Best Fishing Sunglasses For 2025

Contrary to assumptions, testing the best fishing sunglasses is hard work. Waking up before dawn, paddling into the sunrise, hours in the blazing heat, eyes straining to see through the glare, salt spray, blowing sand, flying fish slime, dripping sweat. Ok, who am I kidding? Testing the best fishing sunglasses is a lot of fun.

To evaluate the comfort and performance of the best fishing sunglasses, I picked the top watersports frames and took them to every type of fishery I have access to.

For a more objective test, I gathered all the candidates and headed to my neighborhood pond where the clear, shallow water allowed me to evaluate polarization, clarity, and frame coverage on an even playing field.

In the end, all of the sunglasses in this review are great for angling. Some models are better at specific scenarios such as backwater, bright sun or low sun. And certain frames are designed for kids or women. Frames with advanced features like venting, grippy contact points and high-tech, premium glass or polycarbonate polarized lenses were evaluated against less expensive shades with basic features and optics to reach a final opinion of each candidate’s performance. After hours in the sun carefully testing and reviewing dozens of sunglasses, I whittled the list to my top choices.

Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025: Top Picks

• Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina
• Smith Hookset
• Pelagic Navigator
• Lip Flo
• Dragon Momentum
• Revo Winston
• Bajio Sigs
• Island Optics Mako XL
• Costa Del Mar Jose
• Island Optics Angler
• Smith Castaway
• Costa Del Mar King Tide
• Ombraz Cammina
• Bajio Rigolets
• Revo Sailfish
• Hobie Snook

Best Overall

Costa Del Mar Grand Catalina

MSRP: $310

• 7 lens combinations
• 3 frame colors
• Removable side shields
• Glass or polycarbonate lenses
• New Rose Gold Mirror optimal for medium to low light
• Adjustable, vented nose pads

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COSTA DEL MAR AL’S AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S EYEGLASSES 123 FISHWEST HANSEN SURFBOARDS SCHEELS SUNGLASS HUT

Why I Love Them

It’s no secret, I am a big fan of Costa Del Mar’s Sunrise Gold Mirror lenses. My affection for the lens color sparked when I realized I could wear the lighter tint lenses in low light and still have the glare-cutting power of 100-percent polarization. Costa’s new Grand Catalina with rose gold mirror lenses takes the concept to the next level with a rose-colored lens encapsulated in a gold mirror finish.

The combination allows 14 percent visible light transmission (VLT) compared to 30 percent on the Sunrise Silver Mirror lenses and 10 percent VLT of Costa’s darkest grey lens with blue mirror. This allows the Rose Gold Mirror to balance maximum performance in low light and full sun.

The Grand Catalina has removable side shields that allow me to customize the sunglasses for full coverage in strong sun or increased ventilation and reduced weight on a long, hot day. To maximize comfort, the Grand Catalina incorporates Costa’s premium features like an adjustable nose pad, grip pads and sweat management channels for a full-coverage frame that doesn’t fog up or slip down my face.

Who Should Buy Them?

Hardcore anglers looking for an extra large frame that goes from the deck to the dock. The aviator frame with removable side shields is great for blocking light for optimal glare reduction. Back on land, I remove the side shields and the aviator frames look casual. Premium mineral glass lenses offer maximum polarization and UV protection with a scratch, dirt and water-resistant coating.

The Grand Catalina is designed for full sun and long days on the water with Costa’s finest features and materials. Comfort and performance aren’t cheap, however, for your fishing and your vision, these shades are worth the investment.

Smith Optics Hookset

MSRP: $305

• Polychromatic lenses adjust to light conditions
• Premium glass lenses
• Integrated leash
• Medium frame
• 10 frame and lens color combinations
• Bio-based frame material

Buy from:

SMITH OPTICS AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY COMPETITIVE CYCLIST DESIGNER OPTICS FRAMES DIRECT ORVIS

Why I Love Them

I remember the day I noticed a guide wearing Smith sunglasses. When I tried on his shades, I understood why many pros have switched to the brand. For anglers who fish every day, sunglasses do more than protect their eyes and improve their view of the water — the best fishing sunglasses are light, comfortable and clear.

Smith Optics’ Hookset sunglasses set a new mark for lens performance. The premium models feature ChromaPop Polarchromic glass lenses that adjust the tint to meet the light conditions. I can go from dawn to mid-day and full sun to cloud cover without changing sunglasses or sacrificing performance.

