Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Afsar
If you’re an angler, you know that fishing isn’t just about rods, reels, and bait. It’s also about protecting your eyes and enhancing your vision to spot your next big catch. That’s where fishing sunglasses come into play, and today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of more than 10 top-notch pairs that you should consider for your next fishing expedition. But we’re not just showcasing these stylish and functional eye protectors; we’re also going to guide you on how to use them effectively. Because, let’s face it, having a great pair of sunglasses isn’t enough if you don’t know how to maximize their potential. So whether you’re a seasoned angler looking to upgrade your gear, or a beginner making sure you have the right equipment, this post is your one-stop resource. Buckle up, because we’re about to embark on a journey to discover the best fishing sunglasses in the market, and how to make the most of your chosen pair. Let’s dive in!
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Best Fishing Sunglasses 2024
Flying Fisherman Maverick Polarized Sunglasses
Best cheap fishing sunglass: This pair of fisherman sunglasses has been through some rigorous tests to ensure durability. The lenses are scratch resistant, impact resistant, and lightweight. The UVA and UVB protection is high at 95%. They are the perfect sunglasses for fishing on a bright and sunny day. The polarization allows you to avoid the painful glare of the water reflection, which prevents eye fatigue and allows you to see what’s going on in the water itself.The lenses are tinted with AcuTint, which allows you to see the natural colors around you. It does not distort those colors and helps you to see them without being exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. One great feature that these glasses have is the ability to adjust for different sized heads.
They work perfectly for someone with a large head as well as someone with a small head. This prevents you from accidentally dropping them into the water or onto the hard surface of your boat due to the unfitted glass.The price of these sunglasses is decent as well. They are very comparable in price to cheap drugstore sunglasses that you might find. The difference here, though, is that these sunglasses are inexpensive and high-quality. You couldn’t go wrong with a pair of the Flying Fisherman Maverick Polarized Sunglasses.These are fantastic sunglasses. My favorite feature is the price. They aren’t made out of cheap materials, yet they are available at a reasonable price and can be compared to the price of a grocery store or drug store sunglasses. I love how high-quality they are for that price!
- High-quality materials
- Highly durable
- 95% UVA & UVB Protection
- Polarized lenses are scratch and impact resistant
- Lightweight
- Great for fishing
- Comes at a very cheap
Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses For Fishing
Best polarized fishing sunglass for fishing: This durable pair of sunglasses has a seven-layer, highly durable, lens:
- First layer: polarization
- Second and third layers: adhesive layers to increase durability
- Fourth and fifth layers: UVA and UVB protection layers
- Sixth and seventh layers: shatter prevention layers
The lenses are so durable that the company offers a lifetime breakage warranty on both their lenses and frames. That’s how much they trust that their product will hold up for you. They have been highly tested, and only the strongest materials were used to create these glasses.It provides 100% ultraviolet UV400 protection and completely blocks 100% UVA and UVB rays. The polarized lens prevents glare from the sunlight beating down on the water and lets you see below the surface of the water.My favorite feature on these glasses is durability. I’ve never seen such durability and dependability in a pair of glasses. The seven layers of protection in the lens kept me feeling like it was almost impossible to break these glasses. Add in the fact that the company also feels this way because of their amazing breakage warranty, and I was sold.
- German polycarbonate material for the frame
- TR90 Strong frame
- Polarized lenses
- Great for multi-purpose activities
- Stylish and durable
- Lightweight design
- 100% UV protection provided
Strike King S11 Optics Gulf Polarized Sunglasses
Strike King’s S11 Optics is a polarized sunglass which comes with engineered high contrast lens. It comes with super-hydrophobic and anti-reflective coating, and the light spectrum has been tailored to enhance the visual clarity for all type of fishing conditions and outdoor activities. As an angler, you may be wondering how this sunglass will fare in different light situations. Well, even if it is a sunny/clear day, muddy water or clear water, Strike King S11 Optics will significantly improve your ability to see through the water to locate fish and structures with ease. On top of that, it comes with Bi-gradient mirror treatment, eleven layers of super polarized lens technology and 100% UVA & UVB protection.
