medium-wide faces
- Quality color enhancement
- Solid polarisation
CONS
- No orange or yellow lens available
8. Best Entry Level: Kast King Toccoa Polarized Sunglasses
SPECS: Lens Height: 43.2mm – Lens Width: 58mm – Bridge Width: 17.8mm – Temple Length: 135mm
Why we picked it:
Most importantly, the KastKing Toccoa Polarized provide 100% UV protection and polarized glasses. I tested them in different environments, fishing a river in low light conditions and during bright sunshine in the Mediterranean. The polarisation capability is flawless and gives you a good look into the water. Their greyish glas makes them a good overall choice if you don’t want to spend hundreds of $ for a pair of sunglasses or if you just picked up fly fishing and want to find out if you stick with it.
The fit is less snug than the Oakley Split Shot or the Smith Guide’s Choice and can be better compared to the Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro. Due to the shape it does not block out glare as well. On the other hand, the looser fit makes it a great allrounder and a pair of sunglasses that you can easily wear around town without looking like a hardcore sports enthusiast.
The glass works well in low light situations although it cannot keep up with the Smith Guide’s Choice for example which plays in another league. On very bright days you should opt for a darker glass.
PROS
- Medium-wide faces will do well with these shades
- Colors come to live quite well
CONS
- No orange or yellow lens available
- Does not block out all light on the sides
9. Best Freshwater: Suncloud Sentry
SPECS: Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 16mm – Temple Length: 123mm
Why we picked it:
The Suncloud Sentry are a great entry level pair of polarized fishing sunglasses if you are looking for brown lenses. Brown lenses are a great all round choice for fishing glasses and work well in low light situations as well. Of course, the Suncloud Sentry also provide 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays.
The Suncloud Sentry are a good choice for women as well since their frame is not too wide (dimensions of the frame: 137mmLens: 43mm high x 58mm wide). They are also available with polarized blue mirror glasses which work really well in bright environments like when fishing in the sea. The fact that the Suncloud Sentry come with a warranty against manufacturer defects is a plus.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- Bio-based frame material
- Comes with microfiber bag
CONS
- Limited color options
- Not ideal for wide faces
10. Best Multi Purpose: TOREGE Poetic
TOREGE Poetic
SPECS: Lens Height: 48mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 122mm
Why we picked it:
The TOREGE Poetic are a solid entry level choice if you are looking for some polarized fishing sunglasses for your first days on the water. They come with highly scratch-resistant glasses and in a variety of colors to cover all light situations you might encounter
I found the no-slip nose pad to work well and holes at the end of the temples allow you to attach a strap that comes with the TOREGE Poetic are features you would not expect from an entry level product – great! They also come with a lifetime warranty. You can’t go wrong with these fishing glasses – great value for money.
PROS
- Quality polarisation and clarity
- Solid color range
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Comes without a case – only a pouch
11. Best Low Budget: Tifosi SWANK | SATIN BLACK POLARIZED
SPECS: Lens Height: 42mm – Lens Width: 51mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 137mm
Why we picked it:
Here is another quality pair of polarised fishing sunglasses for under $50: the Tifosi SWANK | SATIN BLACK. The American brand has gained many outdoor fans who are looking for a solid pair of shades for sports such as cycling, golf or fishing.
The Tifosi SWANK | SATIN BLACK feature a shatterproof polycarbonate lens that reduces glare and provides 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. In the test, I found that the hydrophilic nose pads make sure your shades stay where they are supposed to. Weighing in at only 23g, the Tifosi SWANK | SATIN BLACK are lightweight and available in a wide range of color specifications.
PROS
- Prescription available
- Multiple lens color options
- Ideal for slimmer faces
CONS
- Doesn’t block all light due to shape
12. Best for Women: Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square
SPECS: Lens Height: 46mm – Lens Width: 56mm – Bridge Width: 20mm – Temple Length: 135mm
Why we picked it:
The Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square are specifically designed for more slenders faces of women. Costa is known for producing some of the best fishing glasses on the market. Their Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square. are equipped with their latest 580p lens which offers supreme protection from UV rays and a fantastic polarisation.
The Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square are available in a wide range of colors for all situations. If you are mostly out on a boat in bright conditions go for the Blue Mirror Polarized or the Green Mirror Polarized glasses. If you are looking for an allrounder, the Grey Silver Mirror Polarized are an excellent option. If you are mostly out on the river in low light situations go for a lens that offers the utmost in low light qualities such as the Copper Polarized 580.