The wraparound Hookset frame includes grip pads at key points and spring hinges for comfort. I like the integrated sunglass keeper that transitions seamlessly into the frame to reduce pressure at my temples.

Who Should Buy Them?

Smith Optics is the pro-choice for premium sunglasses, offering the highest level of polarization and clarity. The ChromaPop lenses adjust the tint to match the light conditions—perfect for anglers who fish mixed light conditions, such as dawn and dusk or under heavy cover.

Performance comes at a cost—the Hookset are some of the more expensive fishing sunglasses I tested. But, for pro guides who make a living looking for fish and gear-obsessed anglers who demand the best, the Hookset’s high-tech, glare-fighting performance is priceless.

Best for Offshore

Pelagic Navigator PMG

MSRP: $229

• Polarized Mineral Glass for ultimate clarity
• Scratch resistant
• Removable side shield
• Integrated tether loop
• Modern round frame

Buy from:

AMAZON WEST MARINE

Why I Love Them

When I’m fishing offshore, I need the best protection from the blazing sun and harsh weather conditions. There’s nowhere to hide in the ocean, so my sunglasses must perform in full light and under salty and sandy conditions.

Pelagic Navigator PMG is designed with a removable side shield and premium glass lenses for offshore fishing. The blue mirror, gray-base lens combination blocks maximum light for bright blue water and full sun. Instead of a wrap-around frame, the Navigator’s side shields completely block glare from entering behind the lenses. When I need less coverage and more ventilation, I remove the shields.

Who Should Buy Them?

Pelagic’s Navigator PMG fishing sunglasses are perfect for anglers looking for a high-performance lens at a great value. The polarized mineral glass uses a proprietary mixture of rare-earth minerals to create a lens with unrivaled clarity. Add a layer of scratch and water-resistant protection and the Navigator performs like more expensive sunglasses. The Navigator PMG blue mirror is best for offshore fishing in full sun and blue water where the dark lenses and side-shields eliminate glare.

Best for Inshore

Maui Jim Peahi

MSRP: $279

• Super thin, light glass lenses
• Bronze lens
• Virtual sizing online

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MAUI JIM AMAZON ASHFORD BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S DESIGNER OPTICS FRAMES DIRECT SUNGLASS HUT TACKLE DIRECT WALMART

Why I Love Them

Maui Jim sunglasses were developed on Hawaii’s second-largest island for the unrelenting tropical sun, sand, salt and surf. The result is the Maui Jim’s SuperThin glass, which is 20 to 30 percent lighter than other glass lenses.

Weight is the biggest criticism of glass lenses, and Maui Jim’s top-shelf lenses compare to polycarbonate. The biggest advantage of glass is scratch resistance, and the SuperThin glass damage-resistant coatings. I like the Peahi frame’s balance between full wrap-around to block side glare with a narrower arm and a thinner frame that feels more comfortable.

Who Should Buy Them?

When I’m looking for high-performance sunglasses with a tropical island vibe, I head to Maui Jim. Developed on the Valley Island, Maui Jim is ready to take on the worst ocean conditions without batting an eye. Certified as the clearest lens with the highest UV and glare protection, the Peahi is ready for inshore fishing.

I like the bronze lens in the Peahi frame for cutting glare while increasing light transmission for dirty or green water. Complimenting the SuperThin glass, the Peahi’s lightweight frames are easy to wear all day.

Best for Freshwater

Lip Flo

MSRP: $207

• Floating
• Water and dirt-resistant lenses
• German-designed Zeiss lenses
• Scratch-resistant coating inside and out
• Leash included
• 23 lens and frame combinations

Buy from:

LIP SUNGLASSES

Why I Love Them

Freshwater fishing requires versatility as I transition between bright sunlight on an open lake to tree shade on a mountain stream. Lip Sunglasses are available in 23 lens and frame combos to match my fishing conditions.

I like the Flo frame for its wide wrap-around arms and grippy arms to stay put when my face is wet. For low-light conditions, I like the Rose Mirror lenses with 14 percent light transmission. In bright sun, I go with the Silver Smoke gray lens that blocks out 20 percent of harsh light.

To ensure the best lens performance, Lip went to the German optics experts at Zeiss with over 175 years of experience creating high-performance optics. The polycarbonate lenses start with the highest level of clarity and contrast and add layers of sun, water and damage resistance.

Who Should Buy Them?

