If your eyes have been fortunate enough to view aquatic life through a high-quality pair of polarized fishing sunglasses, then you know their benefits first-hand.
There is no mistaking the advantage provided by a good pair of fishing sunglasses.
The best fishing sunglasses can bring out incredible detail, subsurface structure, and the big fish feeding down deep in the water column.
Here are The Best Fishing Sunglasses
Smith Lowdown 2 ChromaPop
Why is it better?
- Non-corrosive Rugged Design
- Great Style For Daily Use
- Top Quality Lenses
- This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to...
- Evolve Eco-Frame Construction Smith's proprietary Evolve material...
- Hydrophilic Megol Gel Nose Pads Gently grips your skin to keep the...
Our Top Picks For Fishing Glasses
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each pair of sunglasses individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Smith Lowdown 2 ChromaPop
- This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to...
- Evolve Eco-Frame Construction Smith's proprietary Evolve material...
- Hydrophilic Megol Gel Nose Pads Gently grips your skin to keep the...
If you are already familiar with polarized fishing glasses then you won’t be surprised that our top choice for polarized fishing sunglasses went to Smith Action Optics.
Their fishing sunglasses just cut through the water, and provide a level of clarity not seen in other polarized sunglasses.
Our side-by-side test with the Smith Lowdown 2 Sunglasses with ChromaPop lenses was both impressive and memorable.
The sun was creating a significant glare on the water and these polarized sunglasses nearly removed the glare entirely.
In fact, we were even able to spot a few good fish that were all but entirely unseen previously.
Smith ChromaPop technology filters specific light wavelengths that are a common cause of color confusion by the human eye.
This allows ChromaPop lenses to provide incredible detail, more natural color and clarity which provides unparalleled definition.
Most anglers will want to use their polarized sunglasses in a variety of environments.
Good sight fishing isn’t just a freshwater pursuit, but often the saltwater flats can offer incredible sight fishing opportunities as well.
Thankfully these sunglasses are well suited for saltwater or freshwater, with plastic frames that won’t corrode from constant exposure to the elements.
Smith really nailed the sizing variety as well.
Being well aware that anglers need polarized sunglasses that fit comfortably, Smith makes multiple sizes of the Lowdown 2 for just this issue: the Lowdown 2 Slim is for smaller faces, as well as a Lowdown 2 XL for larger face fits, in addition to the original Lowdown model.
A little something for everyone!
Smith Optics are well known in fishing circles worldwide for their performance and quality.
We are big fans of these fishing sunglasses and feel Smith Lowdown 2’s with ChromaPop lenses are terrific polarized sunglasses for sight fishing. We highly recommend it!
PROS
- Non-corrosive Rugged Design
- Great Style For Daily Use
- Top Quality Lenses
- Good Selection of Lens Colors
CONS
- Mirrored lenses in general can be more susceptible to scratching
EXTRA FEATURES
- Anti-reflective and hydroleophobic lens coatings
- Evolve eco-friendly frame material
- Auto-lock hinges
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Lens Type: ChromaPop
- Frame Type: Evolve Eco Material
- Fit: Slim, Regular, XL
Oakley Holbrook
- Lenses are prescription ready (Rx-able)
If you are looking for quality polarized sunglasses you won’t get far without looking at a pair of Oakley’s.
Oakley Holbrook fishing shades landed our second spot for best-polarized fishing sunglasses, and they earned it.
First of all, these are a really affordable pair of high-quality fishing sunglasses.
With prices hovering just over the $100 mark, you’re not likely to match this level of quality to the same price point elsewhere.
Secondly, Oakley High Definition Optics offers a truer image by minimizing distortions like magnification and refraction. Other lenses can be deceptive and make objects appear to be positioned incorrectly.
When you’re setting up that perfect cast, you want it to land exactly on point, and Oakley Holbrook Sunglasses make it happen.
These sunglasses offer a really unique variety of frame colors as well as lens colors.
The frames are all plastic so you don’t have to worry about corrosion in the surf or on the flats.