PROS
- Ideal for wide faces
- RX available
- Great all-around sports sunglasses
CONS
- Fit could be a little more snug
13. Best for Big Heads: Redfin Sanibel
Why we picked it:
The Redfin Sanibel are top notch fly fishing sunglasses designed for people with bigger heads. These very sporty polarized sunglasses are made from the finest materials featuring Italian frames and German engineered Zeiss lenses. I have to admit that I was particularly impressed with the clarity of these lenses (Zeiss makes binoculars and camera lenses as well, hence I probably shouldn’t be surprised about the quality of the glass).
The Redfin Sanibel also feature stainless steel hinges that provide excellent flexibility (a feature that is often underestimated but very important in fishing sunglasses). Rubber nose pieces are self explanatory in any kind of heavy duty sports sunglasses to prevent your shades from sliding off your nose in the heat of battle. Additionally, the lenses are coated with an anti scratch protection which can also come in handy if you use your glasses hard.
The green lenses on the Redfin Sanibel are a good if you’re looking for an allrounder. If you’re mostly out fishing in the Bluewater, I recommend going for the Coastal Blue or Atlantic Blue lens option.
PROS
- Ideal for bigger faces
- Wide range of lens colors
- Zeiss lens and Italian frame
CONS
- A dedicated low light lens option would be a great addition to Redfin’s lineup
14. Best Versatility: Roka AT-1
SPECS: Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 15mm – Temple Length: 129mm
Why we picked it:
Here’s a pair of polarized sunglasses that you will have a hard time abusing, the Roka AT-1. These frames are a great option if you’re looking for a high quality pair of fishing sunglasses that you use for other outdoor sports such as mountain biking or trial running as well. Featuring a medium wide frame, these glasses come with a very snug fit that not only prevents sun rays from hitting your eyes, but also protects your eyesight from dust or sand.
The Roka AT-1 feature an impact rating of ANSI Z87+ making them highly protective and durable. Don’t worry in case anything is not as you’d expected, since these frames come with a two year warranty. They also feature an anti fog coating which can come in particularly handy when fishing in different environments where the conditions change rapidly.
The Bronze Polar Polarised is a great option for low light whereas the Glacier Mirror Polar (pictured above) is the ideal bright sunlight lens for days on the open water.
PROS
- Very snug fit makes these a great choice for any outdoor sports
- Excellent anti fog coating
CONS
- Frame is not super wide, so if you have a big face these probably won’t fit ideally
15. Most Stylish: Bajio Bales Beach
SPECS: Lens Height: 43mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 120mm
Why we picked it:
Florida bases Bajío have made quite some buzz in the fly fishing community in recent years thanks to their fresh designs and bio-based frames that have found many fans among fly fishermen and women. The Bajio Bales Beach is one of their most popular pairs of fly fishing shades and my favorite when it comes to style. But don’t be fooled, these glasses not only look good, they’re also made of some of the best materials in the game.
Available in a wide variety of lens colors (all polarized of course), the Bales Beach is an excellent choice if you have a slightly larger face. Personally, I am a big fan of the tortoise frame (Dark Tort Gloss) paired with a grey lens since you’ll also look good off the water with these shades. They are available with a polycarbonate lens or a glass one.
The Bales Beach also feature vented side shields made of rubber that are a neat little feature on hot summer days. Overall, a high quality pair of fly fishing glasses that looks exceptionally good.
PROS
- Very stylish frame and lens combination
- Excellent customer service
CONS
- A smaller frame option for slimmer face would be nice
GET THEM AT VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS
Ombraz Teton’s Polarized
Why we picked it:
Now here’s a pair of fly fishing sunglasses that really stands out from the crowd. Why? Because it has no temples. Sounds weird at first but works surprisingly well as we could find out when we took them on a fly fishing trip to Iceland. The Ombraz Teton’s Polarized are a highly versatile pair of fly fishing sunglasses since the fact that they’re armless makes them less likely to break the temples. Instead of arms, the Ombraz feature 100% recycled marine-grade Japanese nylon that you can adjust to your liking.
The Ombraz Teton’s Polarized also comes with removable side shields. These come in handy when you’re out on a boat for example and have to fight a lot of glare. Great thing about the Ombraz’ versatility is the fact that you can also use them for other outdoor sports where a fall might result in broken temples. Something that for sure won’t happen with these shades.