- Scientifically engineered high contrast lens
- Super-hydrophobic and anti-reflective coating
- Can be used in bright daylight, muddy or clean water
- Eleven layers of superior polarized lens technology
- 100% UVA and UVB protection
- B-gradient mirror treatment
KastKing Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglass
KastKing-Keeps Fishing Fun. That’s the motto of KastKing. KastKing comes with a wide range of products to make fishing more fun and enjoyable. These Skidaway Polarized Sport Sunglasses are suitable for both men and women and can be used for different sports like fishing, cycling, running, and more. It comes with polarizes glasses with UV protection. The polarized lenses will reduce the glare. Also, the impact-resistant TAC lenses will protect your eyes from flying objects. The lens can block 100% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its 1.00mm polarized lenses pass through a double decentering test to ensure that there is no optical distortion, which may cause eye strain or headaches.
The lightweight, durable, and comfortable Grilamid frames make it even better for anglers. The Grilamid material is widely used in military and medical applications, and they are lightweight, offer great durability, and offer excellent fit. The smoke lenses are best for use in bright sunlight with great realistic color reproduction. On the other hand, the copper lenses offer near perfect contrast and depth perception, making it suitable for moderate to low light. In a nutshell, KastKing Skidaway is a great polarized fishing sunglasses that even comes at a cheap price.
- Polarized lenses reduce glare
- Impact-resistant TAC lenses to protect eyes from flying objects
- Lightweight design
- Grilmid frame is lightweight and has great flexibility
- Reasonable price
- Smoke lens: ideal for bright light, can be used in medium light and partial shade too
- Brown lens: increases contrast and depth perception, best for cloudy or sunny conditions
Costa Fantail Polarized Sunglasses
If you are willing to shell out a little bit extra for a top-notch fishing sunglass, I highly recommend you getting Costa fantail polarized sunglasses. As you already know, polarized lenses can reduce 99% of visible glare from water, snow, sand, and pavement, and this is what this Costa sunglass does the best. This glass lens provides great clarity while being 20% thinner and 22% lighter than the average. You will find scratchproof mirrors encapsulated between layers of glass.
Bio-based castor plant resin, TR90, is used to make the frame of this sunglass. As a result, it also reduces the environmental impact. Costa Fantail polarized sunglasses are an excellent option for fishing and are loved by hundreds of anglers. One more thing, these USA-made polarized fishing sunglasses also come with a case and cleaning cloth.
- 100% UV Protection
- Polarized lens reduces 99% of visible glare from water, snow, sand, and pavement
- Ensures better visual acuity and decreases eye strain
- Comes with a case and a cleaning cloth
- Frames are made-of bio-based castor plant resin
- Glass lenses ensure great clarity
- Lenses are 20% thinner and 22% lighter than the average
PAERDE Men’s Polarized Sports Sunglasses
I really like the Parde Polarized Sports Sunglasses because of their stylish design and features that are perfect for fishing and other outdoor activities. With a protection coating of UV400, these sunglasses can block 99.9% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, and visually restore true color while eliminating reflected or scattered light. The TAC polarized triacetate lenses are impact and scratch resistant. The lightweight AL-MG alloy frame makes these sunglasses suitable for a range of activities, including fishing, cycling, racing, skiing, and more. They are so lightweight that you won’t even feel them on your face. The soft and adjustable rubber nose pad ensures a perfect fit. The package includes a carabiner, gift box, microfiber pouch, cleaning cloth, and a polarization test card.
- TAC Polarized Lens
- UV400 protection coating blocks 99.9% harmful UVA & UVB rays
- TAC polarized triacetate lenses are impact and scratch resistant
- AL-MG metal alloy frame
- Lightweight design
- Excellent for cycling, fishing, skiing, and other outdoor activities
Torege Polarized Sports Fishing Sunglasses for Men Women
If you’re searching for high-quality fishing sunglasses with a sturdy frame, then you should definitely check out Torege’s unisex fishing sunglasses. These sunglasses come with an unbreakable TR90 aluminum frame, which is especially customized to be light, flexible, durable, safe, and antiskid. The food-grade rubber nose pad and uncompressed temple also make it extremely comfortable to wear all day long, without causing any discomfort.
