If you’re stuck outside all day long on your fishing boat, and the sun is just beaming down on you, you might benefit from wearing a pair of fishing sunglasses. They are great to wear because they protect your eyes from UV rays, and also help you to avoid the sun’s reflection on the water.
But which pair of fishing sunglasses should you buy? That’s where we come in. We’ve done all the homework for you so that you don’t have to! To create this review of the best sunglasses for fishing, we’ve examined over 40 different models on the market. Our Editor’s Choice is the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses, and we love them because they provide the best overall value for your dollar of any fishing sunglasses out there as well as give you that immense protection and reduce the glare. We’ve also found and reviewed seven other pairs, and we’ll let you know what’s great about each of them.
In our search for the best sunglasses for fishing, we have asked the experts and visited official websites to find the key features to focus on. We found that the lens material, color, width, and the frame of the sunglasses were the most important characteristics that can affect your fishing experience. We’ve spent over 50 hours perusing the internet, and we present to you a definitive look at the best sunglasses for fishing today. After the detailed product reviews, stick around and read through our buying guide, which will include answers to some of the most commonly asked questions. Let’s begin!
More features: offers rich colors, sharp contrast, scratch and solvent resistant frame, super thin optics, anti-corrosive springs
Our Editor’s is the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses. You don’t have to be in Hawaii to use these as they feature a polarized glass lens material, which is perfect for reducing glare in the water and protecting you from those UV rays. It features its own patented lens technology, the Polarizedplus2 technology that provides you with more protection from harmful rays by making the colors you see much more vivid, which is incredibly helpful when you are fishing.
The only notable complaint from reviewers online is that the lenses can be a bit finicky for some people, as they have said it can easily pop out of the frame.
Despite this, the lens width is a solid 65 mm, allowing ample space for medium-to-larger-sized heads, and is made of SuperThin glass material.
The frames are also made with tremendous detail with a very lightweight and heat-resistant texture called Grilamid. This material is known for its durability and will provide comfort while you are wearing them. Shoppers will be glad to know that these sunglasses come in four rich colors with each providing sharp contrast.
More features: anti-reflective and hydrophobic lens coating, stainless steel spring hinges
Another top-of-the-line pair of the best polarized sunglasses for fishing is the Smith Guide’s Choice. Not quite as loaded with wonderful features as our Editor’s Choice pick, but this pair just might be as effective in protecting you from those harmful UV rays thanks to the polarized glass lenses that help to provide extra clarity. They are anti-reflective, and they can apparently block 99.9% of harmful light, which means you can fish longer on the brightest of days.
The lenses provide a spacious width at 62mm, and the frame itself can come in an array of different colors. Speaking of colors, you have the option of choosing between 24 of them when it comes to the lenses. The frame on these Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses are also made of Grilamid, so expect some good durability here.
Owners of these sunglasses rave for its excellent quality, but a few people have noted that it is a bit heavier than normal sunglasses, and they often find themselves having to re-adjust them ever so often.
More features: thin optics, scratch-resistance, high contrast, light and durable construction
The Costa Fantail Sunglasses are an outstanding pair of sunglasses for fishing. The Fantail’s are also polarized sunglasses, which means you’re going to have no issues fishing with these on those bright and sunny days, especially when that light is reflecting from the water.
Like all the other wonderful polarized sunglasses, this pair also increases the contrast while minimizing the glare, which should allow you to see the fish in the water much better. It only comes in the one green mirror lens color, and those lenses are just shy of 59mm wide, is good for people with average-sized heads.
The frame is made of composite material, which can be faulted for not being all that sturdy, but coupled with the smaller lens thickness, users say these sunglasses are fantastic because of their lightweight build. It also features a scratch-resistance surface, so you should be able to use these frequently, and it should show minimal wear and tear. At half the price of the two previous polarized sunglasses we reviewed, the Costa Fantail is an incredible value pick.
More features: impact-resistant, hydrophobic coating includes microfiber pouch, zipper carry case, detachable retainer strap
Another pair of affordable and dependable polarized sunglasses for fishing is the Filthy Anglers Delta Sunglasses. This is definitely one of the better value buys on our list as it comes loaded with great features at a very fair price.
