Most people buy sunglasses solely based on appearance, but those looking for the best fishing sunglasses shouldnt. Anglers dont need sunglasses solely to dim bright sunlight and look good. They require much more than that.

　　When shopping around, anglers need to consider lens color and optical clarity. Both of those things will have a direct impact on your ability to see underwater. Seeing underwater will allow you to sight fish for fish you may have otherwise missed and track your lures and flies underwater. If you havent used a quality set of fishing sunglasses, youll be amazed at how much youve been missing beneath the surface when you finally do.

　　Looks often take a backseat for anglers as things like side shields and breathable ports are necessary. Fishing sunglasses should block excess light from the sides, preventing a loss of underwater vision. Breathable ports keep your sunglasses from fogging on the hottest and most humid days.

　　Fortunately, our team has spent years testing dozens of sunglasses. Weve used them while flats fishing in the salt, bass fishing, fly fishing for trout, and on offshore trips. This list is a compilation of our favorites, so that you dont have to wonder if youre getting the right set.

　　The best overall fishing sunglasses, the Costa Del Mar King Tides, feature removable side shields, providing anglers with excellent UV and light protection while maintaining a stylish appearance off the water. Or, if youre on a budget, the Goodr Sunglasses can provide some of the features anglers need in a set of shades.

　　Editors Note: We updated this buyers guide on May 14, 2025 to include the Bajio Zapata, which takes the spot as our best freshwater fishing sunglasses.

　　The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025 Best Overall Fishing Sunglasses Costa Del Mar King Tide Frames 9.9/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $361 at Amazon Best Budget Fishing Sunglasses Goodr Sunglasses 7.1/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $25 at REI$28 at Amazon Best Freshwater Fishing Sunglasses Bajío Zapata 9.8/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Bajío Best Retro Fishing Sunglasses Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina 8.0/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Backcountry.comCheck Price at Amazon Most Versatile Fishing Sunglasses Smith Redding 7.9/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $265 at REICheck Price at Smith Optics Best Large-Frame Fishing Sunglasses Bajío Stiltsville 8.2/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS $209 at Bajio Sunglasses Best of the Rest Costa Del Mar Taxman 8.2/10 Rating

　　Jump to review BUY OPTIONS Check Price at Costa Del Mar See more picks Costa Del Mar King Tide Frames $361 at Amazon

　　9.9 How we rate products Pros Versatile – can go from bar to boat with ease Removable side-shields offer extra coverage Lightweight and comfortable enough for all-day wear Engineered to prevent fogging and manage sweat Anti-skid coating keeps frames from sliding around on any surface Cons Lack of frame color options. Shark gill venting is not an aesthetic for everyone, but it’s subtle Pricey Rachelle Schrute Read Review: Costa Del Mar King Tides

　　Versatile, ventilated, and offering awesome coverage, the Costa Del Mar King Tides ($329-349) are arguably the most adaptable and downright performance-driven pair of fishing shades currently on the market.  Engineered to move seamlessly from boat to bar, these shades boast a range of features that will make them your go-to for sunny adventures.

　　These shades offer excellent coverage thanks to removable side shields built to block backside and peripheral light, and your choice of mid (King Tide 6) or full-wrap (King Tide 8) frames. Multiple ventilation ports and sweat channels woven within the frames keep perspiration in check so you can see what’s in front of you, while also ensuring glasses don’t fog over.

　　And, because theyre performance glasses above all, they only come with Costa’s high-quality glass lenses. Choose from a variety of polarized color options, including mirrored and non-mirrored lenses.

　　An especially innovative feature we found helpful on bumpy boat rides and while bobbing out in the surf: the anti-skid coating on the frame that prevents the King Tides from sliding around on any surface, wet or dry. The lightweight, but strong frames and the adjustable nosepiece mean these high-performance shades are customizable to fit your face and are comfy enough to wear all day.

　　Fashion-conscious anglers might find the shark-gill venting unappealing, however, Costa does its best to make it subtle. However, we wish there was a larger choice of frame colors. The high price may cause some to balk at paying over $300 for a pair of sunglasses, but if you spend a lot of days on the water, the King Tides are worth it.