Oakley is far from a new-comer to producing top-notch sunglasses and it shows in the smart and comfortable design of Oakley Holbrook sunglasses.
If you are in the market truly quality polarized fishing sunglasses we highly recommend picking up a pair of Oakley Holbrook shades.
PROS
- 100% protection against UVA, UVB, and UVC
- Clearer, sharper and accurate images
- Meets and exceeds impact standards
- Durable frame
CONS
- Poor quality control
EXTRA FEATURES
- Solid and sturdy build
- Classic looks
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Lens Type: Rectangular Plutonite
- Frame Type: O Matter
- Fit: Medium to Large
Costa Del Mar Fantail
- Glass provides the best clarity in material
- Encapsulated mirrors (between layers of glass) are scratch-proof
- 20% thinner and 22% lighter than average Polarized glass
Anglers who prefer fishing gear with a well-tested reputation will appreciate the notoriety of Costa Fantail fishing sunglasses.
Moreover, these polarized sunglasses offer versatility that can perform in the brightest conditions of the open ocean to the back country trout streams.
When it comes to polarized fishing glasses, clarity is pivotal and allows you to see deep within the water column.
Clarity is one of the notable features that characterizes Costa Fantail sunglasses.
The variety of lens colors and frames truly stand out among others in the field. Honestly, there are so many possibilities, it’s almost overwhelming.
Fantail’s are available in nearly every color and shade of lens you can imagine, with and without mirror surfacing.
Costa Fantail Sunglasses offer another big plus that you won’t find in polarized shades in this price range: glass lenses.
Glass lenses are much more resistant to scratching and Costa encapsulates the mirroring surface between layers of glass.
That technique really makes the mirroring scratch-proof altogether.
Of course, you still want to keep those high-quality lenses clear and scratch free for the foreseeable future.
Thankfully these fishing sunglasses come standard with a zippered case and cleaning cloth to preserve that long-lasting clarity.
PROS
- 580 Glass Lenses
- Scratch-proof Mirroring
- Fishing-focused design
- Excellent value for the money
CONS
- Won’t fit larger profiles
EXTRA FEATURES
- Hydrolite construction with non-slip capabilities
- Comes with a microfiber cleaning cloth and a zippered case
- Lifetime warranty
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Lens Type: 580 Glass
- Frame Type: Evolve Frame Material
- Fit: Medium to Large
Native Eyewear Haskill
- 100% UV PROTECTION: All Native Eyewear lenses block potentially...
- NATIVE POLARIZED BLUE REFLEX LENSES: Our premium Polarized lenses act...
- IMPACT-RESISTANT: Constructed of lightweight polycarbonate, the lenses...
With a classic aviator look and all the color options of modern fishing sunglasses, Haskill polarized fishing sunglasses from Native Eyewear offer top-notch performance and technology coupled with a stylish design.
Native Eyewear Haskill fishing sunglasses feature advanced N3 lens technology, which provides excellent protection from impact, infrared light, as well as UV protection and filtration.
But Haskill N3 lenses don’t stop at providing top notch eye protection.
Sight fishing requires good clarity in fishing sunglasses, and a crisp image so anglers can pick up on subtle details and movements sometimes from pretty far distances.
Haskill sunglasses deliver with undistorted, high contrast imaging, with great polarization that keeps with the best polarized fishing sunglasses on the market.
We all know how some aviators can over-do it.
We’re not looking at a pair of fishing sunglasses that mimic ski goggles here.
This frame is a lightweight option, that brings optimal coverage to the table without being just plain huge.
Native Eyewear is known for their tough designs, and Haskill fishing sunglasses continue the tradition, giving the competition a lesson in build quality.
And when you leave the water these polarized sunglasses remain fashionable enough for a suit and tie.
PROS
- Lightweight Rhyno-Tuff Frames
- Excellent Infrared Light Reduction
- Crystal-clear N3 Lenses
- Lifetime Warranty
CONS
- Won’t Fit Smaller Profiles
EXTRA FEATURES
- Frames endure extreme highs and lows in temperature
- Cam-action spring hinges quickly lock temples into position
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Lens Type: N3
- Frame Type: Rhyno-Tuff
- Fit: Medium to Large
Oakley Bottle Rocket
- Lenses are prescription ready (Rx-able)
The Oakley Bottle Rocket fishing shades are another top-tier pair of polarized sunglasses and the only semi-rimless option we reviewed.
