If fishing has you hooked, you know that polarized sunglasses are the only way to go. It’s truly amazing how they almost literally blow fish out of the water in bright sunlight.
As we reviewed the best polarized sunglasses for fishing, we learned that quality, comfort, and visual clarity are the great deciders. Design obviously matters too, but make sure to keep the other factors in sight.
PS: Don’t be too concerned about color yet, as most fishing sunglasses come in a variety of lens colors and frame colors.
Best for Serious Fishermen
Oakley Fuel Cell
The snug fit and slightly bigger lens than Oakley’s famous Gascan sunglasses offer peripheral UV protection, while the light weight improves comfort for all-day use. Like all Oakley sunglasses, the Fuel Cell rectangular sunglasses incorporate high-definition optics that give a true representation of what you see.
The lightweight plutonite lens material makes for super light, comfortable fishing sunglasses with Oakley’s high-definition optics. Of course, the polarized lens also offers 100% protection against harmful UV rays.
Vision clarity across the lenses is constant, with no magnification distortion that displaces the distance and size of objects. You get true to life clear vision with vivid color.
The polarized lenses tend to scratch fairly easily, so you have to store them properly.
Some users say the sunglasses fit too closely to their face, but the design is made this way to ensure maximum eye protection.
Oakley has packaged function with style with these sunglasses, and remain firm on eye protection and purpose.
The lightweight sunglasses have a snug-fitting frame that does not curl around your ears, which usually creates a degree of discomfort after a while. The comfortable fit means you can wear them the whole day while fishing and not feel any pressure at all.
Main Features
- Lens width: 60 mm
- Lens height: 40 mm
- Bridge: 19 mm
- Arm: 130 mm
- Lens material: Plutonite
- Frame material: Nylon (O-matter)
Most Comfortable All-Day Fishing Shades
Under Armour Igniter
The oval shape of the Under Armour Igniter sunglasses gives them that funky wrap-around look that breeds comfort. Add the 20mm non-slip rubber nose pad to the mix, and you’re in comfort heaven. The polarized lenses are impact-resistant and offer optical clarity.
These Igniter fishing sunglasses offer a no-fuss comfortable fit that stays in place during all activities. This is great for the angler who needs both hands on their rod and reel. The thick yet ultralight frame with its rubber-bridge compliments the overall look and function of the sunglasses.
The lenses are made from polycarbonate which means they won’t scratch or break easily. Still, they compare very well to glass lenses and are 100% UV resistant.
In comparison, the sunglasses’ polarizing effect lags slightly, but the glare reduction is still sufficient to reduce strain on your eyes. This may put some anglers off because it limits the ability to see into the water from certain angles.
The frame is laminated, and after fair use, it tends to bubble and peel off. This may be something the manufactures could look at improving.
These Under Armour sunglasses are great for active fishermen who don’t want to adjust their glasses every time they make sudden movements. The wrap-around style and rubber bridge make for a comfortable fit throughout the day.
The 100% UV protection is great by itself and is enforced by the curve of the lenses around your eyes. The polarizing ability is a sticking point, but it is functional as far as reducing glare is concerned.
Main Features
- Lens width: 60 mm
- Lens height: 37 mm
- Bridge: 20 mm
- Arm: 135 mm
- Lens material: Polycarbonate
- Frame material: Plastic
Best for Deep-Ocean Saltwater Fishing
Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley
These large fit Costa Del Mar fishing sunglasses are both polarized and mirrored, with blue lenses specifically designed for offshore fishing (for inshore fishing they offer green and copper glasses). The sunglasses sport air vents to limit fogging, while the scratch-resistant glass lenses provide high clarity in a variety of waters.
The 580-technology used in the polarized lenses (580G is for glass and 580P is for polycarbonate lenses) produces the best color definition and contrast levels with unequaled polarization. The glare reduction is the highest in the market, and the glass lenses are rated the best for clarity, making them the top choice for serious fishermen (if you prefer, though, you can also get the Tuna Alley with plastic lenses).
With a well-balanced frame, the fit is supported with rubber pads on the bridge and arms, literally eliminating undue pressure on your skin.
Each pair of sunglasses are handcrafted, which adds value and trust to the brand.