　　Whether it’s a full-send trip offshore or a leisurely day of fishing on the stream, the King Tides offer all of the performance features you want out of your sunglasses, and then some. Equally killer for beach life, surf sessions, and regular casual wear, you won’t find a more versatile pair of shades for any and all endeavors. Versatile and loaded with performance features, if you’re an angler looking for a top-quality pair of shades that also doubles as a lifestyle staple, the King Tides are for you.

　　Best Budget Fishing Sunglasses Goodr Sunglasses $25 at REI$28 at Amazon

　　7.1 How we rate products Pros Affordable Simple No slip No bounce Warranty Cons No lens options TAC frame is not as durable Rachelle Schrute Take your pick of any polarized pair of Goodr Sunglasses (around $30), and you likely won’t be disappointed.

　　Our reason is simple. We asked several fishing guides we know what sunglasses they were wearing. We made it a point to look at or ask which shades people were wearing on the river during the first big hatch of the year. Our ballpark estimate is that eight out of 10 fishermen we know or have spoken with have made the leap to Goodr.

　　Not everyone has the budget to spend hundreds on shades, and Goodr has become the go-to for many fishermen who need the performance without the investment. They have a long list of different frame styles and lens options, each for around $30.

　　Best of all, they have a killer warranty, particularly for a budget pair of shades. Goodr really is the right buy for the broke fisherman in all of us.

　　Best Freshwater Fishing Sunglasses Bajío Zapata Check Price at Bajío

　　9.8 How we rate products Specifications Fit: Large/extra large, full wrap Frame material: Bio-based nylon Lens options: Glass or polycarbonate Special features: Built-in side shields, breathable nose piece Pros Breathable nose vent prevents fogging Available in lens colors for both fresh and saltwater anglers Provide excellent color separation Even glass lens version maintains lightweight Great unisex frame Cons Price Rachelle Schrute Read Review: Look Good, See Everything: Bajío Zapata Fishing Sunglasses Review For anglers who spend most of their time in freshwater, the Bajio Zapata ($259) provides an unmatched view into the underwater world. Our tester spent this spring using the Zapata with a copper lens and found that they provided excellent color separation, allowing him to see more things underwater than he could with other sunglasses.

　　You may be asking, What makes these a freshwater set of sunglasses? It comes down to the unique needs of freshwater anglers. Freshwater anglers, like everyone else, need protection from the sun. However, they wont find themselves in extremely bright situations, such as those experienced by offshore anglers near the equator. That means they can get away with sunglasses that let in a little more light and give them better viewing for sight-fishing opportunities.

　　The copper lenses fit that bill perfectly, and our tester was able to track lures underwater at a distance, identify underwater structure holding bass and crappie, and sight trout feeding on nymphs in pools. The clarity provided by these sunglasses is amazing.

　　There are other features that all anglers will love, regardless of where theyre fishing. There are breathable ports on the nosepiece that allow air to flow through the sunglasses, preventing fogging. Built-in side shields keep sunlight from entering the sides of the glasses, providing great coverage while also maintaining a good look.

　　Freshwater anglers will be pleased with the performance they get from the Bajio Zapata with the copper lens, and theyre also available in other colors to perfectly suit anyone.

　　Best Retro Fishing Sunglasses Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina Check Price at Backcountry.comCheck Price at Amazon

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications Fit: Wide- full coverage with 6-base lens curve Frame Material: Bio-based nylon Lens options: Polarized glass or polycarbonate. Many color options Special Features: Retro look, removable side shields, sweat management channels Pros Maximum protection from sun and wind Removable side shields Adjustable nosepads Sweat channels Incredible visibility in variable light conditions Cons XL frame might be too big for some people Rachelle Schrute Read Review: Revamped Iconic Frames and Gold Glass Greatness: Costa Grand Catalina Review Are you looking to channel your inner Bill Dance? If so, the Costa Grand Catalina ($292) will take you right back to Saturday mornings watching the legend himself flip for bass. These sunglasses combine modern technology with a classic look, featuring Costas 580 polarized glass lenses and the original 80s-style aviator frame Costa launched over 40 years ago.

　　The biggest problem with aviator-style sunglasses and fishing is that they let in too much light on the sides of the lenses. Youre not wearing sunglasses on the water just to look cool. Theyre fishing tools that give you a spotlight into the underwater world. Sightfishing is considerably more difficult with excess light coming in from the sides of your sunglasses.