I am a sunglass geek. I know what lens color combinations work best where I fish. For freshwater fishing, Lip Sunglasses Flo offers the most lens combinations to fish in direct sun or in low light. I keep a pair of gray lenses for open water and use a light rose-colored lens when the clouds roll in. The Zeiss lenses offer the highest level of glare and sun protection in any conditions.

The Flo frame includes grips at the temples to keep the glasses on my face. If they fall overboard, the Flo sunglasses float. I wear them when I’m fishing a raging river or paddling through the surf and I am worried I might lose my sunglasses overboard.

Best Bass Fishing Sunglasses

Dragon Momentum H20

MSRP: $229

• Lens color optimized for clarity and definition
• Sheild style lens offers wider view
• Cam hinge for a comfortable fit
• Plant-based plastic frames
• Floats

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AMAZON DESIGNER OPTICS EYEGLASSES.COM FRAMES DIRECT HANSEN SURFBOARDS SMART BUY GLASSES

Why I Love Them

I never realized how much I don’t see until I started wearing Dragon’s Momentum single-wide-lens sunglasses.

Instead of thick plastic frames, the Momentum uses a continuous lens from the right eye across the bridge to my left eye. The extended lenses open my field of vision so I see more fish and structure. I can’t count the number of times I’ve spotted a bass out of the corner of my eye.

The wrap-around lenses qualify Dragon’s Momentum as the best wrap-around sunglasses for fishing. Not to mention the modern styling, I look like a rock star wearing the Momentum sunglasses.

Who Should Buy Them?

Bass anglers looking to make a splash on and off the water will love the bold looks of the single lens frame and the glare-cutting, color-enhancing performance of Dragon’s best polycarbonate lens. The one-piece lens is lighter than a traditional frame, so the Momentum is comfortable for all-day fishing.

Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses

Bajio Sigs

MSRP: $259

• Cut 95 percent of bad blue and hazy yellow light
• Bio-based frame material
• Sun ledge blocks sun from entering frame
• Seven lens colors
• Functional good looks

Buy from:

BAJIO SUNGLASSES AMAZON FISHWEST JANS VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS WALMART

Why I Love Them

Bajio is the new kid on the block for premium sunglasses, and their unique lenses block more of the bad blue and yellow light to improve clarity. I love the Sig for fly fishing because the high-tech lenses improve target separation and clarity when I’m sight fishing.

More than any other type of angling, fly fishing is all about seeing fish and structure below the water. Casting a fly rod is hard work. I want to see the fish or structure before I make a cast. The Sigs’ advanced lenses block blurring yellow light and hazy blue light for the highest level of target separation. To match the fishing conditions, I have a choice of seven lens and frame color combinations.

Who Should Buy Them?

Step away from the legacy fishing sunglass brands and save a few bucks with Bajio Sigs. Bajio sunglasses have caught on with anglers for the same lens and frame features as premium sunglasses at a lower price.

The Sigs are available in a wide choice of lens colors and mirrors to match any fishing conditions. I have a gray lens for bright light and amber lenses to cover sight fishing in clear water. The medium-size frame is appropriate for men or women and the large, square lenses and narrow arms look more stylish than traditional wrap-around frames. To block side light, the Sig’s have a hidden ledge inside the edge of the lens frames.

Best Prescription Sunglasses

Island Optics Angler

MSRP: $78

• Dual polarized lenses
• Water and dust-resistant lenses
• Loss and damage replacement

Why I Love Them

In the big-time world of performance fishing sunglasses, Island Optics is a family-run business giving the big boys a run for their money. Behind the great story is a great pair of fishing sunglasses with water and dust-resistant lenses, a sharp-looking frame and the highest level of polarization and clarity.

Island Optics manufactures all their prescription lenses in-house, so I get the highest level of quality in a progressive lens. Best of all, I like the price, which is considerably less than similar prescription sunglasses.

Who Should Buy Them?

By cutting out the middle man and producing their glasses in-house, Island Optics is able to include advanced features for a lower price. The family-run operation has over 100 years of experience with optics, so I trust them to build my prescription fishing sunglasses. I do a lot of sight fishing and I wear prescription glasses, so I invest in the best sunglasses to stay on the water longer and catch more fish.