It’s not often that you will find a flawless pair of fishing sunglasses, but the Costa Del Mar Men’s Tuna Alley sunglasses really are flawless.
The only thing to be wary of is knockoff products, so when you make a purchase check the logo and other details against the manufacturer’s standards.
The resin molded frames of the Tuna Alley are stylish and, thanks to the rubber pads, slip-resistant. The fit offers protection from every angle, while the scratch-resistant glass lenses are very clear and eliminate flare.
Costa Del Mar’s 580 technology protects against UV light and filters out harmful blue light that is known to damage your eyes. Their light-enhancing technology is the basis of effective polarization that is standard in all their polarized sunglasses.
A truly well-rounded pair of sunglasses complete with air vents on the sides to deal with fogging. We truly believe these are amongst the best polarized fishing sunglasses.
Main Features
- Lens width: 61.8 mm
- Lens height: 41 mm
- Bridge: 13 mm
- Arm: 125 mm
- Lens material: Glass
- Frame material: Nylon (Resin)
Best for Optimal Glare Reduction
Maui Jim Ho’okipa
The use of color-enhancing PolarizedPlus2 lens technology makes Maui Jim the leader in the field. Their polarized sunglasses were originally designed to handle the intense glare off the white beaches of Hawaii. This focus makes them ideal for fishing, and their scratch-resistant lenses fit the bill.
Maui Jim polarized sunglasses are functional and ideal for fly fishing. The glasses eliminate even the most extreme glare off the water, and they also enhance color. A perfect fit for the angler.
The durable, lightweight nylon frame provides consistent comfort throughout the day. While the bridge is slightly narrower than other brands, the gap is perfect for unisex use.
The rose-colored lenses are great for full sun and overcast conditions and create a warm hue that is soft on your eyes. The polarized lenses are relatively scratch-resistant, giving them a longer lifespan.
The lightweight nylon frame creates problems for users who wear sunglasses on top of their head as a fashion statement. This causes the glasses to break at the bridge because the frame is continuously stretched outward. To avoid this from happening, simply use the sunglasses for their intended purpose.
Another pet peeve is that the lenses can break. This is due to the ultra-thin composite material. Maui Jim offers a 2-year warranty, though, so for this period you’re all covered.
These Ho’okipa unisex sunglasses are stylish and functional. The technology incorporated in glare reduction is truly on point, protecting your eyes and reducing those nasty wrinkles from developing.
The rose-colored polarized lenses cope with sunny and cloudy conditions, maintaining crisp visuals throughout.
Being scratch-resistant is a big plus point, especially for a fisherman’s environment where everything gets put through its paces.
Main Features
- Lens width: 64 mm
- Lens height: 39 mm
- Bridge: 17 mm
- Arm: 130 mm
- Lens material: Composite
- Frame material: Nylon
Best for Sight Fishing
Costa Del Mar Reefton
Designed for shallow waters, rivers, and flats fishing, Costa incorporates blue light protection technology in these sunglasses. This brings images to life in crystal-clear HD fashion, while still offering the same degree of eye protection as all Costa sunglasses in the 580 range.
The resin frame and polycarbonate lenses are lightweight and supplemented with a hydrolite rubber bridge, temple pads, and cam-action spring hinges for ultimate comfort. They are designed to fit all head sizes so no angler will feel excluded.
Visual clarity is off the top shelf. Vivid colors are a constant feast with maximum glare reduction and polarization technology that lets you see underwater detail in true perspective.
The polycarbonate lenses are scratch and impact-resistant, adding longevity to these stylish sunglasses.
Lens fogging occurs next to the bridge caused by a lack of airflow from the snug fit. This specific model does not have air vents in the frame, so the concern is understandable. Simply adjust the fit to allow a little space between the frame and your face.
The screws on hinges may come loose. If they do, send them back to the manufacturer, and the problem will be sorted out.
Costa has produced a one-size-fits-all lightweight pair of polarized fishing sunglasses with a frame design that’s tough and durable. As all 580 Costa’s, it’s supported by revolutionary eye protection and visual enhancement technologies.
The polycarbonate lenses are scratch-resistant and eliminate harmful blue light. The lenses are also 100% UV resistant, and the green mirror polarizing ability is fantastic. It opens up a whole new world of vivid colors while reducing glare to an absolute minimum.