These polarized sunglasses use a Revo polarized lens that comes with a 100% UV400 protection coating, which effectively blocks harmful UVA & UVB rays. It also helps to restore the true color, eliminates reflected and scattered light, making the view clearer and softer, while ensuring perfect eye protection. The TAC lens consists of seven layers, the first of which is the polarization layer, followed by bonding layers, UV protection layers, and shatterproof layers.
In summary, these unisex polarized fishing sunglasses are a great choice for those who love fishing, cycling, and other outdoor sports. With their excellent design and features, you can rest assured that they will provide you with the perfect combination of comfort, style, and protection.
- Revo polarized lens comes with 100% UV400 protection coating
- Lens width: 44 millimeters
- GRILAMID TR90 frame is unbreakable and bends easily
- The frame is lightweight, durable, and safe
- Provides great comfort with food-grade rubber nose pads and uncompressed temple
- Seven layers lens
- 1st layer: Polarization layer
- 2nd and 3rd layers: bonding layers for durability
- 4th and 5th layers: UV Protection layers to absorb UV light
- 6th and 7th Layers: shatterproof layers
- Clear and stylish design
- Available in different colors
Flying Fisherman Cabo Polarized Sunglasses
I absolutely love the entire Flying Fisherman brand. These particular sunglasses offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. They are a huge commodity for someone looking to have the best-of-the-best when it comes to protecting their eyes.
The high-quality polarization of these glasses allows you to fish for hours without having to worry about harmful glare from the water or eye fatigue. There will be no squinting when wearing these glasses and no fear of being exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays.
These glasses also come with AcuTint lenses so that colors won’t be distorted. This ensures that you can make the most of your fishing trip because not only are your eyes being protected, but you get to see things very clearly.
The size of these glasses is also one-size-fits-all. People with large heads or smaller heads will be able to wear these comfortable sunglasses for hours. You can almost forget that they are even on. The price truly cannot be beaten for such an excellent pair of fishing sunglasses.
My favorite feature on these is the ultraviolet protection. Offering 100% protection from damaging rays is incredibly important to me. When you’re out on a fishing boat for hours, it’s easy to get exposed to UVA and UVB rays because you are directly in the sun. Add in the nasty glare that you get from the water, and your exposure increases exponentially. In a nutshell, these are wonderful glasses for fishing!
- Can prevent eye fatigue
- Polarized lenses
- AcuTint Lens coloring system prevents distorting natural colors
- Allows you to see clearly
- 100% Protection from the UVA and UVB Rays
- Lightweight yet durable
Why Do You Need Sunglasses for Fishing?
Before we delve into the selection process, it’s essential to understand why fishing sunglasses are important:
- Protection from UV Rays: Long-term exposure to UV rays can lead to various eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. Quality fishing sunglasses provide UV protection to safeguard your eyes.
- Glare Reduction: The water surface often reflects sunlight, causing a glare that can impair your vision. Polarized sunglasses help reduce this glare, making it easier to see beneath the water surface.
- Enhanced Visibility: Some sunglasses are designed to enhance the contrast and depth perception, enabling you to spot fish and underwater structures more clearly.
- Physical Protection: Fishing can expose your eyes to hooks, scales, and other possible injuries. Sunglasses serve as a physical barrier, offering added protection.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Fishing Sunglasses
Now that you understand why fishing sunglasses are important, let’s look at some factors to consider when choosing the best pair:
UV Protection
When we talk about UV protection in sunglasses, we’re referring to the ability of the glasses to block ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light is divided into two types: UVA and UVB rays.
UVA rays, while less intense, are 30-50 times more prevalent than UVB rays and can penetrate clouds and glass. They are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year. Overexposure to UVA rays can damage your eyes and skin.