It is also worth noting that these polarized sunglasses are a particularly popular model among a wide range of outdoor enthusiasts.
With some of the best polarized lenses on the market, Oakley Bottle Rocket sunglasses deliver HD clarity and detail with 99% glare filtration.
And you won’t have to worry about these sunglasses becoming uncomfortable since the semi-rimless frames are very lightweight.
We particularly like the lens color and tint of these fishing sunglasses, as they are effective in a variety of applications.
Hot sun or cloud cover, the lenses of the Oakley Bottle Rocket sunglasses are more than competent in reducing glare.
For heavy fishing in bright sun, Oakley also provides black frames and gray lenses for anglers with that preference.
These polarized sunglasses provide a great overall fit, and the Unobtainium® earsocks really keep the glasses from slipping and moving even during aggressive movements.
PROS
- Semi-Rimless Frames
- Enhanced Field-of-View
- Comfortable Unobtainium® earsocks
- Highest Quality Polarization
- Top Sports Sunglasses
CONS
- Limited Color Selections
EXTRA FEATURES
- 100% UVA/B/C sun protection
- Unobtainium ear socks increase their grip with perspiration
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 standards for optical precision and performance
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Lens Type: Plutonite
- Frame Type: O Matter
- Fit: Small to Medium
Fishing Sunglasses FAQ
WHAT TYPE OF SUNGLASSES Are BEST FOR FISHING?
The best sunglasses for fishing will have polarized lenses.
In fact, polarized lenses are a necessary requirement to enable proper vision and to protect your eyes.
The sun’s reflective glare of the water makes it almost impossible to see things above the surface of the water, let alone what lurks beneath.
A pair of polarized sunglasses will do a far more effective job of eliminating sun glare off the surface of the water than a non-polarized pair.
This is important for all fishermen but is especially beneficial for anglers who need to see beneath the water’s surface when netting. Another thing to look for when selecting your fishing sunglasses is a brown tint to the lense.
This has been shown to greatly enhance the contrast of vision, which makes it easier to spot fish beneath the surface of the water.
For summertime fishing, mirror-coated sunglasses will provide extra protection for the eye from exposure to bright light. A quality pair of mirror-coated sunglasses will reduce UV radiation from the sun by 100 percent.
WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF THE SUN ON THE OPEN SEA?
When it reflects off the open sea, the sun’s rays become more intense. This poses an even greater potential for negative sun exposure than if you were on land.
The reflective rays of the sun will burn your skin faster. For that reason, you need to make sure that you are covered from head to foot with either clothing or an SPF 50+ sunscreen.
The reflective rays of the sun can also negatively affect the eye. Overexposure to UV radiation can result in a painful burning sensation in the cornea of the eye.
Unchecked, this can result in a condition called keratitis. UV radiation exposure can also result in cataracts, macular degeneration, and conjunctival cancer. Another potential risk is eyelid cancer!
WHAT TYPE OF LENSES IS BEST FOR FISHING?
The most important requirement is that the lenses be polarized. This will do the best job of reducing glare from the sun reflecting off the water.
As well as allowing you to see more clearly, they will also you to sharpen the contrast between colors.
When it comes to the tint of the lense, many anglers prefer a brown-colored tint. They are especially good for saltwater fishing, providing the best underwater vision.
If you’re going to be fishing in deep seawater, a more yellowish tint will provide you with even better deep water visibility than a brown tinted lens.
If you are mostly going to be stream fishing you should go for a silver-tinted lens.
CAN YOU USE ORDINARY SPORT SUNGLASSES FOR FISHING?
Yes, you can use ordinary sport sunglasses for fishing but they must be polarized.
If you are going to spending long days out on the seawater in summer, however, your best bet is to buy a pair of specialized fishing sunglasses.
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