Blog

Spending money on sunglasses for fishing might seem like an extra cost, many people consider this fancy gear but it’s not right, protecting your eyes from the harmful rays of the sun should be the number one priority. Obviously, fishing isn’t an hour activity, you will be spending a whole day outdoor and according to a search, more than 8 hours of sun exposure causes serious eye issues.

I will give you 5 reasons that you should buy fishing sunglasses, then I will be clear with my point that buying the best sunglasses for fishing is as important as buying the best fishing rod.

5 reasons you should buy fishing Sunglasses

1. UV rays cause severe eye damage
2. Long-term Sun exposure may cause skin cancer
3. Corneal Damage and Cataracts are the most common damage
4. Give Optical Clarity
5. Enhance Colors and remove glare from the picture

Today modern sunglasses uses advanced lenses that not only act as a barrier between UV rays and your eyes but also enhance visibility, a clearer picture, and accurate vision.

Here I represent you my recommendations for the best fishing sunglasses to upgrade your fishing apparel with a modern look. 

Since 1983, Costa Del Mar has been serving quality products in the sports sunglasses market. It is one of the most rated and trusted companies on amazon with millions of satisfied customers. Quality and performance are the two key features of selecting Costa De Mar’s products.

Talking about Costa Del Mar Men’s Fantail Rectangular Sunglasses are the best sport fishing glasses. These glasses have 580G (glass) lenses so better not worry about the scratches because glass lenses’ key property is that they are Scratch free. Moreover, they block the specific harsh and undesired lights and offer clear vision.

You may have noticed that it has wide and long mirrored lenses so full coverage is supported by these glasses. The anti-slip rubbers for the nose and ear adjustments are the plus points. The glasses are perfectly designed in accordance with the anglers’ requirements and the frames are made tough and durable to meet the sport angler’s standards.

This model is available in plenty of different colors you wouldn’t be stuck with just one color shade. Each color is associated with different fishing locations so pick in accordance. I will share the color chart for making it easier for you.

Overall it is a good quality product not only for fishing but also for regular outdoor shades. Well, the price is pretty much high but it’s worth buying because it’s been two years and still no scratches.  

Note* All these models aren’t with glass lenses some are polycarbonate (plastic) lenses so read the product description carefully before buying,

Another top-rated brand for sunglasses, they are for about 5 years in this market and yet made their place and fame with their reliable products. KUGUAOK sunglasses offers many features that you will be amazed by. First of all, this comes as a full package which includes shades, case, pouch, cloth for cleaning, an adjustable rope that blocks slipping, and an interesting card named “Polarized test Card”.

For me, this card is a clear depiction that how much the company is confident about its main feature of eliminating glare and presenting a clearer picture. Let’s go deep into this point when it’s bright sparkling sunlight it’s obviously difficult for a bare eye for normal vision and when it comes to outdoor games, especially fishing, the light reflects just like this, you can’t even focus underwater, here come the KUGUAOK sports sunglasses.

These glasses eliminate the excessive spark and glare from the scene which results in soft vision. In addition to this, they are a good option for night driving as it also offers night vision. Honestly speaking, such a quality product at this price is a treat to buy. Due to plastic frames and lenses, they are lightweight, wide, and large enough for full protective coverage for the eyes.

Now for those who want to maintain a classy look while on their outdoor activities or sports then Oakley Holbrook is a good pick these sunglasses are also a bit less expensive than Costa Del MAR so it’s a good alternative option with premium quality features.

First of all, complete UV protection, it’s full protection from three A, B, and C UV rays because of its Plutonite lens material. These are also all-rounder glasses that serve as your gaming as well as daily use sunglasses. They are so lightweight so no discomfort and no burden on the ears.

This product is perfect for those people who don’t like the uplifted design sunglasses that are tightly fitted to their eyes, this one I kind of cool design that allows ventilation, so people who sweat a lot should consider these glasses to add to their collection.

Its polarized lens not only reflects glare but due to the Prizm lens Technology clears the picture and enhances the scenes’ colors, so never a dull moment with these sunglasses. They fit so well that even if you are running or doing any other moving activity they wouldn’t fall off. Even though they are plastic framed and lenses but get scratched very rarely. They are actually long-lasting sunglasses. So better they deserve the tag of best durable fishing sunglasses.