Main Features
- Lens width: 63.7 mm
- Lens height: 41 mm
- Bridge: 15 mm
- Arm: 115 mm
- Lens material: Polycarbonate (Plastic)
- Frame material: Resin
Best Low-Budget Polarized Sunglasses
Suncloud Zephyr
The comfortable Suncloud Zephyr sunglasses are designed with long use in mind. Being super lightweight, the bridge and arms are padded to keep them in place during multiple activities. The curved lenses offer great eye protection and complement the frame design.
Suncloud is all about style and functionality. Zephyr’s polarized lenses are 8-base-curve lenses that indicate the degree of curvature (Suncloud lenses all rate between 6 and 9 on the scale, which follows your face’s contours to give your eyes maximum protection).
The Megol bridge and arm pads offer comfort and stability, while the pads become tackier when wet (to increase grip). A reassuring point is that the frame is flexible, and the lenses are shatterproof.
With 100% UV protection and effective polarization, glare is reduced significantly.
The snug wrap-around fit tends to cause the lenses to fog up. However, this is not a common sentiment shared by users who wear these shades. You can adjust them to allow for air circulation.
Some users mention the smell of plastic as a turnoff, but this is not a widespread gripe. It’s like the smell of a new car which dissipates with time.
Suncloud Zephyr oozes a functional style, while the pads are fixed to pressure point areas to enhance comfort and make them non-slip. Fishermen and active people will appreciate this.
The wrap-around lens style offers extended UV protection, while polarization gives you clear visuals right across the lens. What is also great is that the lenses are shatterproof.
Main Features
- Lens width: 72 mm
- Lens height: 41 mm
- Bridge: 11 mm
- Arm: 121 mm
- Lens material: Plastic
- Frame material: Plastic
Best Wrap-Around Fishing Sunglasses
HUK Men’s Sunglasses
These Huk sunglasses fit right in with anglers. They have a comfortable wrap-around fit, and the lens quality is on par with the best as far as polycarbonate lenses go. The arms are thick, making them more durable. They taper down to the end, where it has rubber padding for all-day comfort.
The polarized lenses are really effective, providing outstanding clarity across the lens surface. This, combined with 100% UV protection and the lightweight frame, offers long hours of great fishing.
With an 8-base wrap, the sunglasses block more glare, and the shape conforms to the shape of your face. The arms have non-slip rubber pads for comfortability.
Huk sunglasses come in a range of styles to suit all anglers.
The rubber pads tend to come loose or begin deforming through water exposure. It appears to be an adhesive issue and is something the manufactures can address in their quality control process.
Fogging has been mentioned but is not a common complaint as the design allows for air ventilation. Just don’t plaster them on your face.
Huk has focused on quality visuals with its glare reduction and overall polarization technology. They have created a practical solution to help fishermen really get immersed in their favorite activity. Being able to keep your eye on the prize is a mind-blowing experience.
The thick frame has a masculine look, while the comfort level and toughness mean all-day use won’t pose problems.
Main Features
- Lens width: 65.4 mm
- Lens height: 40.3 mm
- Bridge: 15.8 mm
- Arm: 124 mm
- Lens material: Polycarbonate
- Frame material: Plastic
Most Iconic Polarized Sunglasses
Ray-Ban Rb3025
Ray-Ban aviators have been around since 1937 and have been tried and tested beyond the limits. Their unique, stylish appeal is supported by visual technologies that keep them ahead of the rest. Clarity, including glare reduction and UV protection, are at the forefront of their success.
The Ray-Ban RB3025 unisex series comes in three different sizes for a basic fit. They can also be personally customized with adjustable bridge supports. The frame, being metal, can be heated and adjusted by an optometrist for a perfect fit.
Made from scratch-resistant glass, the lenses are polarized and 100% UV protected to improve visual clarity. Different light controlling lens tints add to the visual.
Ray-Ban maintains high-quality standards by using glass lenses and metal frames in their Aviator series. The arms curl over your ear for added support, and the ends are padded to maintain comfort.
The fit and style may still allow glare to enter from the sides of the sunglasses. This can be remedied by getting your frame adjusted to minimize this irritation.
Ray-Ban knockoffs are an ongoing issue, so be sure to verify authenticity.