　　Costa solved this problem by making the sunglasses with removable side shields. We found that having the side shields on made the sunglasses more of a goggle. No excess light got in from the sides, and it kicks the retro look up a notch. While completely covered, the sweat management channels and vented nose pads keep things from getting fogged up.

　　The Costa Grand Catalina comes in a multitude of lens colors, allowing you to choose the best option for the type of fishing you do. Tennessee Vols trucker hat sold separately.

　　Most Versatile Fishing Sunglasses Smith Redding $265 at REICheck Price at Smith Optics

　　7.9 How we rate products Specifications Fit: Medium— small coverage with tighter wrapped 8-base curve Frame material: Evolve Lens options: Polarized ChromaPop Plus, ChromaPop Glass, and Techlite Glass Special features: Spring hinges and nose/temple pads Pros Premium quality Hard case included Many different lens options available Cons Expensive Rachelle Schrute The Smith Redding sunglasses ($215-295) sleekly blend style, performance, and functionality in one of our favorite pairs of shades. The lightweight frame wraps around the head, providing a comfortable fit that blocks out light and the elements without being too tight. Notably, the lens curves just enough to allow our long-lashed testers enough room to blink without their lashes touching the lens.

　　Smiths are known for their high-quality lenses, and these are no exception. The glass offers 100% UV protection and comes in ChromaPop Plus, ChromaPop Glass, and Techlite Glass, all of which are scratch-resistant. We can attest to the scratch resistance of the ChromaPop polarized glasses as we dropped them outside numerous times on a particular Monday of Mondays.

　　Once they were on our heads, they stayed put. There was no movement or shifting while looking down, tying on flies, battling fish, or scampering to shelter during a flash lightning storm.

　　The wraparound fit with temple and nose pads did a superior job securing the glasses even without Croakies. The narrow temples fit under a hat and are comfortable for all-day wear without applying too much pressure.

　　Overall, the Smith Redding sunglasses are a top choice for those looking for a small coverage wraparound fit. With their stylish design, effective lens technology, and robust construction, these sunglasses offer a winning combination of performance and aesthetic appeal.

　　Best Large-Frame Fishing Sunglasses Bajío Stiltsville $209 at Bajio Sunglasses

　　8.2 How we rate products Specifications Fit: Extra large — generous lens coverage with an 8-base lens curvature for better side protection Frame material: Bio-based nylon Lens options: Polarized polycarbonate or polarized glass Special features: Superb lens clarity, flexible hinges Pros Many lens options Great lens coverage Hard case included Cons Expensive No integrated leash Rachelle Schrute The Stiltsville ($259) stands out in this collection as one of Bajíos largest frames, designed to make a statement wherever your adventures take you. With an Extra-Large 8-base frame size, these sunglasses perfectly capture the essence of embracing challenges on the water and joyful celebrations off of it. Bajío has truly brought its A-game to the table with this rad pair of sunglasses.

　　What sets the Stiltsville apart is its sophisticated design. By incorporating vented temple tips and vented nose pads, these shades keep moisture off and contact points cool with improved airflow and fit.

　　The edges of the frames feature a distinctive curvature, infusing a sense of cool and collected style while delivering exceptional coverage against direct and indirect sunlight. When you slip on the full-wrap Stiltsville sunglasses, you step into a world of possibilities, with a range of polycarbonate or glass lens options to choose from.

　　Also, check out the Las Rocas for another great extra-large frame option from Bajio. But for our favorite large-frames for fishing, we reach for the Stiltsville.

　　Best of the Rest Costa Del Mar Taxman Check Price at Costa Del Mar

　　8.2 How we rate products Specifications Fit: Wide— medium coverage with base 6 decentered lens curve Frame material: Bio-based resin Lens options: Polarized glass or polycarbonate Special features: Nose pads with vents, wide temple Pros Premium quality Hard case included Many different lens options available Cons Expensive Size Large only Rachelle Schrute Costa Del Mar Taxman ($292) stands out with its top-notch lens construction and protection. The name Taxman may not immediately evoke positive connotations, but Costa Del Mar has redefined it. Theyve taken the bold, powerful image associated with a taxman and infused it into these sunglasses, backed by the best technology. Rest assured, you won’t look like a taxman while wearing them.