UVB rays, on the other hand, are the primary cause of skin reddening and sunburn. They tend to damage the skin’s more superficial epidermal layers. These rays play a key role in the development of skin cancer and are thought to cause some types of damage to the eyes as well.
Therefore, when choosing sunglasses, particularly for outdoor activities like fishing, UV protection is paramount. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Some sunglasses are labeled as providing UV400 protection, which means they block light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, covering all of UVA and UVB rays.
Polarization
Polarized lenses are another essential feature for fishing sunglasses. These lenses contain a special filter that blocks intense reflected light, reducing glare and making your vision sharper and clearer.
When light hits a flat surface (like a calm body of water or a wet road), it tends to polarize. This means it aligns into a horizontal beam, creating intense glare. Polarized lenses counteract this effect. They are coated with a special chemical film that absorbs horizontal light waves while still allowing vertical waves to pass through.
This is particularly useful for fishing as it significantly reduces the glare off the water’s surface, allowing you to see beneath it more clearly. This can drastically improve your ability to spot fish, observe underwater structures, and navigate through water bodies.
Remember, however, that while polarization is excellent for reducing glare, it does not equate to UV protection. It’s essential to ensure your fishing sunglasses offer both features.
Lens Material
The lens material plays a significant role in the overall performance and durability of your fishing sunglasses. Here’s a closer look at the two materials mentioned:
- Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate is a type of thermoplastic that’s incredibly durable, lightweight, and can resist impact better than many other materials. These lenses are virtually shatterproof, making them safe for high-activity and demanding situations like fishing. Besides, they naturally provide 100% UV protection. The downside, however, is that they may not provide the same level of clarity as glass lenses and can be prone to scratching.
- Glass Lenses: Glass lenses offer the clearest possible vision, surpassing other lens materials. They’re also scratch-resistant, which is a bonus for any outdoor activity. However, they are heavier, which might affect comfort during prolonged use. Also, they can shatter upon impact, which could be risky in a fishing environment.
Other lens materials like NXT polyurethane combine the advantages of both polycarbonate and glass lenses. They offer superior impact resistance, optics, and are lightweight but might be pricier.
Lens Color
The lens color or tint impacts not only the aesthetics of your fishing sunglasses but also their functionality under different lighting conditions:
- Gray Lenses: Gray lenses are an excellent all-around choice for fishing, especially on bright, sunny days. They reduce overall brightness without affecting color perception, offering a more “natural” view. They’re perfect for deep blue sea fishing where light reflection can be intense.
- Amber/Brown Lenses: These lenses are ideal for enhancing contrast because they can block blue light. They improve the depth of field and contrast in medium to low light conditions, making them versatile for varying weather and water conditions. They are especially effective in spotting fish and other objects in or near the water.
- Yellow/Green Lenses: These are designed to work well in low-light or overcast conditions, like early mornings or late evenings when fish are typically more active. They boost contrast and depth perception, making it easier to spot fish in the water. Yellow lenses can make everything look bright, even in lower light, while green lenses can increase contrast without color distortion.
Remember that the best lens color depends on your fishing conditions and personal preference. Some anglers have multiple pairs with different lens colors to switch out based on the day’s conditions.
Frame Design
The design of the frame plays a critical role in the effectiveness and comfort of your fishing sunglasses. Here are a few things to consider:
- Coverage: Choose a design that provides maximum coverage for your eyes. This means not only the front of your eyes but also from the sides and top. More coverage means better protection from sunlight, glare, and even wind and debris.
- Wrap-Around Styles: These styles curve around your face, which provides excellent peripheral vision and protection. Wrap-around frames are designed to limit light entering your eyes from the sides, which can be especially useful on the water where light reflects off the surface.
- Material: The frame material can affect the sunglasses’ durability, weight, and comfort. Nylon frames, for example, are excellent for sports sunglasses because they’re durable, lightweight, and can withstand temperature changes without changing shape or becoming brittle. Some high-end sunglasses use proprietary frame materials that offer superior durability, flexibility, and lightness.