Ray-Ban Aviators have stood the test of time, and they continue to keep abreast of technology. Their Rb 3025 range reflects their pass success that sports the same conventional glass lenses and metal frame.
Visual clarity is best with glass lenses that are enhanced with effective overall polarization and light controlling tints.
The frames may look standard but are extremely versatile and can be adjusted for the perfect individual fit.
Main Features
- Lens width: 58 mm
- Lens height: 50 mm
- Bridge: 14 mm
- Arm: 135 mm
- Lens material: Glass
- Frame material: Metal
Top All-Purpose Sports Sunglasses
Rivbos Polarized Sports Sunglasses
Rivbos Polarized Sports Sunglasses makes a fashion statement. Superior vision and effective polarization are backed up with accessories like a polarized test card that comes with each pair. The frame is durable and stress-resistant with pleasing aesthetics.
The lenses are both polarized and mirror coated, giving them function as well as good looks. The polarized lenses are made from TAC (Triacetate cellulose) material that offers excellent optics and is also scratch-resistant. Glare is brought under control, revealing true colors, and UV and UB resistance offers further eye protection.
The frame is stylish and will bend under pressure rather than snap or break. The light weight of the glasses is also deceiving, but the choice of materials used to create these sunglasses was well thought out.
They come standard in a hard case with a buckle, strap, cleaning cloth, a polarized test card and instruction booklet.
The laminated coating tends to peels away. This is not a common problem, and the manufactures are open to dealing with such issues.
Some users say the polarizing effect is too strong, but I’m sure there are no fishermen who would complain about this.
Rivbos polarized sunglasses are stylish, lightweight, and have impressively strong frames build for comfort. The polarizing effect is brilliant, and glare is literally non-existent – what’s not to like about these head-turners?
Eye protection is well catered for in their wrap-around design. Glare reduction and true color make these polarized sunglasses for fishing a necessity.
Main Features
- Lens width: 64 mm
- Lens height: 40 mm
- Arm: 140 mm
- Lens material: Plastic
- Frame material: Plastic
Best Fishing Sunglasses for Big Heads
These sunglasses are great for everyday use. The wrap-around design limits glare and harmful rays coming in from the sides. The arms have an attractive flow, and the slight curve toward the end help to keep them in place.
The scratch-resistant lenses are 100% UV resistant, and polarization improves clarity and contrast. Standard lenses can be replaced with prescription lenses.
Fitting prescription lenses may be expensive, because of the curvature of the lenses.
Some Arnette sunglasses are made in China, and this has a few people on edge about the quality.
The Arnette range of polarized fishing sunglasses showcases some aesthetically pleasing and really great designs. These Fastball sunglasses are lightweight, durable, and meet all the other requirements for great polarized fishing sunglasses.
With scratch-resistant and UV blocking features, the lenses curve around your eyes, giving you that little extra protection.
Main Features
- Lens width: 62 mm
- Lens height: 40 mm
- Bridge: 16 mm
- Lens material: Polycarbonate
- Frame material: Nylon
Benefits of Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Being able to see what’s happening in the water really heightens your fishing experience. With polarized fishing sunglasses, anglers do not have to squint against the intense glare off the water but can track the movements of their catch with precision.
Polarized sunglasses offer several benefits that, when put together, will enhance your vision and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Glare reduction
As you can see from the image above, polarized sunglasses will protect your eyes from sunlight that’s mirrored off the water surface into your eyes. With glare eliminated, you can see into the water as if the sun wasn’t there.
Because glare causes eye fatigue (which can even affect vision over time), polarized fishing glasses also reduce eye strain to a minimum.
Clarity and Contrast
Technically, polarizing filters stabilize light intensity and reduce glare by cutting out horizontal light. Contrast levels are altered, allowing us to see detail both in shadow and highlight areas.
Clarity is greatly improved with vivid colors and sharply defined edges. The most popular lens color for this purpose is neutral grey.
Color perception
Because glare is no longer a factor, the true color of the image is revealed. Colors are much more intensified and pronounced through reflected light control.
UV Eye Protection
By adding an ultraviolet screen to sunglasses, the harmful UV rays do not reach our eyes. This is a definite benefit to vision longevity. The more UV light is restricted over the eye area, the better.