　　These large and wide frames offer medium protection and are surprisingly lightweight. The wide-set temple narrows down above the ears, providing ample sun protection without feeling scrunched under a hat. The flexible nose pads and small vents ensure air circulation, keeping you comfortable even on the hottest days under the sun.

　　They don’t wrap around tight and our tester noticed some wind would get funneled through on extra windy days. Additionally, because it doesn’t sit tight against the face, there was some water glare that would peek through the bottom of the glasses.

　　As for technology, Costa really knows how to make high-quality glass. These come with a blue mirror tint that works best in full-sun situations, reducing glare and providing enhanced visual clarity. They also utilize Costa 580 lenses, which help absorb High-Energy Blue Light (HEV), enhance reds, greens, and blues, and filter out harsh yellows.

　　Lastly, they use encapsulated mirrors (between layers of glass) to help them scratchproof. Our tester was not disappointed in the quality, and he noted the clarity is noticeably different once you put the glasses on. He did not encounter eye fatigue despite guiding multiple all-day fishing trips in the middle of summer.

　　Costa Del Mar sunglasses are not cheap, but considering their quality and the stellar warranty that even has an option for DIY repairs, the Taxman might be the time to “buy once, cry once.” And for our friends who don’t have 20/20 eyesight, they have a prescription option.

　　Other Sweet Shades We Tested Smith Guides Choice $265 at REICheck Price at Smith Optics

　　Pros Premium quality Integrated leash and hard case included Great warranty Versatile Cons Expensive Can’t fully customize frame and lens color options Rachelle Schrute Smith Optics is one of the best eyewear manufacturers on the market. The Guide’s Choice ($215-289) could honestly fit in any category on this list with just a simple lens swap. These frames have an aggressive wrap that’s wide at the temples, offering you top-notch protection in any conditions.

　　Known for having phenomenal lenses, Smith uses Techlite polarized glass, which cuts glare and reduces eye fatigue. We used the Guides Choice on an exceptionally sunny day on the lake where surface glare was brutal, but the excellent broad lenses kept us fishing comfortably late into the day.

　　The brands website clearly outlines which lenses are best for which applications in an easy-to-follow chart, so don’t limit these sunglasses to lake fishing. The rose-colored Techlite Ignitor lens would make these an awesome pair for small mountain streams.

　　The standard Guides Choice is best for large faces, but be sure to check out Smiths two new Small and Extra Large frame size options for just the right fit.

　　Wiley X P-17 $185 at AmazonCheck Price at Wiley X

　　Specifications Fit: Medium / large — fits the average angler well Frame material: Triloid nylon Lens options: Polarized Special features: Rx available, ANSI Z87.1+ lens impact safety standards, integrated leash compatible Pros Tried and true Affordable Durable Integrated leash included Cons Might be a bit small for larger faces Rachelle Schrute The Wiley X P-17 ($185) has a low-profile frame with a lightweight, incredibly durable polycarbonate lens. These shades have been a favorite for years both for their sleek, athletic profile and because they meet ANSI Safety Standards for high-impact resistance. That’s right — these are fishing sunglasses that are also classified as safety glasses.

　　All that is to say, they are durable.

　　One of the major perks of such an aggressive wrap style is the ability to block out ambient light from your peripheral vision. That in itself makes it an awesome shallow-water pair of shades. No one needs all that crazy bright light reflecting in from the sides.

　　The polarized lenses are offered in multiple colors, all of which offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.

　　The P-17 is a solid choice for those bright fishing scenarios, or any performance fishing situation where durability and light management are important.

　　Smith Boomtown Check Price at Smith OpticsCheck Price at Scheels

　　Specifications Fit: Medium / large — Broad lens coverage with a lightweight frame. 6-base lens curvature Frame Material: Bio-based nylon Lens Options: Polarized Chromapop polycarbonate Special Features: Spring hinges Pros Lightweight Active fit — rarely slips Great lens coverage Cons No included accessories Rachelle Schrute The Smith Boomtown ($175-215) sunglasses combine a retro design with a practical approach. Smith integrates its cutting-edge ChromaPop technology into these oversized lenses, delivering full-wrap coverage and top-notch clarity in a single offering. Consider this pair the boldest statement on this list — a fusion of style and substance.

