Having the best fishing experience isn’t just about what rod and reel you are using, to get the very best out of your fishing you need to look at the equipment you’re using across the board and make sure that everything you’re using is helping you to become the very best angler you can be. One of the accessories that every angler needs to have is a good pair of sunglasses.
Fishing can be a dangerous sport for your eyes, not only are you outside in the sun every day where the glare caused by the light can seriously affect your eye health and stop you from seeing the fish you’re going after, but there’s also a small risk that a hook might injure someone during casting by accident.
A good pair of sunglasses can help combat all these problems and can even help you see through the water better so you can find your fish more easily. Sunglasses help to block reflected sunlight and filter the harmful radiation from the sun to protect your eyes from getting tired from the glare on the water and UV rays which can cause significant problems.
Sunglasses that are made with fishing in mind also can help you see more clearly through the water and can help you see to a greater depth which many anglers find makes them more effective and helps them to enjoy their time on the water more.
Sunglasses are one of the most important accessories that an angler needs while out on the water, and that can put a lot of pressure on you to make the right choice. After all, sunglasses help you to protect your eyes and to become a better angler, so it’s natural for you to want to make the best choice.
Balancing the protective features with the features that are useful for fishing is also a hard task, not to mention that you probably want a pair that looks great too, and given the amount of choice that’s available on the market some anglers can find it difficult to find the pair that suits them the best.
Luckily, we’ve put together this handy guide to do all the hard work for you. We’ve taken a look and put together the top 5 best fishing sunglasses currently available so that you can get a taste of the sort of thing that might suit you. We’ll also take you through some of the most important features to consider when you’re on the lookout for a pair of fishing sunglasses and answered some of your questions too!
Top 5 Best Fishing Sunglasses
OUR TOP PICK
Duduma Polarized Sports Fishing Sunglasses
EDITORS CHOICE
Oakley Men's OO9014 Gascan Fishing Sunglasses
BEST VALUE
The Costa Mar Fantail Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
OUR TOP PICK
Duduma Polarized Sports Fishing Sunglasses
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
If you’re looking for sunglasses that look great, offer excellent protection, and include all the features you need to enjoy a long day on the water in the sun than this pair from Duduma might be just what you’re after. These polarized sunglasses are lightweight and durable thanks to both the frame and lenses being made from the same polycarbonate material.
This polycarbonate makes this pair impact resistant and lightweight which makes these perfect for a fishing trip whether you’re planning to hike to the perfect spot, or just want to spend hours on the water looking for the perfect catch. Wherever you’re fishing you can be sure that there’s nothing that’s likely to happen which could damage this pair.
The lenses have an anti-scratch coating which gives their individual durability a boost. There’s nothing worse than dropping your sunglasses and finding that the frame is fine but one of the lenses is a bust, with this model you don’t have that worry.
This is option has polarized lenses that help to block any glare from surfaces like water, which not only protects your eyes from fatigue or sun damage but helps improve visibility and enhance your vision. This makes it more likely that you’ll be able to spot any prey that might be on the verge of making a break for it which can help you develop as an angler.
This option is in a wrap-around style which helps securely fasten the sunglasses to your head so that they remain in place even if you move or sweat so you can focus on your fishing instead of worrying that they’ll fall into the water if you make a wrong move. They are easy to adjust if they become uncomfortable, but they’re designed in a way that should stop them from becoming too tight. The lenses have 100% UV400 UV protection which protects your eyes from UVA and UVB rays while retaining clarity and color retention which makes them a great all-rounder for sports sunglasses and you could easily use these during most activities and outdoor exercise.
They’re great for any activity on the water, and most anglers will find them a great addition to their kit. They come in a range of color options, and the wrap-around style means that they’ll fit most head sizes and shapes. They’re lightweight enough to comfortably wear all day without really noticing and this durable pair is perfect for fishing where you want all of the benefits of an excellent pair of sunglasses without the worry about damaging them or losing them as you fight the fish.
Pros
- Durable and comfortable to wear
- Come in a range of colors
- Excellent construction
- Stylish design
- Offers great protection
Cons
- The included case isn’t the greatest quality
EDITORS CHOICE
Oakley Men's OO9014 Gascan Fishing Sunglasses
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Whether this is your first pair of sporting sunglasses or just your latest you’re certain to have heard of Oakley. Not just one of the most popular manufactures of sports sunglasses, Oakley also makes some of the coolest looking sunglasses around, and top that reputation off by making some of the best designed and well-constructed sunglasses too.
It’s no wonder that if you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that offer superior protection, durability, and style that Oakley is the best place to start, and probably finish. Oakley designs their sunglasses to be used by professional athletes and the time and cares they take with that responsibility shines through on this model, the plutonite lenses have been crafted to give excellent clarity of vision and offer great peripheral vision as well so that you can focus on what you’re doing without missing a thing.
This option has been constructed using O-matter material which makes them lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for long periods, so these are a great model if you like to rise early and stay out on the water as long as you can. The O-matter material also makes them very tough and durable, so you don’t have to worry about jostling them when you’re out and about.