Now if you are confused with so many options within a single product and at the same time you are in search of budget-friendly sunglasses because you are an occasional angler and barely step outdoor on weekends. I think I have stretched the scene too long coming to the point that Yes!! There is a good option where low price and quality meet at the same point. 

Goodr OG sunglasses have all the quality features that I have mentioned about the products before. They are good for sports they offer a strong grip and don’t leave their position with rich in movements activities. They provide full UV protection and cover a wide area and wouldn’t attach to your eyes. So enjoy wearing them with full comfort.

These sunglasses are available in three basic colored lenses so you can easily pick with the help of the color chart. The company’s main goal was to create non-slippery sunglasses for running and I think they did a great job.

Here is a suggestion must read this product’s description on amazon, I think you will be convinced to buy it even the case you already have fishing sunglasses. I enjoyed it reading, you will also because the writer got a strong sense of humor.

The sunglasses especially for fishing should fulfill the basic requirements they shouldn’t slip so you can focus, shouldn’t be easily breakable, and should offer enhanced color vision. RIVBOS polarized sports sunglasses are well known for their durability, they are one of those which can bear aggressive situations and will be your every type of sports partner.

They are a good option if you are so much responsible like me and take care of your shades, clean the lenses regularly and always place them back in their case (revealing the secret “I am exactly opposite”). So if you are getting my point, then go for it.

They are UV protectants and provide full coverage to the eyes saving them from dirt, and harmful rays, and just perfectly stick to your face without adding any type of discomfort. They are lightweight and have a flexible frame and lenses that wouldn’t break easily.

Rather than rubber, they have silicon nose pads which are soft and mold into your nose shape. Its wraparound design is one of the main reasons for anglers to pick it because they just stick to the face. They are unisex so you can also share them with your partner.

One more wraparound style sunglasses on this list but this one have wider and longer lenses as compared to the other. So those anglers who aren’t fans of wraparound styles will like this one. HUK brand is well known for their good variety of fishing shirts and now comes with fishing sunglasses. This one comes with quality and appearance at an affordable price. 

Many users wish to buy branded sunglasses but can’t afford but they also don’t want to sacrifice the quality. Huk polarized sunglasses are the best option not only for them but overall. Its polycarbonate lenses just expel the excessive glare and spark resulting in an enhanced clear view for the anglers.

Moreover, the lenses are durable and can withstand a sudden force so they are also perfect for daily use where many sudden slips and forces are usual. Its lightweight frame is so comfortable to wear that it wouldn’t disturb you.

A common issue faced by many anglers with their cheap sunglasses is that these lenses darken the view in the name of keeping out glare. There is no such issue with these shades. They balance the shades and protect from both direct and indirect sunlight.

They are very versatile sunglasses available in different frames with different colors which are not only protective but also make your look for the day. They are comparable to any other top brand in UV protection.

Now your fishing apparel should be updated with versatile sunglasses which can be worn for both fresh and saltwater fishing. Your fishing apparel collection should have those types of sunglasses that can be a backup plan for those expensive shades that you don’t want to lose on the river and wouldn’t let you enjoy the fishing trip because you are in continuous fear of losing them. Calcutta Outdoors Steelhead Fishing sunglasses are so affordable that you can have a pair of them at once.

Its polarized composite lenses just keep the view clear and glare-free and act as a protective barrier between your eyes and the UV rays.  They are cheap shades but they haven’t dropped quality. These durable sunglasses are comfortable and also look great. Its curved-shaped lenses allow enough space between the eyes and the lens that your lashes wouldn’t touch the lens.

Its lens covers a wide area however they are good go-to sunglasses for fishing and are available in different colors in frames.

How to pick your Sunglasses for Fishing

Fishing is one of these sports where wearing sunglasses is an essential part of the game. The main reasons for this are that there should be smooth and clear optical vision, so the angler wouldn’t be distracted and can focus on the catch more effectively, and secondly to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. Today these fishing sunglasses are so advanced that anglers can detect their underwater catch.