　　Still, appearances can be deceiving. The Boomtown is crafted to handle every facet of your day, making it a true companion from dawn until dusk. Pair these frames with the right polarized lens, and they might just become your next go-to eyewear.

　　Our initial tryout of these sunglasses was an eye-opener. With their lightweight frame, we half-expected them to easily slip off with the lapping of a wave against the boats side. However, much to our surprise, they held firm. This remarkable grip is attributed to their MEGOL pads, which ensure a non-slip connection to the temples, even in challenging conditions.

　　The Boomtown not only embraces a nostalgic aesthetic but also embodies robust functionality, making it a versatile companion for both style-conscious adventurers and dedicated anglers alike.

　　Maui Jim Alenuihaha CHECK PRICE AT AMAZONcheck price at Cabelas

　　Specifications Fit: Medium/large — broad coverage with tighter wrapped 8-base curve Frame material: Nylon Lens options: PolarizedPlus2 Glass Special features: Rx available, spring hinges Pros Premium quality Hard case included Great warranty Cons Expensive Not many lens or frame options Rachelle Schrute Thinking of the tropics? Check out Maui Jims Alenuihaha ($279) sunglasses. They blend a rectangular style with a reliable fit and top-notch lens clarity. We couldn’t resist taking them to the beach for some surf fishing. With Maui Jim’s new Hawaii Lava lens, we felt seriously cool in these shades. The PolarizedPlus2 technology made the views incredibly clear with a vibrant yet natural contrast. 

　　The frame was just right — not too heavy, not too light — comfortable even after a long day at the beach. The lenses arent oversized, and folks with small to average faces can expect a solid fit. If you want magnification or prescription, the Alenuihahas have plentiful options. These should be on your radar when youre shopping for your next sunnies.

　　Costa Del Mar Waterwoman 2 $246 at AmazonCheck Price at Glasses USA

　　Specifications Fit: Medium — Average coverage with open frame design Frame Material: Bioresin Lens Options: Polarized polycarbonate and polarized glass Special Features: Rx available Pros Premium Quality Unique Style Cons Expensive Rachelle Schrute The Waterwoman 2 ($204-284) is a fashion-forward choice with nearly indestructible polarized lenses. They’ve been a hit with women on the water since the original version was released a few years back. The bold frame — with a wide temple and narrow fit — offers a touch of flair to a functional pair of performance fishing glasses.

　　These are the favorite sunnies of GearJunkie tester and former editor Nicole Qualtieri. For female anglers, they offer a silhouette that feels less bro-ey fishing guide, and more girl having fun on the water. Plus, the lenses are among the toughest weve ever worn. Here’s what Qualtieri has to say about them:

　　“I’m seriously hard on sunglasses. They don’t survive me. These didn’t either; they fell in the Gallatin River in a kayak accident, never to be seen again. But, after months of devoted wear and undevoted care, they didn’t have a scratch on them. By far, the best sunnies I’ve ever worn.”

　　Covered by Costa’s awesome warranty, the Waterwoman 2 is an excellent option for the ladies, or for the more fashionable gents.

　　Kaliyadi 3 Pack Polarized Sunglasses $25 at Amazon

　　Specifications Fit: Medium— Medium coverage Frame material: N/A Lens options: Polarized and a plethora of color options Special features: 15º spring hinge Pros Cheap Comfortable Fits a wide variety of sized heads Cons Polarized lenses are not highest quality Rachelle Schrute Three polarized sunglasses for under $20? It sounds too good to be true, but the price does not match the quality. Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses (three for $20) are lightweight and comfortable, and the glass is actually pretty decent quality as well.

　　To be fair, there is a clear difference between the quality of these lenses and the higher-priced ones. With that said, for $6.66 a pair, these are an incredible deal. We compared them to our kids polarized sunglasses, and the quality of the Kaliyadi was much better. There was minimal distortion, which is only noticeable when looking out the corners. While the glass is not as crisp as others, they certainly get the job done.

　　The Kaliyadis are spring-hinged and can fit a wide variety of faces. They are also super lightweight and comfortable. They come in so many different color combo options that youll be hard-pressed to find one that wont work for your style. If you lose your glasses all the time, these just might be the way to go.

