You have a big fishing trip coming up. And, you need a new pair of fishing sunglasses, but not just any old pair will do.
The last time you went out the glare was blinding. Even with your sunglasses on it didn’t help. And, to make matters worse your eyes got tired quickly and you had to cut your trip short.
That’s not happening this time. This time you are going to buy the best fishing sunglasses you can buy. Or, rather the best ones your wife will let you buy. But, this time the sun’s rays won’t conquer you.
The Quick Answer
If you need to find the best fishing sunglasses available, there are many considerations to take in. Weather conditions dictate what lens color to choose. You will also need polarized lens and UV protection, or you won’t last long out there.
For all you fishing warriors out there, the best fishing sunglasses you can get are the Costa Del Mar Brine sunglasses. They cover all the important features you need to fish comfortably for hours.
Our Fishing Sunglasses Comparison
Need a quick comparison chart? Here is look at all the fishing sunglasses this article covers:
Fishing Sunglasses Reviews
That glance of features may not be enough for you, though. So, here is a more in-depth look at the best fishing sunglasses in three categories.
1. Costa Del Mar Brine Polarized Sunglasses (Best for Fly Fishing)
Fashion isn’t everything. But, Costa Del Mar manages to blend fashion and functionality in these sunglasses. And, they are built for comfort which makes them even better.
They feature integral hinges and no-slip Hydrolite temples. Coupled with a TR-90 nylon frame that is durable and comfortable, you can focus on the fish and not your sunglasses.
You can choose between a lightweight 580G glass model or the 580P polycarbonate model. Both are scratch-resistant. And both feature polarized and mirrored lenses. They are also available in 6 different lens colors.
Be aware, however, that though the sizing can be a little funny. Sometimes they fit a little small on the head. But, like anything you buy online, sizing may be different in real life. If you can, first try these on in person.
Also, remember that there are different lenses offered in the same style. The “G” at the end of the model number means glass lenses. While the “P” at the end means polycarbonate, or plastic. This may get confusing for some people and lead to disappointed purchases.
Pros
•TR-90 nylon frames are light and durable•Available in a variety of colors•99.9% polarized•Mirrored for scratch resistance
Cons
•Sizing may be difficult to estimate online•Confusing when order between glass or plastic models•Pricey
Who It’s Best For
Costa fishing sunglasses are the best fishing sunglasses for those of you who spend a lot of time on the water. True, they may have other applications, but the water and fishing are where they truly shine. And, these sunglasses are specifically for people who are on the water a lot.
Final Thought
There are six colored frames to choose from and two types of lenses.
2. Paerde Polarized Sunglasses (Best Under $50)
Imagine that you want the best fishing sunglasses you can buy, but your bank account says they must be under $50. Don’t despair; you can still grab a great pair of fishing sunglasses for that price.
Paerde polarized sunglasses offers the best protection on a budget. They feature polarized lenses that cut the glare from horizontal surfaces. The lenses also have a UV400 coating which blocks out 100% of cancer-causing UVA and B rays from the sun.
Additionally, the frames are light and strong. Made from a metal alloy mixture of aluminum magnesium, they only weigh a mere 25 grams. This translates to barely feeling them on your face. The light frames are also durable and adjustable – yes, adjustable. The frames and the nose pad adjust to your face, so no more one-size-fits-none problems with these sunglasses.
Even if you weren’t in love with the price point, Paerde also offers a lifetime-breakage warranty. This covers both frames and lenses. And, if you aren’t in love with them when you get them, you have 30-days to send them back for a full refund.
All is not rose-colored glasses, however, as some people may find the lens size a little small, and smaller lens translates to sunlight getting to your eyes. This all depends on your head shape and size, though.
Also, the darker colored lenses may be too dark for some situations. So, when you pick your lenses out, remember to adjust the color accordingly. Choose lighter lens colors like gray instead of black if you will be in and out of dimmer areas.
Finally, despite the adjustable nature of the frames, they still may not sit well on your face. Unfortunately, it sometimes happens, especially with items bought online. But, there are warranties in place in case it does.
Pros
- Frames made from a lightweight aluminum magnesium alloy
- Adjust frame arms and nose pad
- Polarized
- UV coating blocks 100% harmful rays
- Lifetime breakage warranty
- 30-day money back warranty
Cons
- Lens size may be too small
- Lens tints are dark
- Frames may not adjust well to face/head size
Who It’s Best For
This are the best fishing sunglasses for those who are on a budget. They would work well while fishing, but they can also translate to other outside activities well. The adjustable nature also makes it appealing for people who have a difficult face for sunglasses.
Final Thought
These sunglasses come in your choice of 5 different lens colors. So, you can find the right lenses to suit your fishing needs. And, if you find that they still don’t work for you there’s no need to worry. The purchase is risk-free with a money-back warranty.
3. Shtorz Polarized Sunglasses (Best Cheap Sunglasses)
Now, if you are on an ultra-budget or just plain don’t believe in spending a lot for fishing sunglasses, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a good pair. Shtorz polarized sunglasses can still do everything you need it to at a fraction of a designer sunglass price.
These sunglasses offer 7 layers of UV protection, blocking 100% of harmful UVA and B rays. Additionally, the lenses are also treated with anti-scratch and anti-glare coatings; they repel other nasty things that may get on your lenses including water, dust, dirt, oil, sweat, and fingerprints.
The Shtorz sunglasses have polarized lenses so you don’t have to worry about that glare factor. And, the frames are made from a flexible, yet durable, TR-90 material. This helps with the sunglasses being lightweight, yet sturdy enough not to break when dropped.
However, they only come in one lens color. And, though the frames come with a soft rubber nose pad for comfort that doesn’t translate to a perfect fit, especially since these are supposed to fit snug on the face.