The Ombraz Teton’s Polarized come in a wide variety of frame and lens colors. Their lenses are made by German manufacturer Zeiss and we found them to provide excellent clarity and polarisation while out fishing. Hence, if you’re looking for something special, there is no way around the Ombraz.
PROS
- Armless – hence temples cannot break
- Excellent polarisation and clarity of the lenses
- Cord adjustment works well
CONS
- We found them to fit well but not better than traditional frames with arms
Bonus: Oakley Radar® EV Path®
Why we picked it:
I just tested another great pair of fishing sunglasses that cover a special situation when out on the water. Oftentimes one of the best times to fish is when dawn comes. The problem with regular sunglasses is that they get “too dark” when the light fades: enter the Oakley Radar® EV Path® photochromic.
The Oakley Radar® EV Path® with the Clear To Black Iridium Photochromic lenses features lenses that “get darker” when the sun’s out and “brighter” when the light fades. This means your eyes are protected even when it gets too dark to see with regular glasses. The Oakley Radar® EV Path® are available in many variations and also with polarized lenses.
PROS
- Photochromatic: covers many fishing situations
- Customisable
- Prescription options available
CONS
- Some models don’t feature polarisation
The technology behind polarized fishing glasses
Polarized fishing sunglasses emphasize certain parts of the light and provide stronger contrasts. They are important when fly fishing because their special lenses prevent or reduce light reflexes and reflections for example on the water’s surface.
Your eyes get less tired because they don’t constantly have to adapt to new lighting conditions. First and foremost they enable you to literally look into the water. Spotting fish gets easier no matter whether you fish in fresh or saltwater. Polarized fishing glasses also help you to figure out underwater structures more precisely or can support your vision when wading.
This image from Smith Optics’ website neatly explains the advantages of using polarized sunglasses for fishing:
Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Factors to Consider Before Buying
Fishing Environment
The time of day and the environment you’re fishing in make a difference in the lenses and frames you should pick. When you’re mostly fishing in saltwater you will often encounter bright days that will come with a lot of glare. For these circumstances, a snug fit and lens colors such as blue or green are ideal. In that case, also make sure to choose a pair that doesn’t feature any components that could corrode.
If most of your fishing happens on rivers or inshore water bodies a snug fit is not as crucial but still highly recommended. A lens color of yellow, orange or light brown is ideal if you you’re often fishing into the night or in other low light conditions.
Additional Gear
Sunglasses for fishing are essential for any kind of fishing. To protect yourself from the sun, you can use additional pieces of gear such as a hat, face masks (neck gaitors) and fishing shirts with UV protection.
Our Expertise
Why you should trust us: Leonard Schoenberger and his team have tried and tested hundreds of rods, reels and other fly fishing gear over the years. We always express our honest opinions about a product to help you make a solid purchase decision. We never get paid for reviews and are proud of keeping our editorial independence. Our focus is on bringing you the latest in gear so you can have a great time at the water. Thanks for being a reader of The Wading List.