　　Fishing Sunglasses Comparison Chart

　　How We Tested the Best Fishing Sunglasses Just like most outdoorsy people, we live in sunglasses here at GearJunkie. No matter what kind of activity we’re doing we have a pair for the task.

　　Throughout our careers as outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, we’ve learned a few things about what makes the right pair. Through rigorous and extensive on-the-water testing, we narrowed down this list to some of our favorites.

　　Many experienced anglers contributed to this list, including our Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute and Aaron King — an experienced competitive sport fisherman based in California. In 2024, John and Conni Mahoney began contributing to this guide. John has been fishing since he was tiny in Montana and has worked in and guided through fly-fishing shops in Bozeman, Mont., and Crested Butte, Colo.

　　When he met his wife, Connie, in Montana, he introduced her to his love of fly fishing, and together, they have fished through Montana down to the famed waters of the Gunnison Valley, where they have settled. Across the board, they know fishing and the gear. They are backcountry fishermen, always hiking, climbing up and down banks, and in all the weather. This means they understand the value of quality sunglasses and all gear.

　　The greater GearJunkie team has decades of collective experience on lakes, rivers, freshwater, and saltwater. Our testing process brought us to just about every teeming fishery under the sun — from Baja to Minnesota. Along the way, we assessed durability, shape and coverage, effectiveness, clarity, weight, and style.

　　While we did test some of the more popular models from major brands such as Maui Jim and Smith, we also checked out options from smaller, more fishing-specific manufacturers.

　　As new fishing sunglasses hit the market, well be sure to get our hands on them to ensure that our list includes the best of the best at any given time. To help you find the best fishing sunglasses for your unique needs, we’ve included abuyer’s guide, afrequently asked questionssection, and acomparison chart.

　　Buyers Guide: How to Choose Fishing Sunglasses

　　A glorious afternoon of glassy water and golden sunshine; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) When shopping for the best fishing sunglasses, its important to consider your budget, style, activity, location, and personal comfort. This is easier said than done. Let’s break down a few of these key factors.

　　The Best Fishing Sunlgasses for Different Fishing Disciplines There are so many wonderful ways to fish. Some folks do it for work, others do it for fun, and some combine the two as professional sport fishermen. There are dozens of subdisciplines out there, but perhaps the most important distinction is freshwater vs. saltwater.

　　Freshwater Freshwater fisheries include lakes, rivers, and ponds. Freshwater fishing is generally associated with tame water, fairly shallow water, and shady vegetated banks. Wide open lakes and reservoirs often come with sunny conditions and lots of surface glare. In such environments, a lens like the Costa King Tides that has side shields and offers a lot of protection will come in handy.

　　When fishing shallow water, a high-contrast lens can help identify movement while sight-fishing. Were strong proponents of finding a single versatile pair of glasses like the Bajio Zapata that can handle all of your fishing needs. Still, every day is a little different when fishing freshwater, and its wise to own a few pairs that you can switch in and out of depending on the days conditions.

　　Saltwater

　　A good pair of sunglasses might increase your odds of enjoying moments like this; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Saltwater fishing means large waves, big swell, huge fish, possible storms, and relentless sun. Again, every fishery is different but it’s safe to assume that you’ll be out on the water with the sun beating down and reflecting all over the surface of the water.

　　If that’s the case, you’ll want a pair of those very bright lenses to protect your eyes while you’re out chasing your desired species. For these instances, give the Wiley X P-17 a shot. Getting familiar with common weather patterns in your fisheries can also be helpful when shopping for glasses.

　　Saltwater is hard on gear, and sunglasses are no exception. If you want your sunnies to last in marine environments, we recommend seeking out a durable pair and treating them to frequent freshwater rinses. And, if youre considering a trip to the tropics, check out our complete guide to gear you need to bring.

　　Fishing Sunglasses Lens Types and Materials Lenses are the most important component of the best fishing sunglasses. There are endless different lenses on the market, and each offers slightly different features and characteristics. Recent technological advancements in optics have been incredible and the standards for lens quality have never been higher.

　　With that said, there are plenty of sub-par lenses on the market. Quality is number one, but its also crucial to pick a lens that matches the weather conditions and water depth where youll be fishing.