- Durability: Fishing conditions can be tough, and your sunglasses should be able to handle it. Look for frames that are sturdy enough to resist breakage and withstand rough handling.
Fit and Comfort
A proper fit is crucial for comfort and functionality in fishing sunglasses. Here’s what to look for:
- Nose and Ears: The sunglasses should rest comfortably on your nose and behind your ears. They should fit snugly but not pinch or rub, which can cause discomfort over time. The nose pads should not press hard into your nose. Frames with adjustable nose pads and temples can help customize the fit for your face.
- Snug but Not Tight: A good pair of fishing sunglasses should be secure on your face but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable. They should not slide down your nose or move around when you’re active, but they also should not be so tight that they cause headaches or discomfort.
- Weight: Lightweight frames will be more comfortable for prolonged wear. Heavier glasses can slide down your nose and cause fatigue.
- Compatibility with Hats and Caps: If you usually wear a hat or cap while fishing, ensure your sunglasses fit well. They should not lift, move, or otherwise be affected by your headwear.
Remember, everyone’s face is unique, so trying on several styles and brands is essential to find what works best for you. Consider the shape and size of your face, your nose’s size and shape, and even your hairstyle. Your sunglasses should protect your eyes and feel comfortable enough to wear all day.
FAQ
Fishing sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, reduce glare off the water’s surface, enhance visibility, and offer physical protection from potential fishing-related hazards.
Polarized lenses have a special filter that blocks horizontally-oriented light, reducing the glare off the water surface. This allows for better visibility beneath the water, which can help in spotting fish and underwater structures.
While this depends on personal preference, polycarbonate lenses are a popular choice due to their lightweight, shatterproof nature, and UV protection. Glass lenses, while heavier and more breakable, offer superior clarity.
This can depend on the specific conditions and time of day. Gray lenses are great for reducing brightness on sunny days, amber/brown lenses are versatile and enhance contrast, while yellow/green lenses are ideal for low-light conditions, enhancing contrast and depth perception.
Fishing sunglasses should fit snugly on your face, resting comfortably on your nose and ears without pinching or rubbing. They shouldn’t slide down your face or move around during activity.
Yes, you can. Fishing sunglasses are designed to provide superior eye protection and enhanced vision, which can benefit you in other outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or boating.
While price doesn’t always guarantee quality, more expensive fishing sunglasses often offer better UV protection, polarization, material quality, and lens technology. They’re usually more durable and comfortable as well.
No, not all fishing sunglasses provide UV protection. It’s important to check the product description or labels to ensure they offer 100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
UV400 protection means that the sunglasses block 100% of light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes all UVA and UVB rays.
Always rinse your sunglasses with clean water after exposure to salt water or sweat, as these can damage the lens coating over time. Use a microfiber cloth and specialized lens cleaner to clean the lenses. When not in use, store your sunglasses in a hard case to protect them from getting scratched or broken.
These terms refer to the color of the reflective coating on the outside of the lenses. This coating helps to further reduce glare and is especially helpful in very bright conditions. The color of the mirror coating doesn’t drastically affect your color perception, as that’s more influenced by the base color of the lens.
Interchangeable lenses allow you to switch out lenses based on the current weather or lighting conditions. For example, you might use a darker lens on a bright, sunny day, and a lighter one during overcast conditions.
Yes, many companies offer prescription versions of their fishing sunglasses. This can be a great option if you normally wear glasses, as it combines your prescription with the sunglasses’ protective features.
While the same pair of sunglasses can be used for both, certain lens colors might be more advantageous depending on the water type. For instance, amber/brown lenses can be particularly effective for spotting fish in freshwater or inshore saltwater, while gray lenses might be better for deep-sea fishing.
While regular sunglasses can provide some protection, fishing sunglasses have specific features such as polarized lenses and wrap-around designs that offer better glare reduction, eye protection, and visibility on the water.