We’re looking at the sunglasses with the sleek black lenses, but you can also get them in a few other colors as well. The lenses are made of polarized polycarbonate materials, which doesn’t shatter like glass and will still do the trick to offer you 100% protection from UV rays.
A few customers did make note that the reflection protection from the sun on the water could have been better, but for the price of these sunglasses, it is an admissible offense. Another cool feature about the lenses is that they have a hydrophobic coating, which means they are virtually smudge-proof and scratch-resistant. The frame itself looks smooth and delivers with its composition of the TR90 Grilamid technology. Having this top-notch frame construction will allow for the sunglasses to stay secure and comfortable on everyone’s face. As a bonus, these sunglasses also come with their own case that is enclosed by a zipper.
More features: lifetime warranty, microfiber cleaning cloth and storage bag included, 100% UV400 protection coating
One of the best affordable polarized sunglasses for fishing on the market is the Suncloud Milestone Sunglasses. This is a perfect pair if you’re on a tight budget.
Despite this pair being so cheap, you actually get a lot of value with these sunglasses, and they’re so unbelievable for the price that many people have encountered counterfeit Suncloud Milestones floating around out there.
The lenses are made of the familiar polarized polycarbonate material that doesn’t break into pieces as glass does. It comes in seven different colors, and the width of the lenses is a fantastic 65 mm. The frame itself is also made of that familiar and durable nylon material, Grilamid, to ensure better comfort.
The frame also comes with metal plaques around the temple-area. If you happen to get your hands on the real Suncloud sunglasses, you’ll be happy to know that it comes with a lifetime warranty. Also, be careful with sizes since some people reported sizing issues.
More features: 100% UV400 protection, anti-scratch, hydrophobic and anti-reflective coating
Claiming to be “bendable, flexible, and unbreakable”, the REKS SLING-BLADE Sunglasses are another budget pair of polarized sunglasses for fishing. These particular sunglasses are a bit different in style from the previous ones we’ve reviewed as the frames don’t wrap all the way around the lenses.
Thanks to this, these are an excellent and incredibly comfortable choice for sunglasses buyers on a tight budget. The lenses are made of polarized polycarbonate, which speaks to their unbreakable part, and have an anti-reflective coating on them. The lenses offer 100% UV 400 protection and have a hydrophobic coating on them, which allows for no smudges and water to stay on the lenses. The lens width only measures out to 55mm, and they also come in seven colors displaying a vast selection of different colors.
The frame is composed of a high-quality polymer that has enhanced elasticity, which speaks to their bendable and flexible parts of their claim. If you plan on wearing these sunglasses often, you’re free to take advantage of their two-year warranty policy. The reviews online are generally very positive. However, of the negative ones, many people have commented saying that it can wear down quite easily.
More features: no-slip nose pad, durable, glare reduction, impact resistance, includes strap and microfiber bag
One of the premium eyewear brands that everyone has probably heard of is Oakley’s. The Oakley Split Shot Sunglasses are an ideal option for fishing because they help protect you from those UV rays and help provide optical clarity.
The lenses are made of a lightweight, polarized, plastic material called Plutonite. The lenses are also manufactured using PRIZM Lens Technology, which helps to make all the colors more vivid and enhance the contrast so that you can differentiate between the water and fishes. You’ll get some good space as the lens width measures out to 64 mm. However, the sunglasses only come in four colors but are very stylish and neat.
The frame is made of a thermoplastic material, and quite a few people have commented that it feels cheap and not sturdy enough for the price you pay. Aside from that, you’re still getting amazing fishing sunglasses, but the price might deter people from buying it.
More features: stainless steel hinge, hypoallergenic nose pads, comfortable design
The last pair on our list is the Kaenon Anacapa Sunglasses. The Kaenon Sunglasses is a comfortable pair to wear, and they are great not just for fishing, but for other sports as well.
Their lenses are made of a polarized SR-91 material, which a proprietary material to Kaenon. The lenses are available in five different colors and come out to about 60 mm in width.
The frame is made of lightweight and flexible TR-90 material, which is comfortable to the touch. These sunglasses also come with a special mirror coating, which is marvelous for protecting from intense sunlight. As we said, these sunglasses are comfortable to wear, and that’s thank to the hypoallergenic nose pads which rests snugly on your nose.