　　Becoming more popular are prescription options for sunglasses. Maui Jim Alenuihahais our favorite for readers as they use a unique bifocal element that is nearly undetectable to see from the outside.

　　Lens Color

　　All smiles with a quality pair of mirrored lenses; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) We anglers consider color when selecting our lures and flies. We want to do the same when it comes to our lenses. Our eyes are powerful, adaptable, and delicate — but most of all they are unique. Every person has a different experience of light and color. We cant say for certain what will work for you, but we can give you an idea of what works for most folks. It will be up to you to do some trial and error.

　　If youre heading out to a local lake during a bluebird day and won’t be doing much shallow-water fishing, youll likely want to grab some blue or green mirror lenses. If youre going out to fly fish on a free-flowing river, wed recommend a high-contrast lens like copper or copper-silver. Try some low-light rose or silver lenses for evening fishing and a good topwater bite.

　　Owning a different pair of sunglasses for every kind of weather isn’t feasible for everyone. We recommend that you first start with a pair of “do-it-all’’ glasses and branch out from there. Most of the frames that we mentioned in this article can be matched up with a green mirror lens to form a versatile workhorse. Many brands offer free exchange options — especially if purchased through retailers or distributors.

　　Lens Material The other key lens consideration is material. Most frames nowadays offer both polycarbonate and glass lens options, such as those seen on the Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina. Don’t be fooled by these simple terms — most modern lenses arent made of a single solid material.

　　Instead, lenses often consist of 10 or more layers of different hair-thin materials and treatments, including hydrophobic coatings, anti-reflective coatings, and anti-scratch protection. Due to these variables, we cant strictly say that glass or polycarbonate is always better.

　　Glass lenses like the ones featured in the Smith Redding are known for supreme scratch resistance due to their inherent hardness. Its also said that glass lenses can offer better optical clarity. Typically, glass lenses also make for a heavier pair of glasses.

　　Polycarbonate lenses are a great choice if weight savings are a priority for you. While easier to scratch than glass, polycarbonate is more shatter-resistant, providing better protection against errant casts that may send a jig or split shot into your shades.

　　Every brand has a bit of its own variation when it comes to the lens materials that it offers. Like with color, we encourage buyers to compare specific lenses to each other rather than broad categories like glass and polycarbonate.

　　Glass lenses like those found in our most versatile option, the Smith Redding, are indeed scratch-resistant, as we learned firsthand; (photo/Conni Mahoney) Fit Ideally, fishing sunglasses are comfortable enough to wear all day long. Comfort is a direct result of fit. Finding the right fit for you takes time, but its a worthwhile process. Dont compromise on this.

　　On the practical side, the right fit helps prevent sunlight from sneaking in from the sides, maximizing your eye protection. Features like adjustable nose pads and temple tips help provide a snug yet comfortable grip.

　　Many fishing sunglasses like the Bajío Stiltsville have large frames to maximize coverage and protection. This works well for those with large faces, but it can be an issue for everyone else. The Smith Redding glasses were some of the most comfortable and best-fitting of all the options we tested. Refer to our comparison to get a better sense of the fit of all of our recommended glasses.

　　Durability of the Best Fishing Sunglasses

　　GearJunkie’s Hunt and Fish Editor Rachelle Schrute stoked on a fresh catch; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Along with advancements in lens technology, there has been a notable shift toward innovative frame materials in recent years. Many of the brands highlighted on this list have moved beyond conventional steel, aluminum, or other metal frames. Instead, leading brands have embraced alternative materials that offer performance enhancements and/or environmental benefits.

　　Current trends lean toward frames crafted from robust and heat-resistant nylon or acetate-based materials. Furthermore, theres now a strong emphasis on sustainability. Many frames utilize biodegradable plastics or recycled plastics retrieved from our oceans, reducing the environmental impact in case a pair goes missing in the great outdoors.

　　The Costa Del Mar selection (Costa Del Mar Lido, Costa Del Mar King Tide Frames, Costa Del Mar Taxman, Costa Waterwoman 2, and Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina) uses bio-based material to make their frames.

　　Durability is a huge concern when it comes to small hardware and added features like nose pads and temple pads. When we fish, we put our gear through the wringer. We want glasses that don’t fall apart after a single season.