Best Bifocal Sunglasses

Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley

MSRP: $1,170

• Glass or polycarbonate lens
• Most lens and frame combinations
• Non-slip grip
• Adjustable nose pad
• Sweat management

Buy from:

COSTA DEL MAR AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP CABELA’S DESIGNER OPTICS FISHWEST FRAMES DIRECT GLASSES USA JANS

Why I Love Them

I’ve been wearing Costa Del Mar Tuna Alley frames with an amber lens for decades. When I started to lose my vision, I was relieved that I could still get my favorite frame and lens combination in bifocal sunglasses.

On my medium-size head, the Tuna Alley frame blocks sun without looking too big. The frame around the lenses is vented to block glare and manage moisture and heat. With the Costa Del Mar prescription lenses, I get the best-quality protection and polarization in the widest choice of color and mirror finishes. I use the progressive bi-focals for a seamless transition from seeing far to close.

Who Should Buy Them?

When I go fishing, I rely on my sunglasses to catch fish. I spend hours searching the water for red drum and cobia. I invested in a pair of Costa Del Mar prescription sunglasses because I need the highest-performance fishing sunglasses with the highest level of safety and comfort.

Wearing prescription sunglasses already puts me at a disadvantage for sight fishing. I need sunglasses that counter my poor vision with the clearest, most protective lenses and comfortable frames. This level of performance comes at a price, but when I spot a cobia swimming just under the surface, Costa Del Mar’s premium lenses are worth it.

Best Glass Lenses

Smith Castaway

MSRP: $259

• Lightweight polarized glass
• Fashion frames
• Integrated sunglass leash

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SMITH OPTICS ALTITUDE SPORTS AMAZON BACKCOUNTRY FISHWEST JANS REI

Why I Love Them

Once again, Smith sunglasses ChromaPop sunglasses win the best glass lenses. While their technology and color performance is on par with other premium sunglasses, Smith’s proprietary glass is lighter than other glass lenses.

Glass lenses offer superior clarity and color performance, but they are noticeably heavier than polycarbonate lenses. While improved performance pays off, the weight adds up making glass lenses less comfortable for long, hot days on the water. Reducing the weight reduces the disadvantages of glass so I get the best glare protection and clarity without sacrificing comfort.

Who Should Buy Them?

Smith’s ChromaPop lenses retain the improved performance without the extra weight. In my hand, they feel like plastic lenses. On my face, the ChromaPop lenses present the clearest and brightest image of the water.

The large Castaway frames with square arms remind me of the Gucci sunglasses I see on women driving expensive SUVs with little dogs on their laps. On the water, the frames present a wide view of the water and block out light from entering the side of the glasses.

Best Polycarbonate Lenses

Costa Del Mar Jose 580P

MSRP: $232

• Named in honor of legendary TV host and fishing adventurer, Jose Wejebe
• Oil, dirt and water resistant coating
• 100-percent UV protection
• 100-percent polarization
• Impact resistant

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COSTA DEL MAR AMAZON FRAMES DIRECT SPORT CHEK SUNGLASS HUT TACKLE DIRECT

Why I Love Them

I switched to polycarbonate lenses a few years ago and I don’t have any regrets. While the clarity and polarization of a glass lens is superior, I save weight and protect my eyes with plastic lenses. I also save money.

Costa Del Mar’s 580P lenses are available in more color and mirror combinations than any other brand. And the technology is top-of-the line with 100-percent UV and glare protection. The lenses also repel oil, dirt and water.

With lures and hooks flying around my fishing kayak, a significant reason why I picked poly lenses is for their impact resistance. I’ve been wearing Costa 580P lenses for three years without scratches or damage.

Who Should Buy Them?

When I was a kid, every weekend I watched the Spanish Fly fishing show with Jose Wejebe. While other fishing show hosts like Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston chased largemouth bass, Jose spoke to young coastal anglers like me. His mixture of hard-core fishing, how-to instructions and unbridled adventure in a tropical backdrop inspired me to spend my life fishing the salt.

If you remember Jose, or you just want a pro-level fishing sunglass frame with comfort grip, integrated tether loop and a cool wrap-around style, then the sunglasses named after a legend are a perfect choice.

Best Travel Sunglasses

Ombraz Cammina

MSRP: $160

• Armless design
• Zeiss lenses
• Hard-coated lens
• Recycled cord
• Support conservation efforts

Buy from:

OMBRAZ SUNGLASSES

Why I Love Them

The first time I watched a promotional video for Ombraz Armless Sunglasses, I was sold. The guy in the video dropped the sunglasses to the floor, crushed them with his boot and then put them on again without damage. I immediately ordered a pair for my travel bag.