While most people who purchased these sunglasses were pretty happy with it, they didn’t think it was worth the price they paid for them.
After taking a look at those eight amazing pairs of fishing sunglasses, you may still have some questions about these models and the merits before buying one. In this buying guide section, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through each individual component about fishing sunglasses and describe everything in a bit more detail. We’ll then follow that up with three of the most commonly asked questions and answer those for you.
When you’re seeking for the best sunglasses for fishing, you obviously have to start with the lenses. The lens is the most important part of any glasses, and it’s no different with fishing sunglasses. You’ll want to check out the materials that the lenses are made of to determine its durability and longevity. All of the lenses we reviewed were polarized and made of some combination of materials.
When we are speaking of materials, no two sunglasses are made exactly, the same, and that goes for the construction of these fishing sunglasses as well. Each pair of sunglasses are made of different materials, while some are more unusual than others. Take, for example, the Kaenon Anacapa Sunglasses, which lenses are made of their proprietary material called SR-91.
We do see some common trends in the materials being used, including a frame made of Grilamid and composite. Some pairs also feature plastic materials that are durable and flexible.
When it comes to the lenses of best fishing sunglasses, you’ll notice that they all come in various colors. While some certainly rock more style than others, the difference in colors actually do help to serve a purpose.
For sunglasses with blue lenses, you’ll find that they are perfect for spotting fishes in the water much easier. Sunglasses with green lenses are amazing to have on those clear and bright, sunny days as it helps to increase the contrast by preventing color distortion. Another common color is amber or gold-colored lenses. These are fantastic if you’re fishing in conditions that are cloudier and overcast as they help to improve depth perception and offer much clearer visibility. Lots of sunglasses come in gray-colored lenses, and these are more common because they work well in all conditions, including fishing on water or hunting on land. Finally, brighter yellow-colored lenses work well in much darker conditions and allow for the maximum amount of light to transmit. These are just some of the best lens color options that you should consider.
If you want to have a wider choice, consider the Smith Guide’s Choice that offers 24 different options.
The width of the lens in these fishing sunglasses is particularly important because it really comes down to the head size you have. In most of the fishing sunglasses we reviewed, we noticed that seven out of the eight sunglasses offered a lens width of 59 mm and above. The only exception was the REKS SLING-BLADE Sunglasses, which measured out to 55 mm, making it a perfect option for people with smaller heads. If you are looking for something wider, we recommend the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses. It has 65 mm of lens width.
Oftentimes, if it’s too tight, the temple and hinge will begin to stretch and might deform. It’s always best to check the manufacturer’s specs and confirm your head size before purchasing.
Generally speaking, having a lens width of 59 mm and above allows for people with regular and larger-sized heads to be able to wear these sunglasses comfortably.
When you’re out on the water fishing for the entire day, at some point, you’re going to have to adjust your sunglasses or touch them. On any regular pair of sunglasses, this might cause them to smudge up or become dirty from your hands or fingerprints. With most of the polarized sunglasses for fishing, many of them come with a hydrophobic, anti-scratch or anti-reflective coating on them that enables you to touch your sunglasses without fear of them scratching or smudging. One of the best examples here is the Costa Fantail. The green polarized lenses of this pair will also protect you from the UV light and increase the contrast.
Aside from the lenses, the next essential part of any sunglasses is the frame. The frame is important because it will have a tremendous impact on whether or not the sunglasses are comfortable on your face. As we stated before, if they are too tight, and depending on the materials they are made from, they can become increasingly uncomfortable and can leave some abrasions on your head after taking them off.
A good frame is one that sits at ease on your head, offering you support, comfort, and, most of all, maximum durability. The REKS SLING-BLADE Sunglasses is our pick for the sunglasses with the most comfortable frame thanks to the increased elasticity in them that allows them to bend.
Each pair of sunglasses for fishing is composed of different materials. The biggest similarity, or the trend, among all the modern sunglasses, is the polarization. Another similarity is that some of these sunglasses frames are made of a durable material called Grilamid.