　　Were confident in the durability of the sunglasses on this list, but to best protect your investment, look for a pair of sunglasses with a decent warranty. Goodr Sunglasses are not necessarily the most durable sunglasses, but they do have an amazing warranty for how affordable they are!

　　Pro Tip Buy Croakies. And if you don’t know what Croakies are, they’re corded keepers for your glasses. If you take a digger and end up face down in the river, they’ll keep your glasses from leaving your body. Some of them float, which is a bonus if you’re fishing deep water.

　　Seriously, buy them. You won’t regret it.

　　Dont hit the water without a good pair of sunnies; (photo/Rachelle Schrute) Price and Value Are you the person who has always jumped for the cheapest gas station shades they can find? If so, you may not really understand what a higher quality pair of shades will bring you.

　　Even the cheapest fishing sunglasses should have some basic required features. But if you spend a lot of time on the water or sight fish regularly, it may be worth upgrading to an option that packs more features.

　　Budget Fishing Sunglasses Budget sunglasses cost between $15 and $30. With that budget, you can get a set of shades with basic polarization. When shopping for budget fishing glasses, be sure to verify that they are polarized. Polarization cuts glare on the surface of the water and allows you to see whats happening under the surface. It is very common for lower-priced sunglasses not to be polarized.

　　Our favorites at the budget price are Goodr sunglasses. They offer a modern, good-looking frame with polarized lenses and a fantastic warranty.

　　When you shop for budget sunglasses, youre giving up the optical clarity you get with better lenses. You may notice distortion around the sides of the lenses where they enter the frame. They are often very basic, may not be as comfortable on your face, and may not come in a variety of lens color options.

　　Mid-Tier Fishing Sunglasses Mid-tier sunglasses cost between $50 and $190. There are fewer options in this range than in the budget or premium range, but glasses like the Wiley X P-17 do offer some upgrades over budget lenses.

　　These glasses will have a better-designed, more well-thought-out frame. The Wiley X is one of our favorites because the frame curves around your face, blocking light from getting into the sides of the sunglasses.

　　Youll also get more lens color options, and the obvious lens distortion will disappear when upgrading to middle-of-the-road sunglasses. However, you still wont have the clearest lens or a lens with unique technology like the Smith Chromapop.

　　Premium Fishing Sunglasses These are the shades you get when you want to find the perfect pair of sunglasses. Brands like Costa Del Mar, Smith Optics, and Bajío live in this category. All of these companies specialize in making high-quality sunglasses that range from $200 to $360.

　　In this category, you will find the best lenses on the market, like the Smith Chromapop lens, which can be found on Smiths Guides Choice. This lens is ultra clear and makes colors pop more, which is very helpful for picking up fish movement while sight fishing.

　　Often, sunglasses in this range will have different size options, allowing you to get the perfect fit for your face. Theyll usually have an adjustable nosepiece, and some, like the Costa Del Mar King Tide, have removable side plates that you can use to eliminate all glare while on the water.

　　Premium sunglasses also offer the greatest selection of lens colors and options. Cheaper models may have only one or two lens options, but premium sunglasses often have five to 10 lens color options, both mirrored and non-mirrored. You can often also get prescription lenses in premium sunglasses.

　　Frequently Asked Questions How do polarized lenses work? Polarized lenses absorb horizontal light. Because the light source is coming from above and typically reflecting from a flat surface below, the majority of glare is horizontal light.

　　By removing that incoming light with a polarized lens, you’re left with only vertical light. The result is the ability to look through the surface of the water with far less reflecting light interfering with your view.

　　Think of it as being able to utilize the ambient light under the water without a light shining down on it and flashing back into your eyes

　　The increased visibility makes sight fishing possible, even in bright conditions. It allows you to see underwater landscape features you may have otherwise not known were there.

　　What color lens is best? When choosing a lens color, it’s essential to understand which colors work best in which scenarios. Costa does a great job explaining the best lens color for your activity.

　　Each manufacturer will have slightly different recommendations based on the colors/finishes they offer.

　　Adding a mirror finish to any color lens will help reflect even more light, giving you increased visibility in bright situations.

　　If you want an extremely affordable way to test out different lens colors, check out the Kaliyadi 3 Pack Polarized Sunglasses offered on Amazon.

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