And lastly, sometimes you will experience some lens distortion when looking out from the glasses. This doesn’t happen every time and appears to be a factory defect.
Pros
- Polarized
- Blocks 100% harmful UV rays
- Snug, wraparound frames
- Lightweight
- Inexpensive
- Scratch-resistant coating
- Anti-glare coating
Cons
- Only 1 lens color
- Sometimes wraparound frames don’t sit right
- Lens distortion from factory defect, occasionally
Who It’s Best For
These may not be the best fishing sunglasses you can buy, but they are good for general outdoors activities. Especially if you only fish on occasion. They do, however, translate well to other outdoor sports.
Final Thought
The fact that there is only one lens color available makes this less appealing to avid sports fishermen. It cannot translate to specific fishing conditions. You can also try MOFLYOM polarized sunglasses, since it has a similar price point and feature, but a different colored lens.
Buying Guide: What to Look for In Your Best Fishing Sunglasses
Need to look beyond these offerings? If none of them suited your needs, you will need to look somewhere else to find the best fishing sunglasses for you. Here are some key points to consider when looking for fishing sunglasses.
Lens Type
You will usually find sunglass lens made from two types of material: glass or plastic. While sunglasses made from glass may be harder to find, they offer benefits such as scratch resistance and greater clearness. As you may imagine, they are heavier than plastic, and, the possibility of them cracking or shattering so close to the eyes? Scary.
Plastic lenses, on the other hand, are typically made from polycarbonate material. They make up for glass lens’ shortcomings. This means they are lighter and less-prone to cause devastating eye injury by shattering near your eyes.There used to be a wider gap of difference between the two types of lens. But, current technology has put plastic lens clarity very similar to glass lenses nowadays.
Lens Color
You may be tempted to choose a lens color based on how good you look in them, but fishing sunglasses offer serious protection from the sun; they aren’t mere fashion accessories. Therefore, lens color matters in this case. Fishing sunglasses usually come in three color families: smoky, amber, and red.
There isn’t a better lens color overall. Each color corresponds with different fishing conditions. For example, amber, or any yellow tints, have the least amount of light protection; that is not itself a bad thing. Yellow tinted glasses are ideal for gloomy and overcast days. So, if you are going out on the boat and it looks like rain, these are the ones to grab. They also may improve depth perception.
On the other hand, those smoky gray lensed sunglasses you’ve been eyeing have the greatest light reduction. Therefore, they are the go-to sunglasses if you mostly fish on sunny days. It’s also easier to see other colors with the darker lenses since they don’t distort it as much as other lenses do.
Lastly, lenses in the red family are somewhere in between yellows and smoky. There is a reason red lenses are used for tactical glasses; they improve your depth-of-field vision, especially against backgrounds that are green or blue.
Polarized and Photochromic
What about polarized and photochromic? Those types are in a class by themselves.The short answer is that polarized lenses reduce glare, but if you want to get more technical you must know a little bit about how light reflection works.
Light does many things. It scatters. It gets absorbed. It refracts. And, more importantly for you, it reflects. When it hits a horizontal surface like water, it bounces right back into your eyes. This produces an intense glare.
But, polarized lenses create a filter and minimizes the glare. This, in turn, allows you to see below the water’s surface, and, it also minimizes eye fatigue.Before you run out and buy a pair of polarized sunglasses, know that they are pricey, and, they can interfere with your ability to see LCD screens; texting on your cellphone is going to be a problem unless you constantly take them off.
Photochromic lenses, on the other hand, are lenses that react to sunlight. Indoors or dark conditions usually make them appear clear, or nearly so, but when the sun hits them, it darkens in reaction. This is because the lenses are reacting to the UVA in the sunlight. You can get polarized sunglasses with photochromic lenses, but they are usually sold anywhere you get your prescription eyeglasses and typically are not offered in retail stores.
Frames
Wraparound frames are an essential feature in the best fishing sunglasses. Why? Because they prevent sunlight from creeping into your eyes from the sides. They also give you a little protection from UV light.
If you don’t like wraparound sunglasses, however, choose sunglasses that have relatively large lenses and fit close to your face. You want as little sunlight finding its way into your eyes as possible.
Fishing Sunglasses FAQ
Let’s finish off with a couple of frequently asked questions about the best fishing sunglasses.
Polarized Versus Non-Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses may be pricier than their non-polarized counterpart, but if you will be using these sunglasses for fishing they are an absolute must (especially if you’re sight fishing).
Why? Because the glare from the light won’t allow you to see below the water surface if you are not wearing sunglasses with polarized lenses. And, your eyes will get tired faster as well.
Do My Sunglasses Also Need UVA Protection?
Yes and no. Do you absolutely need protection against harmful, cancer-causing sun rays? No. It’s a personal choice. However, repeated exposure to UV rays over time can cause serious eye problems not to mention the risk of cancer.
Luckily for you, you may not have a choice. Most sunglasses produced nowadays automatically have UV protection on their lenses.
Do I Really Need Wraparound Frames?
No, you don’t but it makes wearing UV protected and polarized lenses more effective. As a fisherman, being on the water reflects a lot of the sun’s rays. If your sunglasses are not of the wraparound variety, those rays can creep in on the sides.
The Final Word
Finding the best fishing sunglasses can be a challenge. Sometimes, it’s a matter of trial and error. But, with this article’s help there may be far less “error” when choosing a pair.
Just remember to keep the main considerations in your mind when you choose your sunglasses. Lens color is more than a fashion statement. And, polarized lenses are not just a gimmick. Both are as important to your fishing escapades as the fit of the sunglasses.
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