Instead of traditional plastic or metal sunglass arms, Ombraz uses an adjustable cord. The nearly indestructible cord combined with scratch and dirt-resistant lenses make the Ombraz tough to beat. And they didn’t slack in the lens department with Carl Zeiss lenses providing the highest level of polarization combined with a damage-resistant coating. I keep a pair of Ombraz on hand for big adventures when I need my sunglasses to stay on my face.

Who Should Buy Them?

If you are a serious adventurer looking for the lightest, most durable sunglasses with the best optics, then Ombraz are right for you.

The cord wraps around the back of my head to hold the frames to my face. While the system is surprisingly secure and comfortable, I still prefer my traditional sunglasses for daily wear. However, I keep a pair of Ombraz in a pocket in my travel bag as back-up sunglasses.

I also use the Ombraz when I’m fishing a white water river, launching through the surf or taking my kayak off the grid because I trust the glasses to stay on my face. On the other hand, If I was going on long-range fishing and camping trips, a pair of Ombraz take up less space and take more abuse.

Best Budget Sunglasses

Island Optics Mako XL

MSRP: $98

• Dual polarization
• Vented side shields
• Flexible hinges
• Dirt- and water-resistant lens coating
• Anti-slip pads

Why I Love Them

All the features of high-dollar fishing sunglasses at a reasonable price, Island Optics Mako XL have a unique dual polarization to reduce glare and improve clarity. Island Optics is a multi-generation family company that uses their extensive experience to craft a quality pair of fishing sunglasses at a reasonable price.

Who Should Buy Them?

Anglers on a budget looking for a great pair of sunglasses with premium features like spring hinges, vented frames, anti-slip padding and scratch-, water- and dust-resistant polarized lenses.

Best Fishing Sunglasses for Women

Bajio Rigolets

MSRP: $259

• Small size
• Bio-based plastic
• Tether holes
• Spring hinges

Buy from:

BAJIO SUNGLASSES JANS VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS

Why I Love Them

Bajio’s Rigolets are a full-feature premium fishing sunglass in a smaller package. Designed for smaller faces, the uni-sex frames are appropriate for women or men. The wrap-around frames are made of bio-based material with air vents and rubber grips at strategic locations.

Bajio’s Lapis lenses test for the highest level of blocking blue light to reduce eye strain. I can choose glass for lens performance or polycarbonate for lightweight comfort. The Rigolets are only available in three frame colors but I have a choice of seven lens configurations to meet the way I fish.

Who Should Buy Them?

Sunglass fit is a serious issue for anglers. I wear wrap-around sunglasses to block sunlight from entering the sides and around the frames of my sunglasses. However, the full-coverage frames trap heat and moisture cousin the lenses to fog and the glasses to slip. Bajio’s Rigolets sunglasses are sized small to fit small faces, blocking the sun better than a larger, looser fitting frame. The Rigolets is one of the few wrap-around serious fishing sunglasses available in small size. The vented lens frames and non-slip grip on the nose allow for a snug fit without sacrificing comfort.

Revo Sailfish

MSRP: $229

• Medium fit
• Nose pads
• Premium polarization
• Pro-staff developed

Buy from:

REVO AMAZON CAMPSAVER FRAMES DIRECT

Why I Love Them

People criticize social media influencers as enthusiastic neophytes, but Darcizzle is the real deal. One of the first viral fishing personalities on social media, the petite, bikini-clad nymphete knows how to fish. I’m not ashamed to admit that I adjusted my cast net technique after watching one of Darcizzle’s instructional YouTube videos. If Darcizzle designed Revo’s Sailfish sunglasses, rest assured the sunglasses are certified as ready to fish.

Revo contributed their durable, high-performance polarized lens technology used by NASA. Darcizzle approved the medium frames with narrow arms with grippy pads for all-day comfort. The Sailfish is available in evergreen amber lens and green tint for inshore and matte blue frame with blue tint lens for offshore fishing.

Who Should Buy Them?

Under South Florida’s blazing sun and relentless heat, social media sensation Darcizzle hunts the clear blue for fish and structure. To conquer the toughest conditions for fishing sunglasses, the fishing influencer designed her signature Revo Sailfish sunglasses with a dark grey lens and glare-blasting blue mirror coating. The wrap-around frame blocks sun and leaves space for ventilation.