The three-point fit design gives another extra boost in terms of comfort and it also helps to keep out the sun for 360-degree protection. The sunglasses have been designed to give maximum UV filtering and have been treated with 100% UV filtering and protect your eyes from UVA, UVB, UVC, and harmful blue light up to 400nm.
It’s safe to say that with these on there’s very little that the sun can throw at you that these won’t protect you from (apart from sunburn of course!). These are a great fit for those who want something that could satisfy a professional and don’t mind spending a little to reach that goal. This pair of sunglasses is stylishly designed and comes with a range of lens colors to choose from so you can make sure that you look great and have the maximum amount of protection possible.
Pros
- Comfortable and sturdy construction
- 100% UV protection
- 3-point fit design for 360-degree protection
- Lightweight and easy to have on for long periods
- Range of lens colors available
Cons
- Not polarized lenses
- Oakley's Plutonite Lenses offer top UV Protection filtering 100% of all UVA, UVB, UVC and harmful blue light up to 400mm. Oakley’s lightweight Plutonite lens material offers superior comfort, clarity and protection against impact and ultraviolet radiation.
- Patented High Definition Optics (HDO) provides superior optical clarity and razor-sharp vision at every angle.
- O Matter stress-resistant frame is lightweight & durable for all-day comfort & protection. Oakley’s injection molded thermoplastic O-Matter frame provides improved strength & flexibility over traditional acetate & is built to withstand shifting or deforming over time.
- Three-Point Fit: Comfort and performance that holds lenses in precise optical alignment. Contact only happens at the bridge of the nose and behind the temples.
- Multiple Frame and Lens Colors: Choose from multiple colors of frames—including black, tortoise, and clear —and lenses—including non-polarized and polarized Prizm options, to enhance color, contrast, and detail for an optimized experience.
BEST VALUE
The Costa Mar Fantail Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
Costa is a well-known brand among anglers and it’s easy to see why when they have a reputation for high-quality, durable sunglasses that offer great protection and performance while still looking very stylish. Anglers also love their superior polarization which lets you see the fish moving in the water, which is a bonus for any enthusiastic angler.
The Fantail model is considered to have some of the best-polarized lenses currently available on the market right now and it’s not hard to see why when the clarity of vision that this pair offers is so good. If you like to fish offshore than this might be just what you want as the blue mirror polarized model reduces the glare from the sun off the water dramatically, and makes it much easier to fish facing the full sun too.
This pair is perfect for those willing to invest in their equipment and who want their money’s worth. The quality and performance from these sunglasses are pretty phenomenal and they’ve been constructed superbly right down to the lenses which are made from 580G glass. The construction of the lenses makes them thinner and lighter than the vast majority of other lenses available which combined with the clarity of vision offered by this pair and with the included superior scratch-resistant technology makes these a very attractive option.
The frame is made with TR-90 nylon which comes from Costa, and it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for some very tough glasses. This pair is both heat and cold resistant, lightweight, and easy to wear comfortably for long hours. The bonded mirrors on the lenses are made from 580P polycarbonate which is water repellent and smudge-free so you can fish happily for as long as you want knowing nothing is going to come along and distract you.
The overall construction has resulted in a very tough pair of sunglasses, that is sure to last a good few years at least.
Pros
- Smudge resistant and water repellent
- Very tough and durable
- Excellent quality and construction
- Amazing clarity of vision
- Includes case and cleaning cloth
Cons
- Smaller sized heads may struggle a bit with the wraparound design
- Costa's most high tech lens - 580 Glass provides superior clarity, ultra scratch-resistant, 100% UV protection and the best polarizing efficiency available.
- Green Mirror Polarized enhances vision and contrast, great for fishing inshore and on flats.
- Costa's co-injected bio-based nylon frame material, TR-90, is both tough and durable, while offering a comfortable fit.
- Costa case and cleaning cloth included to keep your Costa's safe while you are getting after it
- If your Costa eyewear has a defect in materials or workmanship, Costa will fix or replace them to get you back on the water. Refer to Costa's Limited Warranties for detailed information.
RUNNER UP
Flying Fisherman Maverick Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
This model has been designed primarily for fishing, though they’re suitable for a range of outdoor pursuits, and this shows in the features and overall quality of this option. If you hate surface glare and are looking for an option that will work to eliminate it then this is the pair for you.
The triacetate lenses are polarized and colored on this model which let you see new depths while out on a fishing trip, and they also offer excellent sun protection which means you can be out on the water all day in sunny weather without a care in the world, and you may be able to get some fish that you wouldn’t have seen without them too!
The lenses have been designed so that the colored treatment helps to create contrast without altering any natural colors which add clarity and vibrance to your vision without seeming unnatural. These sunglasses are an excellent choice if you find that you sometimes get annoyed or distracted while earing colored sunglasses as they’ve been designed to seem as natural as possible. They also offer excellent protection against the sun as they come with 100% UVA and UVB protection, so you can use them without worry.
The wraparound design makes the fit on this model exceedingly comfortable, while the ear and nose pieces work hard together to make sure that these glasses won’t move no matter how hard you work, even if the sweat is dripping from your brow you can haul in a massive catch and these glasses won’t move a muscle. The lenses are impact-resistant and the whole package is very durable.