If the pair you using needs adjustments from time to time and isn’t the perfect fit for your face. There are many other factors that should consider before buying. I know buying sunglasses online is a bit challenging but considering these points will make it easier

Lens

There are different types of sunglasses lenses. You should be aware of them, the most common ones are

Polarized lens

The main function of these polarized sunglass lenses is to reduce glare from the scene so that the player can focus more. These lenses are generally preferred for outdoor games especially fishing when water is so sparkling that it is not possible for naked eyes. The chemical layer on polarized lenses just absorbs the horizontal light and allows the vertical light to cross. All this happens when the sunlight reflects off the flat surface.

Polarized sunglasses are mostly used by people who spend most of their time on the water, fishing, and boating. They are relatively expensive than regular lenses but they offer 100% UV protection so worth buying. Different tints of the lens are used for different locations.

Photochromic Lens

The one who automatically adjusts to changes. These lenses automatically become dark on bright light and become light when it’s dark. They are also used for freshwater fishing but the reason I will not recommend them is that they aren’t polarized means they can’t enhance the colors of the view as a polarized lens. Although they are 100% UV protectant but it does not shut the glare.

Lens Color/shade/Tint

Now here comes the answer to the most confusing part i.e. which color should I pick for which location? You all have seen that each model is available in plenty of different shades…..Now let’s solve this puzzle

If directly getting to the point

Dark colors like green, brown, or gray shades are the better option when it’s bright outside. These shades cut the glare out of the scene. Dark-colored lenses are also suitable for everyday use. Among them, green is preferred for inshore fishing.

Light colors just like yellow, rose/pink, or other light colors are good for low-level light just like a light at sunset and sunrise. Moreover, they are also recommended when it’s cloudy. 

Frame Material

Frame material is the one that makes your sunglasses lightweight and adds comfort wearing it. Like all other things, different materials are used for different sunglasses

Nylon

One of the most inexpensive and lightweight frame materials. Nylon frames are also durable and force resistant. You might have noticed that all the fishing sunglasses listed above all lies in the category of nylon frames. Nylon frames are well recommended for outdoor games. Nylon frames feel more protective, secure, and comfortable on the face than other materials.

Metal

All the aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, and titanium material comes under the category of metal frames. They are relatively more durable and lightweight than nylon but the reason I don’t recommend this material is that it adsorbs the heat and gets hot in the sunlight.

As we are discussing the sunglasses for fishing, so I will definitely recommend Nylon frames for fishing.

Frame style

Plenty of styles in frames are now available, although picking the frame style should be anyone’s personal preference but in the case of fishing, you should pick the frame wisely. Some of the common frame styles are

Classic aviator

When this frame style is named the very first brand that pops up is Ray-Ban, this frame comes with a metal body. The only touching part of this frame are nose pads, so light can easily pass through the sides and edges. Although the lens used are polarized but they don’t offer full coverage. They are good to go for a formal dinner but not a good choice for outdoor games like fishing, running, climbing, and many others.

Wrap-around

These are the frames that perfectly cover your eyes from all sides so that there is no possible way for UV rays to pass and damage your eyes. Wrap-around frame also comes in different styles like rectangular lens, square or curved lenses. Now there you can pick any of your personal choices.

Here’s a little tip while buying wraparound fishing sunglasses, obviously they should be a perfect fit but make sure that they aren’t that tight that your eyelashes touch the lenses. And the frame shouldn’t pinch you.

Rectangle

Rectangle frames are similar to wrap arround tyle but they aren’t lift upward like them. They are straight and have longer lenses than wrap arround frame lenses. They are also a good pick for fishing as they cover more area around the eyes.

Final Thoughts

Fishing is fun but nothing is allowed to damage your health, today modern and advanced fishing sunglasses not only protect you from UV rays but also enhance the view for anglers to detect their catch moreover, your eyes will be safe from dirt particles saving your eyes from any type of damage. Wearing sunglasses is now an essential part of fishing because with bare eyes you can even focus because the sunlight glare disturbs your vision. So there should be at least a pair of sunglasses included in your fishing gear. This list of best sunglasses for fishing is well researched and each product is listed in accordance with the basic requirements of fishing and anglers.

Frequently Asked Questions