The medium-sized frame looks great on small to medium faces. With the darkest lens and maximum protection, the Sailfish is a great choice for open water, extreme sun and long days on the water.

Best Environmentally-friendly Sunglasses

Costa Del Mar King Tide

MSRP: $361

• Plant-based frame material
• Recyclable frame, lens and components
• Available in two sizes
• Removable side shields

Buy from:

COSTA DEL MAR AL’S AMAZON DESIGNER OPTICS FISHWEST FRAMES DIRECT JANS SCHEELS SUNGLASS HUT TACKLE DIRECT VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS WALMART

Why I Love Them

Costa Del Mar has led the way in combining fishing-related products with fishing-related conservation. From Costa’s campaigns to recycle and reuse to their support of clean-water initiatives, Costa Del Mar’s premium lenses and frame technology are supported by a commitment to environmental causes. To mark their fortieth anniversary, Costa released the King Tide, the pinnacle of their fishing sunglass performance and conservation efforts.

The large-frame sunglasses use Costa’s bio-based plastic frames. The lenses, frames, hinges and logos are recyclable, so the sunglasses don’t contribute to plastic pollution. Combined with premium lenses and frames, Costa’s best sunglasses for the environment are another reason I love the King Tide.

Who Should Buy Them?

Microplastics are one of the biggest threats to the ocean. The little pieces of plastic waste wash offshore and affect fish and plants. To reduce the amount of plastic in the environment, Costa developed alternative materials for their frames. Bioplastics are made of plant-based material instead of petroleum products. The sunglasses are tough and repairable, so they last longer before they end up in a landfill. At the end of their life, the King Tide is recyclable to repurpose the material into a new pair of sunglasses.

Costa Del Mar’s King Tide represents the pinnacle of the company’s lens and frame technology, and the glasses are a shining example of Costa’s commitment to the environment. The large frame comes in a 6-based and 8-based wrap-around. The 6 is a medium wrap for a looser fit, while the 8 base is a full wraparound for the ultimate in sun and glare blockage.

Best Sunglasses for Hot Weather

Revo Winston

MSRP: $239

• Large lenses and open frame
• Blue mirror, grey lenses for bright sun
• Biodegradable frame material
• Spring hinges

Buy from:

REVO FRAMES DIRECT

Why I Love Them

Some days are too hot for wraparound sunglasses. To increase ventilation and reduce lens fog when the temp maxes out, I wear Revo’s Winston sunglasses. The Winston’s square frame with narrow arms allows air to flow freely, while the large polarized lenses block glare and harsh light to protect my eyes and improve visibility.

Small touches like spring hinges and rubber padding are a big comfort improvement when sweat is pouring off my head. On the hottest day, I appreciate the lightweight and open Winston sunglasses.

Who Should Buy Them?

Off the water, the oversized square frames are très chic. On the water, Revo’s Winston lenses provide top-of-the-line polarization, clarity and color. The Winston lens configurations include bluewater blue mirror, inshore amber tint and green mirror, and an all-around gray lens without mirror. With this combination, I can cover all light conditions with one sunglass model.

If you’re looking for sunglasses that perform well and look great, the Winston offers polarized lenses originally designed for NASA astronauts.

Best Floating Sunglasses

Hobie Snook Float

MSRP: $99.99

• Floating frames
• Five lens/mirror combinations
• Three frame colors
• Water-resistant inner and outer lens coating
• Scratch resistant treatment

Buy from:

ACADEMY SPORTS AMAZON DICK’S SPORTING GOODS

Why I Love Them

I have lost my sunglasses overboard a half-dozen times, and the experience always ends the same way, with my shades sinking into the bottom. For kayak anglers, floating sunglasses are a no-brainer. With Hobie’s Snook Floats, I don’t have to sacrifice performance for security.

Hobie Eyewear upped its game with HydroClean 360 lenses with water-resistant and scratch-resistant coatings on the inside and outside of the lens, qualifying the Snook Floats as the toughest sunglasses in fishing.

I wear my full-wrap Snook Float sunglasses when I’m hiking to a surf fishing spot or kayak fishing a rough river. The Snook Floats provide the performance I need at a lower prices, so I worry less about destroying or losing my sunglasses.

Who Should Buy Them?

Hobie’s Snook Float sunglasses get a lot of attention because they float. But these sunglasses offer features that make them my favorite adventure shades. When I’m fishing a raging river in my kayak, hiking to a distant fishing spot, camping or climbing, I grab my Hobie Snook Float sunglasses. If they fall off my head, they won’t sink, scratch or get wet and dirty.

