For many of us, fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a passion that connects us to nature and the chase for that epic catch. While the right rod, reel, bait, and fishing spot are critical, many forget one essential accessory: a great pair of fishing sunglasses. When you’re on or around the water, fishing sunglasses are pivotal in protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays and cutting glare–especially in bright, sunny conditions. They also offer more clarity, so you can see into the water better. But enough small talk, we’ve created this special guide to show you the best fishing sunglasses available today, and all the key features you need to consider when making a purchase. We can’t guarantee you’ll catch more fish, but your eyes will be way happier…and you’ll hopefully have way more fishing stories to tell around the fire.
Why Are Fishing Sunglasses Important?
Fishing exposes your eyes to two significant threats: harmful UV rays and glare from the water's surface. Without proper eye protection, UV rays can potentially lead to long-term damage. Glare, on the other hand, significantly reduces visibility, making it hard to see beneath the water's surface, which is crucial for spotting fish and navigating. Plus all the squinting can cause some annoying headaches.
Fishing sunglasses, specifically polarized ones, help cut the glare and provide a clearer view of what’s happening beneath the water's surface, allowing you to see more of the action (and potentially know where the fish are biting). Whether you're offshore fishing, fly fishing, or casting by the lake, the right sunglasses can dramatically improve your fishing experience by protecting your eyes and enhancing your vision.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Fishing Sunglasses
When choosing the perfect pair of fishing sunglasses, several factors should come into play. These include polarization, UV protection, lens material, lens tint, and the overall comfort and fit of the sunglasses. Each feature plays a crucial role in how well the sunglasses will perform on and around the water.
Top Fishing Sunglasses
Costa Del Mar Blackfin
If you fish, you know Costa Del Mar. They’re a trusted name in the fishing sunglasses world, and the Blackfin model is no exception. With 100% UV protection and polarized lenses, these sunglasses are perfect for reducing glare while keeping your eyes safe from harmful rays. The TR-90 nylon frame makes these sunglasses incredibly durable, ensuring they can withstand the wear and tear of fishing adventures–whether you’re deep sea fishing or wandering in a river.
For those long hours in the sun, the Costa Del Mar Blackfin provides superior glare reduction, a comfortable fit, and excellent durability.
Features: 100% UV protection, polarized lenses, and durable TR-90 nylon frame.
Benefits: Superior glare reduction, comfortable fit, and excellent durability.
Best For: All types of fishing.
Already have a pair? Be sure to check out our selection of Costa Blackfin lenses.
Maui Jim Peahi
If anyone knows fishing, it’s the Hawaiian brand Maui Jim. The Maui Jim Peahi sunglasses are designed with PolarizedPlus2 technology, which enhances colors and contrast, making it easier to spot fish and obstacles in the water. These lenses offer top-tier UV protection while remaining lightweight and comfortable, perfect for long days on the water. The Peahi is especially beneficial for those bright, ultra-sunny days where reducing glare is critical to having a successful fishing trip.
Features: PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, polycarbonate lenses, lightweight frame.
Benefits: Enhanced color and contrast, lightweight comfort, superior UV protection.
Best For: Bright, sunny days on the water.
Shop our collection of Maui Jim Peahi lenses.
Smith Optics Guide’s Choice
A sunglass brand built for adventures big and small, Smith Optics Guide’s Choice sunglasses feature ChromaPop lenses, which offer next-level clarity and enhanced color perception. These sunglasses are perfect for anglers who fish in a variety of environments, as they offer the perfect mix of versatility and wearability. The hydrophobic coating on the lenses also makes them resistant to water and oil, ensuring that you’ll have clear vision even in the wettest conditions.
Not only are these sunglasses functional, but they’re also environmentally conscious, thanks to the Evolve eco-friendly frame.
Features: ChromaPop polarized lenses, evolve eco-friendly frame, and hydrophobic lens coatings.
Benefits: Enhanced clarity and color, eco-friendly materials, water and oil resistance.
Best For: Versatility for a range of different fishing environments.
For even more versatility on the water, check out our Smith Guide's Choice lenses.
Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Deep Water
The name “Deep Water” says it all. Oakley’s Prizm lens technology is designed to enhance underwater visibility, making it easier to spot fish in deep water. The sturdy temples and nose pads ensure a secure fit (even when sweating on the hottest fishing days) and the O-Matter frame provides lightweight durability. If you’re a deep-sea angler looking for premium sunglasses, look no further than the Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Deep Water.
Features: Prizm lens technology, O-Matter frame, Unobtainium ear socks and nose pads.
Benefits: Enhanced underwater visibility, secure fit, lightweight and durable.
Best For: Deep water and offshore fishing.
For equally capable performance at a fraction of the cost of buying new sunglasses, be sure to check out our Tidal Blue Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Lenses.
Under Armour Igniter 2.0
The Under Armour Igniter 2.0 sunglasses offer enhanced clarity and vision, making it easier to spot fish while enjoying a comfortable fit. With ArmourSight lenses that are up to 10 times stronger than polycarbonate lenses, these sunglasses provide durability and crystal-clear vision. Their adjustable nose pad allows for a customized fit, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
Features: ArmourSight lenses, multifunction coatings, and adjustable nose pad.
Benefits: Enhanced vision, durability, comfortable fit.
Best For: General fishing and outdoor activities.