One simple method is the ‘reflective screen test’. When you look at a smartphone or computer screen through polarized lenses and turn the screen or the glasses to a 60-degree angle, the screen will appear to turn black.
Polarized sunglasses are generally better for fishing and water activities due to their glare-reducing properties. However, they can make it hard to read displays on certain instruments or screens. So, for activities where glare is less of a concern but screen visibility is crucial, non-polarized sunglasses might be preferable.
The main differences lie in the quality of the lenses and frames, the level of UV protection, and the overall durability. Cheaper versions may not offer the same level of polarization, UV protection, or clarity, and are generally not as durable. They can also be less comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Yes, fishing sunglasses can be worn while driving. The polarized lenses can reduce glare off the road and other vehicles, improving visual comfort and reducing eye strain. However, they can make it harder to see some LCD or LED displays.
The darkness of sunglasses lenses does not determine the level of UV protection. Always check the label for the UV protection level, regardless of lens tint or darkness.
Remember, fishing sunglasses are more than just a swanky accessory. They’re your defense against the elements, your secret weapon for spotting those elusive fish, and they make your time out on the water just that much more enjoyable. So, take your time, try on a bunch, and find the pair that feels like they were made just for you. Keep your eyes safe and boost your fishing game – that’s what the right pair of sunglasses can do for you. Happy fishing, folks!
Afsar is an avid kayak blogger born near the coast. He has a passion for kayaking and started as a child. He has paddled in various conditions and locations and promotes responsible kayaking. Afsar’s blog is widely read, and they are a respected voice in the kayaking community, offering valuable content on kayaking trips, gear, tips, and tricks. Afsar collaborates with other bloggers and brands and continues to inspire others through their writing and social media.
Fishing sunglasses are designed to protect your eyes from harmful rays and make fishing more enjoyable.Not all sunglasses are made the same and not all of them protect your eyes the way that they need to be protected.
I completely agree with you. Fishing sunglasses are definitely a must-have for any serious angler. They not only protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but they also enhance your vision on the water, making it easier to spot fish and other underwater features. It’s important to invest in a high-quality pair of sunglasses that are specifically designed for fishing, as not all sunglasses offer the same level of protection and performance. Thanks for bringing attention to this important topic!
I have been using polarized sunglasses for fishing too. Loved every bit of em’.
That’s great to hear! Polarized sunglasses are definitely a game-changer when it comes to fishing. The clarity and reduced glare make it so much easier to spot fish in the water. Do you have a favorite brand or style of polarized sunglasses that you prefer?
Why use polarized sunglasses for fishing?
Polarized sunglasses are a must-have for fishing because they help to reduce glare and improve visibility in the water. This is especially important when fishing in bright sunlight or near the surface of the water. The polarized lenses help to filter out the horizontal rays of light that cause glare, allowing you to see more clearly into the water and spot fish more easily. Additionally, polarized sunglasses can help to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, making them a great choice for any outdoor activity.
When it comes to fishing sunglasses, some popular brands include Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, Oakley, and Smith. Each of these brands offers a range of options with different features and price points. Costa Del Mar is known for their polarized lenses that are designed to reduce glare and provide clear vision in bright sunlight. They also offer a variety of lens colors to choose from, including green, gray, and copper.
Maui Jim is another popular brand that offers polarized lenses with a range of lens colors and coatings for different lighting conditions. They also offer a selection of frame materials, including lightweight nylon and durable metal.
Oakley is known for their high-quality lenses that are designed to block harmful UV rays and provide clear, sharp vision. They also offer a range of lens colors and coatings to choose from, as well as a variety of frame styles and materials.
Smith is another popular brand that offers polarized lenses with a range of lens colors and coatings. They also offer a selection of frame styles and materials, including lightweight and durable options. When comparing these brands in terms of quality and price, it really depends on the specific model and features you’re looking for. In general, Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim tend to be on the higher end of the price range, while Oakley and Smith offer a range of options at different price points. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a pair of fishing sunglasses that fits your budget and provides the features you need for your specific fishing needs.