The sunglasses come in a variety of frame and lens colors to match inshore, offshore and freshwater fishing. Best of all, Hobie sunglasses don’t cost an arm and a leg, so I’m not worried if I lose or destroy them.

What to Consider When Buying Sunglasses for Fishing

Sunglasses are an important part of fishing. Not only do sunglasses protect an angler’s eyes from the unrelenting sun on the open water, but high-performance sunglasses allow me to catch more fish. That’s because the best sunglasses for fishing are designed to block sun glare so I can see beneath the water to spot fish and structure. I fish seriously, so I take my sunglasses seriously. In fact, I have different frames and lenses for different fishing scenarios.

My everyday sunglasses have amber lenses, the best color for inshore fishing and land-based activities. The amber color increases contrast with less tinting so my eyes don’t struggle to see, especially when I’m not in direct sunlight.

For direct sunlight, I use darker, gray lenses for maximum protection and glare reduction. When I fish bluewater offshore or inland open water, I grab gray lenses to block the most sunlight and provide the greatest glare reduction.

My latest discovery is lenses for low light conditions. Early morning and late evenings or cloudy days call for a yellow or rose-colored lens. These lenses allow the most light through but still cut glare like darker tint. I like these glasses for driving because they improve contrast and provide light tint while stopping glare that is bouncing off the asphalt.

Many fishing sunglasses offer mirror finishes. The mirror finish further reduces light transmission for an extra layer of sun protection. I’m not a big fan. I prefer the lighter tint and clearer view of the mirror-free sunglasses. If I was fishing the open ocean, or hiking across the Sahara desert, I would wear mirrored sunglasses.

8 Things You Didn’t Know About Sunglasses

Even the sunglass frame contributes to catching more fish. The best have thick, dark frames to block sun from entering the side, top and bottom of the sunglasses. My favorite sunglasses also feature ventilation and channels to release moisture and prevent fogging the glass.

I wear sunglasses for hours in heat and cold with flying spray and blowing sand. Frames with rubber grip pads and lenses that are water- and dirt-resistant keep my glasses clear and comfortable through the worst days on the water.

Maybe I think too much about my shades, but when I spot a cobia swimming just below the surface of the water, land a perfect cast and watch the fish attack my bucktail, I appreciate the technology and design that allows me to see more fish.

Best Sunglasses Brands

• Costa Del Mar
• Oakley
• Smith
• Maui Jim
• Hobie Eyewear
• Pelagic
• Dragon Alliance
• Bajio
• Island Optics
• Revo
• Ombraz
• Lip

How We Tested?

The best way to test sunglasses is to go fishing. I used each of these sunglasses and I asked female friends and little kids to test their favorite pairs. The result is an objective review.

To start, I picked models from a wide range of styles. Not all the winners are classic wrap-around sunglasses. I liked the new full-frame lenses that are popular with celebrities and athletes for providing the greatest visible area. And, no matter how I lobbied my female reviewers for wrap-around sunglasses, they chose more traditional frames with large lenses to block light and glare.

Comfort was easy to evaluate. Sunglasses that didn’t slip down my face, fog up, cut into my head or pinch my nose received my approval. I looked for frames with vents, moisture management and grippy rubber padding for the best fit.

Modern lens technology makes it hard to objectively test clarity and polarization without expensive scientific equipment. However, after a few hours looking for fish and navigating through sand bars and oyster reefs, all of the lenses in the review reduced light transmission and effectively cut glare. Some lenses were lighter weight and others improved clarity, but today’s technology provides clear, UV-resistant, polarized lenses at any price level.

Speaking of price, I evaluated sunglasses costing less than a hundred dollars to over one thousand dollars. The least expensive models had frame and lens features that improved performance and comfort. Every pair of sunglasses is approved for all-day use in extreme conditions. And, several companies are using unique business models to bring the low-price, high-quality fishing sunglasses to more people.

However, in fishing sunglasses, like everything else, I get what I pay for. The most expensive sunglasses have advanced designs and lenses that manage sunlight for optimal clarity and glare reduction. These shades are preferred by professional anglers who spend hours on the water day after day. Weekend warriors who take fishing seriously, especially sight fishing, will not regret investing in the best pair available.

Feature photo: Ric Burnley