As the lenses have been polarized reflected light waves are easily blocked which reduces the risk of eye strain and helps you see more clearly around water or snow during sunny conditions. The sunglasses look great and you could easily wear these while out and about without any issues.
These are a great option for those who are looking for great quality without wanting to break the bank. These give excellent protection and can help in your development as an angler through their glare-elimination letting you just focus on the task ahead of you.
Pros
- A wide range of different colored lenses for whatever light condition you need
- Excellent value
- Amazing UV protection
- Eliminates surface glare
- Lightweight and secure wraparound style
Cons
- Lenses can be popped out, but they’re easy to reinsert
- MAVERICK, MATTE BLACK FRAMES/SMOKE LENS. Flying Fisherman Action Angler Sunglasses with polarized triacetate lenses improve visibility for any activity. They are scratch resistant, lightweight and durable so you can take them everywhere.
- STRONG ENOUGH TO KEEP UP. Polycarbonate frames are lightweight, comfortable and designed for durability in any condition.
- POLARIZED SUNGLASSES FOR MEN & WOMEN. AcuTint Polarized Lens System blocks 100% of UVA and UVB rays, sharpens contrast and clarity, and eliminates glare, allowing you to see beneath the water’s surface. Glasses are hard coated for scratch resistance.
- BY FISHERMEN, FOR FISHERMEN. Maximize your outdoor experience with sunglasses developed and field tested in the Florida Keys. They offer unbeatable comfort, clarity and performance both on and off the water, and for any outdoor sport or hobby.
- FLYING FISHERMAN POLARIZED EYEWEAR. Flying Fisherman provides quality, affordable polarized sunglasses that are stylish and fully functional for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts.
RUNNER UP
Flying Fisherman Buchanan Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
See Customer Owner Feedback >>
If you’re looking for an inexpensive pair of fishing sunglasses that’s good quality and unlikely to break at the first sign of trouble, than this pair is a good place to go. This stylish pair of sunglasses includes triacetate lenses that have had a polarizing treatment to help block the glare off the water to stop your eyes getting tired prematurely, and they offer a great amount of vision even in deep water.
The lenses are very durable and have a scratch-resistant coating which adds to their overall durability and value. The lenses have also been colored so that they give you clear vision without distorting natural colors which is what helps you see underwater while you fish.
This pair offers 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays and the wraparound design securely fastens them so you don’t have to worry about them falling into the water when you’re out fishing. The design includes extended temple pads and rubber nose pads which help the sunglasses fit comfortably so you can wear them for longer periods
Pros
- Excellent durability and construction
- A range of lenses to choose from so you can choose the pair best suited to the lighting environment
- Comfortable to wear
- Looks great
- Great value
Cons
- No case included
- Polarized Lenses
Best Fishing Sunglasses Buyers Guide
Hopefully, you now feel that you have a bit more of an idea about the sort of sunglasses that might suit you and your fishing, but if you still feel a bit overwhelmed than don’t worry, we’re going to take you through some of the most important features to look out for when you’re thinking about buying a pair of fishing sunglasses.
Material
What your lens is made of is an important mark of how durable your sunglasses are, so it’s an important feature to consider before making a decision. Sunglasses lenses are generally made from 4 materials each with their properties. These are acrylic, glass, polycarbonate, and NXT polyurethane and you should make sure you know what you’re looking for before buying.
Acrylic
Acrylic lenses aren’t the best for protection, but they’re normally the most affordable option. If you’re not too worried about protection from the sun and just want a cheap pair of glasses to protect your eyes from random hooks or other objects than this is the best choice.
Glass
Glass gives you the best clarity of vision, but they tend to be expensive and heavier than other options. They’re more scratch-resistant than other options, but they have a higher chance of breaking if you drop them.
Polycarbonate
This is the most common lens material as it’s more impact resistant than glass and lighter. These are normally the best choice for fishing, but they’ll need to be treated with a scratch-resistant coating as they’re likely to get scratched at some point
NXT Polyurethane
This is the lightest and the toughest option, it’s pretty much unbreakable and won’t shatter like glass or get scratched like polycarbonate. It’s very expensive though and hard to find.
Lens Color
When out on the water you want the best vision you can and different colored lenses will work best in different conditions. Lenses might be tinted, polarized, or mirrored to help the wearer see the outside environment the best. The important thing here is to consider where you’re fishing, the weather, and the light before you make your choice. Don’t just go for the coolest color, style over substance is the thing to avoid. Good sunglasses can help you make some great catches, so make sure you choose wisely.
Best Fishing Sunglasses FAQ's
Why do I need fishing sunglasses?
If you fish a lot than you should protect your eyes with sunglasses. A lot of sun can make your eyes tired which can ruin a fishing trip, but prolonged overexposure can seriously damage your sight, especially when you factor in the reflective glare off the water. But specially designed polarized fishing sunglasses can also help you see better in the water, as they block the reflective glare to let you see below the water better.
What does UV 100 protection mean?
Your sunglasses have lenses that will almost all (99-100%) of the harmful UVA and UVB rays emitted by the sun.