Sunglasses Build Quality
Polarized fishing sunglasses are made from different materials, which can impact both strength and durability. Here is an overview of general build quality:
Frame and Material
Frames are made from metal, plastic, resin and composite materials. The lightest and most durable materials are sought after to minimize the weight of the sunglasses on your face.
The weight of sunglasses will inevitably cause a pressure point that restricts long use; so, the lighter the frame, the better. Polycarbonate and composite materials are favored for their light weight, strength, and durability.
Metal frames are also lightweight, but they do not perform well where corrosion is a possibility. Sunscreen and some fishing bait may stain, bleach, or corrode the frame.
Lens Type and Coating
Traditionally, glass lenses are said to offer the best clarity. However, current technology has made polycarbonate lenses a formidable challenger.
The quality difference between glass and polycarbonate lenses is hardly noticeable. Glass is slightly heavier and can easily break but is more scratch-resistant than polycarbonate lenses. With advanced technologies, polycarbonate lenses are becoming more scratch-resistant and compare well with glass lenses.
Coatings on fishing sunglasses are essential for protection and to improve overall vision. A few coatings commonly used are anti-reflective, scratch-resistant, UV coating, photochromatic treatment, anti-fog, tinted, and mirror coatings.
Comfort and Design
Comfort is essential, and the main issues here are weight and how well the sunglasses fit. Flexible arms minimize the pressure on your temples, and should be supported with rubber pads at pressure points. A rubber pad on the bridge helps to keep the sunglasses in place and reduces pressure on the bridge of your nose.
Contemporary designs aim to cover or protect as much of the eye area as possible. When buying fishing sunglasses, look at the design and link it to function. Designs are influenced by the type of material used and how strong it is when put under pressure. Sunglasses should look nice, feel comfortable, and offer maximum eye protection.
Lens Color, and How it Affects Fishing
Selecting a lens color to match your fishing preferences is very important, as each color or tint offers distinct advantages.
Grey
Grey is a neutral color that provides natural contrast and true to life color. Grey is suitable for both sunny and cloudy conditions but may be too dark in very low light conditions.
Overall, grey polarized sunglasses are preferred as the best polarized sunglasses for sight fishing in normal light conditions.
Amber to Bronze
Amber and bronze tints are best for changing light conditions. They allow a higher level of light than grey tinted lenses, making them ideal for low light conditions.
Contrast levels and depth perception are increased, making it easier to spot fish and judge distances. These, too, are great for sight fishing, especially in low-light conditions.
Green
Green is more commonly used as a mirror coat set over an amber or copper base. The combination of two colors keeps colors realistic while increasing contrast and clarity.
Green mirror sunglasses are ideal for sight fishing in the shallows, and are also used for drone fishing.
Yellow
A yellow tint helps to intensify light in low light situations by filtering out blue light. Clarity and depth perception are both drastically increased, making shallow water fly fishing a whole lot easier.
However, there will be a slight color distortion giving the image a warm glow. The slight color distortion is relatively insignificant, though, compared to the benefits of your fishing experience.
Blue
Blue lenses normally come as a mirror coating which helps to reduce intense brightness. They are the best polarized sunglasses for boating and open water fishing on sunny days.
With blue sunglasses, details are more defined, contours around objects stand out, and overall color perception is improved. Blue lenses also improve vision in foggy or misty conditions.
Best of Both Worlds: Polarized Prescription Sunglasses
If you’re an avid fisherman and wear prescription glasses, there is a solution at hand. You can have the sunglasses of your choice fitted with your specific prescription.
Cost is a major drawback, though, but then again, how much is a clear vision worth? You will be able to enjoy the benefits of fishing sunglasses with your new polarized prescription lenses.
Look at different brands and designs, including lens shape and curvature, which will affect the price. Here is an interesting article that speaks of the pros and cons of polarized glasses and how shape affects cost.
Final Words
Fishing is a great activity enjoyed by millions of people worldwide, but it comes with its own set of risks and limitations. The limitations, obviously, relate to water, which acts as a mirror for sunlight.
The risk is possible eye damage from UV rays and glare off the water surface, burning your eyes. So, UV protection is a must, while polarized lenses reduce or eliminate glare.
Going fishing without a pair of polarized sunglasses is like forgetting your tackle box at home. You just can’t perform without them.
Know What to Look For?
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