The 10 Best Sunglasses For Fishing
This wiki has been updated 21 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Anglers require different capabilities from their sunglasses than land lubbers. When fishing, there is generally a strong glare reflecting back at you from the water's surface, so they need to be able to minimize that. They must also provide exceptional clarity and contrast, along with authentic color reproduction. Add to that, they need to be able to withstand the rigors of a day on the water. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Costa Del Mar Fantail
2. KastKing Hiwassee
3. Maui Jim Peahi 202
Editor's Notes
September 02, 2020:
Unlike with your standard pair of shades, when it comes to fishing sunglasses, style shouldn't be the most important thing. Factors like UV protection, glare reduction, contrast and color enhancement, and durability should take center stage. That being said, there is no reason you can't find a pair that offers all these features, and looks good while doing so, which we think is proven by our selections.
When it comes to balancing performance and style, Costa Del Mar immediately stands out. While we have only included three models from them; the Fantail, Tuna Alley, and Saltbreak, all of which have a wraparound design to block out distracting peripheral light, their frames come in a wide variety of styles and all are available with multiple of lens types. All of the models we have included feature rubberized temples to help keep them in place no matter how much you sweat when reeling in that prized catch.
If you like sunglasses that actually have glass lenses, but are sensitive to weight on your face, you may like the Maui Jim Peahi 202, which feature specially designed lenses that are 20 to 30 percent lighter than most others, yet no less durable.
The Oakley Holbrook Iridium Sport definitely win style points with their metal riveted accents, but these shades aren't just eye catching, they feature the company's Prizm lenses, which increase color and contrast, so everything will look more vibrant and you'll have improved depth perception, making it easy to spot those underwater structures.
While all of the above are excellent options, we do realize that not everybody wants to break that piggy bank for their fishing sunglasses, which is why we added the KastKing Hiwassee and Strike King Okeechobee. Both are quite reasonably priced, but we recommend the Hiwassee over the Okeechobee for their durability and scratch resistance.
December 27, 2018:
Sometimes the ability to spot a fish or underwater structure where one might be lurking can mean the difference between catching dinner that day and going home empty handed. That's why we made sure to only include sunglasses that are designed to increase contrast and simultaneously reduce glare, which makes it easier to clearly see what is happening under the surface of the water. We also did our best to include durable models that won't break from one or two falls.
Special Honors
Vuarnet Glacier 1315 Few pairs can block out as much peripheral light as the Vuarnet Glacier 1315, which are equipped with large shields around the sides. Thankfully, the company has smartly made them removable, so you can easily turn them into a stylish pair for social settings. Their lenses, which are made of mineral glass, have oleophobic and hydrophobic coatings, as well as an anti-reflective backside. vuarnet.com
Shady Rays X Series Black Glacier Extreme Edition As implied by their name, the Shady Rays X Series Black Glacier Extreme Edition boast features specifically designed to boost both their optical performance and toughness. These include thicker lenses, increased frame durability, an anti-reflective lens coating, and more. Though affordably priced, they are still backed by a lifetime warranty. shadyrays.com
4. Costa del Mar Tuna Alley
5. Oakley Holbrook Square
6. Native Kodiak
7. Smith Guide's Choice
8. Oakley Gascan
9. Costa Del Mar Saltbreak
10. Strike King Okeechobee
A wandering writer who spends as much time on the road as in front of a laptop screen, Brett can either be found hacking away furiously at the keyboard or, perhaps, enjoying a whiskey and coke on some exotic beach, sometimes both simultaneously, usually with a four-legged companion by his side. He has been a professional chef, a dog trainer, and a travel correspondent for a well-known Southeast Asian guidebook. He also holds a business degree and has spent more time than he cares to admit in boring office jobs. He has an odd obsession for playing with the latest gadgets and working on motorcycles and old Jeeps. His expertise, honed over years of experience, is in the areas of computers, electronics, travel gear, pet products, and kitchen, office and automotive equipment.