Aside from the frame material, many of the sunglasses feature different parts. For instance, The Kaenon Anacapa Sunglasses comes with a stainless steel hinge, which helps with the durability of the lenses connecting with the temple. Another example is the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses that comes equipped with anti-corrosive springs, which prevent your sunglasses from rusting. In terms of frame color, each pair of polarized sunglasses offers different colors, but the most common one is black.
Something that we have not touched on in our review of the best fishing sunglasses yet is the base curve. In a nutshell, the base curve measures the curvature or surface curve of the lens. There are usually two base curves, a base 6 and base 8.
Lenses with a base 6 curve, or a lower base curve, give the sunglasses the appearance of a flatter look. Sunglasses that are all about style generally feature a lower base curve.
A base 8 curve gives the lens a much more bent shape and often is found in sunglasses that sport a wraparound frame.
All pairs on our list feature a base 8 curve, and it is better for fishing because they give your eyes more protection by providing more coverage to keep out sunlight, glare, reflections, and debris.
When you’re trying to reel in a big catch out in the water, you’ll want sunglasses that stay in place on your face and aren’t wiggling around. The base 8 wraparound feature should fit nice and snug on your head, allowing it to stay in place.
Ultimately, no matter how cool a pair of sunglasses looks or how much or little it costs, what matters the most is how comfortable you feel when wearing them. For example, the REKS SLING-BLADE Sunglasses have the most comfortable frame among the products on our list. While the frame of these fishing sunglasses is definitely important, there are other, very subtle ways of ensuring peak comfort.
The most obvious part that can improve or hinder your comfort level wearing these sunglasses is the nose pads on these sunglasses. The Oakley Split Shot features non-slip nose pads, which are perfect for those who are stuck fishing in extreme heat and humid conditions. Another pair, the Kaenon Anacapa Sunglasses, features hypoallergenic nose pads, and that is great because they will prevent irritation from wearing these sunglasses all day long.
While it may not contribute much to the actual functionality of the sunglasses themselves, some of the best sunglasses for fishing come with a host of different accessories. Some of the most common accessories that come with these sunglasses are a bag, a cleaning cloth and straps. The Filthy Anglers Delta Sunglasses come with a wonderful hard case that can keep them protected from damages and scratches when you carry them in your backpack or pocket.
Oftentimes, when it comes to a purchase that involves some research, it can ultimately come down to price. While we definitely would recommend some features you should look for in your next fishing sunglasses, it’s also entirely reasonable to set a budget for yourself as well.
Fortunately for you, we’ve scoured the web for the best polarized sunglasses for fishing and have found eight amazing pairs, which prices vary from budget to luxurious ones. To make it easier for you, we’ve broken down the prices into three pricing categories: low (below $100), medium ($100-200), and high ($200+).
For those of you on a tighter budget, you might want to consider sunglasses in the low range. Our budget pick is the Suncloud Milestone that offers wonderful eye protection and comes with a lifetime warranty.
For those seeking more premium features, you might be interested in the medium-tier priced sunglasses like the Costa Fantail. This pair provides high contrast, has a light and durable frame, but most importantly, it has a scratch-resistant surface.
Finally, if budget is not a consideration for you and you’re seeking the best of the best, you need to consider the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses. They are great against UV rays and provide much more vivid color quality.
Fishing with the polarized sunglasses is a necessity, especially if you’re battling the sun and its heavy reflection in the water all day long. While we took you through eight amazing products, we’ve picked out our three favorites.
The first is our Editor’s Choice, the Maui Jim Peahi Polarized Sunglasses. We love the ultra-premium feel of these sunglasses thanks to the patented materials. Moreover, they bring so much clarity and reduce that heavy glare from the sun compared to many other brands.
Our next favorite is the Smith Guide’s Choice that offers 24 different colors of the lenses that are anti-reflective and block 99.9% of harmful light.
Last but not least, the Costa Fantail Sunglasses is a fantastic pair of sunglasses for fishing with a marvelous scratch-resistant surface. Additionally, you will get more bang for your buck with these sunglasses.
That puts a wrap on the best sunglasses for fishing, and we wish you happy hunting in your search for your next pair of these marvelous pieces of protective eyewear.