Comparison Table
| Model | Price | Lens colors | Specs | What’s included | Our Rating |
| Smith Guide’s Choice | $209-289 | 10+ | Lens Height: 42mm – Lens Width: 62mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 120mm | Integrated, detachable leash, hard case, microfiber bag | Best Overall |
| Wiley X Omega | $196 | 3 | Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 19mm – Temple Length: 122mm | Zippered Clamshell Case, Cleaning Cloth with Logo, Leash Cord with Rubber Grips | Best Fit |
| Oakley Split Shot | $250 | 10+ | Lens Height: 43.5mm – Lens Width: 64mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 132mm | Detachable leash, protective cloth | Best for Saltwater |
| Costa Del Mar Reefton Pro | $273 | 4 | Lens Height: 44.9mm – Lens Width: 62.9mm – Bridge Width: 15mm – Temple Length: 120mm | Protective case and cleaning cloth | Best Lense |
| Maui Jim Peahi | $279 | 3 | Lens Height: 41mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 19mm – Temple Length: 120mm | Case (tri-fold) and cleaning cloth | Best Polarisation |
| Huk Polarized | $59.99 | 6 | Lens Height: 38.9mm – Lens Width: 64.2mm – Bridge Width: 16.7mm – Temple Length: 118mm | No case or cloth | Best Value for Money |
| Bollé Anaconda | $79 | 2 | Lens Height: 35mm – Lens Width: 64mm – Bridge Width: 17mm – Temple Length: 125mm | Protective case and cleaning cloth | Best for Daily Use |
| Kast King Toccoa | $26.99 | 8 | Lens Height: 43.2mm – Lens Width: 58mm – Bridge Width: 17.8mm – Temple Length: 135mm | Hard case and microfibre cloth | Best Entry Level |
| Suncloud Sentry | $43.95 -54.95 | 6+ | Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 16mm – Temple Length: 123mm | No hard case | Best Freshwater |
| TOREGE Poetic | $23.99 | 6+ | Lens Height: 48mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 122mm | Protection case, strap and cleaning cloth | Best Multi Purpose |
| Tifosi SWANK | $29.95 | 10+ | Lens Height: 42mm – Lens Width: 51mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 137mm | Microfiber Cleaning Bag | Best Low Budget |
| Costa Del Mar Women’s Panga Square | $267 | 5+ | Lens Height: 46mm – Lens Width: 56mm – Bridge Width: 20mm – Temple Length: 135mm | Zippered case and cleaning cloth | Best for Women |
| Redfin Sanibel | $250 | 5+ | Carl Zeiss lense | Zippered case and microfiber case | Best for Big Heads |
| Roka AT-1 | $190 | 3 | Lens Height: 40mm – Lens Width: 60mm – Bridge Width: 15mm – Temple Length: 129mm | Case and cloth | Best Versatility |
| Bajio Bales Beach | $259 | 5+ | Lens Height: 43mm – Lens Width: 65mm – Bridge Width: 14mm – Temple Length: 120mm | Protective case and cloth | Most Stylish |
| Ombraz Teton | $130 (+$50) | 3 | Regular and XL fit – does not have temples | Protective case and cleaning cloth | Best Armless |
Best Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing FAQs
Why do I need specialized sunglasses for fishing?
Fishing sunglasses are designed to reduce glare from the water’s surface, improve underwater visibility, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. They enhance your ability to spot fish and other underwater structures, making your fishing experience more productive and enjoyable.
What is polarized technology in sunglasses?
Polarized lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, reducing glare. This is especially beneficial for anglers, as it helps improve visibility beneath the water’s surface, making it easier to spot fish and underwater structures.
Do lens colors matter when choosing fishing sunglasses?
Yes. Different lens colors serve different purposes:
Gray: Best for all-around use and clear, sunny days. It provides true color perception and reduces eye fatigue.
Amber/Brown: Improves contrast and clarity, ideal for overcast or cloudy conditions.
Yellow: Great for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
Green Mirror: Good for inshore fishing and high-sun conditions.
Are there fishing sunglasses suitable for those who wear prescription glasses?
Absolutely! Many brands offer prescription options or fit-over designs that can be worn over your regular glasses.
How do I take care of my fishing sunglasses?
Rinse them with fresh water after exposure to saltwater, avoid cleaning with abrasive materials, store them in a protective case, and avoid leaving them in extremely hot conditions, like a car’s dashboard.
How important is UV protection in fishing sunglasses?
Extremely important. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm your eyes. Ensure your sunglasses offer 100% UV protection to shield your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
Do I need fishing sunglasses even in overcast conditions?
Yes, even on cloudy days, the water can produce glare, and harmful UV rays can penetrate cloud cover. Polarized lenses can also help enhance contrast in overcast conditions.
Can I use regular sports sunglasses for fishing?
While you can use any sunglasses, fishing-specific ones offer the advantages of polarization and certain lens colors optimized for water conditions.
Are there sunglasses designed specifically for deep-sea vs. freshwater fishing?
Yes, for deep-sea or offshore fishing, sunglasses with blue or gray lenses are popular, as they provide a natural color perception in bright conditions. For freshwater or inshore fishing, amber or green mirror lenses are preferred for their enhanced contrast and depth perception.
How do I ensure a good fit for my fishing sunglasses?
Look for adjustable nose pads, flexible temple arms, and a wrap-around design to prevent light from entering from the sides. Trying them on and considering reviews or recommendations can also be beneficial.
Read more of our Gear Guide here:
10 Best Wading Boot for Fly Fishing
Best Fly Fishing Waders – Buyer’s Guide
Best Fillet Knife for Preparing your Catch
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