Shop our collection of Under Armour Replacement Lenses.
Specialized Fishing Sunglasses
Our top picks for specific environments and needs while fishing.
Wiley X Gravity
If you're fishing in extreme conditions or engaging in high-impact activities, the Wiley X Gravity sunglasses offer maximum protection. These sunglasses feature a facial cavity seal that blocks out wind, dust, and debris, ensuring your eyes are fully protected from the elements. The ANSI-rated impact resistance makes them perfect for more rugged fishing adventures.
Features: ANSI-rated impact resistance, polarized lenses, facial cavity seal, and premium durability.
Benefits: Maximum protection, comfort, and glare reduction.
Best For: High-impact activities and extreme conditions.
Need to upgrade? Shop our collection of Wiley X Replacement Lenses.
Bajío Vega
Bajío Vega sunglasses are crafted with eco-friendly materials, making them perfect for the environmentally conscious angler. Their LAPIS technology reduces glare and enhances clarity, while the bio-based nylon frame is both durable and lightweight. Plus, the integrated leash compatibility ensures that you won’t lose your sunglasses during a busy and sometimes bumpy day on the water.
Features: Polarized lenses with LAPIS technology, bio-based nylon frame, integrated leash compatibility.
Benefits: Superior clarity, eco-friendly materials, versatile use.
Best For: Freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Hobie Mojo Float
We’ve all been there. That moment when your sunglasses fall off your head and sink into the ocean. Enter the Hobie Mojo Float sunglasses. Along with their floating frame, these sunglasses help to reduce glare with their polarized lenses–which makes them a fantastic option for deep-water fishing.
Features: Polarized lenses, lightweight floating frame, hydrophobic coating.
Benefits: Prevents loss in water, glare reduction, comfortable fit.
Best For: Fishing in deep water or near water surfaces.
Key Features to Look for in Fishing Sunglasses
Polarization
Polarized lenses reduce glare by filtering out horizontal light waves reflected from the water’s surface. This feature enhances visibility by making spotting fish and underwater objects easier. Polarization also provides more comfort, reducing eye strain during long fishing trips.
Product Recommendation: Costa Del Mar Blackfin Polarized Sunglasses
UV Protection
High-quality fishing sunglasses should offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your eyes from the harmful effects of UV rays. Look for sunglasses with a UV400 rating or higher, which blocks out 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
Product Recommendation: Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses
Lens Material and Durability
Different lens materials provide varying levels of impact resistance and clarity. Polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and highly impact-resistant, while glass lenses offer superior optical clarity but are heavier. For fishing, polycarbonate is often the better option because of its durability.
Product Recommendation: Smith Optics Guide’s Choice Sunglasses
Lens Color and Tint
Different lens colors work best for various lighting conditions. Blue lenses are great for open, reflective water, while green and copper lenses perform well in shallow water environments.
Product Recommendation: Oakley Flak 2.0 XL Prizm Deep Water Polarized Sunglasses
Fit and Comfort
Long fishing trips require sunglasses that are not only functional but also comfortable. And the last thing you want to worry about is the fit. Look for features like adjustable nose pads, rubberized temple arms, and lightweight frames to ensure the sunglasses stay secure and comfortable all day.
Product Recommendation: Under Armour Igniter 2.0 Sunglasses
Buying Guide for Fishing Sunglasses
Assessing Your Needs
Consider the environment in which you’ll be fishing. Offshore anglers will need different lenses than those fishing inshore or in freshwater. Trying different models in various settings will help you find the perfect pair.
Budget Considerations
Fishing sunglasses come in a wide range of prices. While high-end brands like Costa and Maui Jim offer advanced features, more affordable options like Goodr OGs Polarized Sunglasses can provide decent performance for those on a budget.
Brand Reputation
Choosing a reputable brand is key when investing in fishing sunglasses. Brands like Costa, Maui Jim, Smith Optics, and Oakley are known for their quality and performance, ensuring you’re getting a premium product that will last.
Care and Maintenance Tips
Cleaning and Storage
Always clean your sunglasses with a microfiber cloth and a lens cleaning solution to maintain clarity. When not in use, store them in a protective sunglasses case to prevent scratches and damage.
Regular Inspections
Check your sunglasses regularly for wear and tear, especially the lenses and frame. Replace lenses or frames when necessary to ensure optimal performance and safety.
Conclusion
Finding the right pair of fishing sunglasses can sometimes be as tough as finding the fish themselves. But we hope this guide helps expedite that process, maximizing your time and performance on the water. From the glare reduction of polarized lenses to the comfort of a good fit, the options discussed above offer a variety of features suited to different fishing environments.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out – We’re always here to help!
FAQs
What type of sunglasses are best for fishing?
Polarized sunglasses with 100% UV protection are best for fishing as they reduce glare and improve underwater visibility.
What color lens is best for fishing?
Blue lenses are ideal for offshore fishing, while green and copper lenses work best in shallow-water environments.
Are all polarized sunglasses good for fishing?
Not all polarized sunglasses are well-suited for fishing. Look for brands with UV protection, durable lenses, and frames specifically designed for outdoor activities.
What is the difference between fishing glasses and regular sunglasses?
Fishing glasses typically have polarized lenses, enhanced durability, and features like hydrophobic coatings or adjustable fits designed for long-term use in harsh outdoor environments.
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