Best Fishing Sunglasses 2022 – 13 Top Polarized Contenders
Sunglasses Are Essential For Fishing
Fishing sunglasses are really useful for all fishermen. For those who like to spend their time on the water, fishing, boating, or enjoying other water activities, a pair of high-quality fishing sunglasses are a must.
They have several uses while on the water and should be considered an important piece of fishing gear.
What Kind Of Sunglasses Do You Need For Fishing?
There are many types of sunglasses with the most common form utilizing tinted lenses. Tinted lenses are designed to filter out some of the sun’s most damaging rays, offering a certain amount of protection to the eyes. However, when fishing out on the water the best way to combat light-induced eye fatigue and eye damage is to eliminate the light, rather than filter it.
Polarized lenses do just that, eliminating the light that bounces off of reflective surfaces such as water, snow, pavement, or any other object that returns the sun’s rays at a 90-degree angle.
Polarized sunglasses are essential to keeping your eyes safe when out on the water. When you’re staring into the sun all day, you need a pair that goes above and beyond in terms of quality, performance, and comfort.
The best-polarized fishing sunglasses will provide your eyes with the protection they need, while also improving your vision and making colors more vibrant.
Why Do You Need Polarized Sunglasses?
Sun glare is one of the biggest dangers when your eyes are exposed to the harsh rays of the water. Wearing a quality pair of polarized fishing sunglasses will help reduce the glare and help you spot fish easily.
It will also reduce the risk of eye damage, eye strain, and reduce the risk of developing cataracts in the long run.
You can keep both eyes open when fishing with polarized sunglasses. You can spot fish easier, and the glare in your field of vision is reduced.
Polarized sunglasses have become a standard for all serious anglers and boaters. They are a great investment for any fishing trip.
The right polarized sunglasses can make all the difference in the world when you are out on the water.
There are a lot of polarized fishing sunglasses on the market, but not all polarized sunglasses are created equal and it can be hard to determine which ones are the best.
Many are overpriced, and many are cheaply made.
So to help you avoid the overpriced and the junk, we’ve put together a list of the top 13 polarized fishing sunglasses on the market.
Overall Best Fishing Sunglasses
1
Oakley is one of those companies that are known for their sunglasses, and it’s not hard to see why. They make some of the best quality sunglasses on the market today, including polarized versions that are great for fishing.
The Oakley Flak 2 XL is a beast of a pair of fishing sunglasses that offer you more than most others in its class. If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that are polarized, are stylish, and have a solid warranty, these are it.
They are an incredible pair of comfortable fishing sunglasses for those who want something with a little more coverage than typical sunglasses. These are ideal if you’re here looking for fishing sunglasses with a wider field of view and more peripheral vision than normal frames allow.
The PRIZM lenses provide improved color contrast, better depth perception, less eye strain, and a boost to your vision to see better below the surface of the water.
They are polarized to reduce glare on the water and to allow for a more crisp, clear view.
The lenses are also equipped with Oakley’s patented XYZ Optics which is basically an array of lens treatments that help balance light transmission, reduce glare, and increase contrast.
The lenses are rated at 100% UVA/UVB protection.
These shades are designed for a wide variety of outdoor sports and activities. They have a solid construction, despite being lightweight, that helps ward off damage during accidental falls or drops.
They feature Oakley’s Three-Point Fit frame design to help keep the frames in place during active use.
They also feature Unobtainium earsocks and nose pads that help keep glasses in place despite perspiration.
You will also find a lightweight yet durable frame for maximum comfort.
They come in a variety of color combinations and frame styles. Some of the color combos include classic black and white, all black, silver and black, silver and white, white and brown, and clear and black.
Be mindful when selecting the color option you want, as some of the options do not come with polarized lenses.
Overall, they are one of the best fishing sunglasses on this list for fishing and boating, and they’re built to last.
What makes them stand out as the best fishing sunglasses?
- Improved color contrast
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Stay in place
- Lightweight & durable
Runner Up
2
You won’t be disappointed if you opt for the Costa del Mar Harpoon sunglasses.
The Costa del Mar Harpoon are lightweight wrap sunglasses designed with a slightly smaller lens profile than others in this list.
With a lightweight design crafted of TR90 nylon and a slightly smaller wrap shape, the Costa del Mar Harpoon are extremely comfortable to wear as well as durable.
If you’re looking for fishing sunglasses that will hold up to some abuse the Costa Del Mar Harpoon sunglasses are as close to indestructible as you can get.
They have stainless steel spring hinges that help them better fit your face and avoid them falling off in the water.
In addition, thanks to the Hydrolite nose pads and temple tips, the Costa del Mar Harpoon provide all-day comfort and stay put even when fighting to reel in a big fish.
The Costa del Mar Harpoon has excellent visual clarity. They cover your eyes well and provide good peripheral vision for things like focusing on your lure and other objects around you.
They have high-quality polarized lenses designed for definition and pack a patented tech that blocks blue and yellow light for better clarity and color.
They feature 580G Lightwave glass lenses which provide higher light transmittance versus more traditional glass materials and also reduces overall weight while still providing the same level of durability.
The lenses performed very well on the water to cut out glare.
The lenses are also treated with a hydrophilic coating, which helps to repel water as well as a triple-layer scratch-resistant coating for maximum durability.
There are 14 different color options available which include amber, black, blue mirror, brown mirror, cobalt blue, copper rose gold mirror, gray mirrored green, platinum/silver mirrored green, ruby red crystal silver mirrored green, silver mirror, sunset/ruby red crystal silver mirrored green (Halo), titanium blue crystal silver mirrored green (Halo), and yellow tortoiseshell.
Nearly half of those options feature a “halo” effect underneath the lens that produces a unique two-tone look that many feel goes well with their frames’ shape.
Overall, the Costa del Mar Harpoon are comfortable fishing sunglasses that offer excellent optics in a lightweight performance package.
What makes the Harpoon Polarized Sunglasses stand out?
- High light transmittance
- 100% UV protection
- Scratch resistant coating
- Comfortable fit
Better Peripheral Coverage
3
Another option for polarized fishing sunglasses if you’re looking for something that provides a bit more coverage than the typical sunglasses is the Costa Del Mar Jose.
The Costa del Mar Jose 580P Polarized Sunglasses are one of their most popular models and with good reason. With a great fit, high-quality optics, and an attractive design, you will likely want to wear them beyond just your fishing trips.
The Costa Del Mar Jose sunglasses are a top-shelf pair of fishing sunglasses. They have a wrap-style frame with a larger lens profile and a smaller nose bridge, providing more coverage.
If you’re looking for fishing sunglasses with a wider field of view and more peripheral vision, this is a great option.
The Jose 580p are polarized to reduce glare and improve clarity as well as feature 100% UVA/UVB protection.
They are equipped with Costa’s Prizm Fusion lenses and offer a patented technology that selectively filters out blue and yellow light. The result is a more natural, comfortable color balance and visual definition.
The Jose 580p provides a comfortable fit that is not too tight or loose.
They are very lightweight and fairly compact for a wraparound style.
They are also durable enough to withstand some abuse and the lenses are scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
They are equipped with Costa’s C-WALL lens coating technology, which is a hydrophilic coating that repels water, oil, and dirt.
The Jose 580p are a great option for those who are looking for a pair of sunglasses with great visual clarity and more peripheral vision than your typical pair of fishing sunglasses.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Natural color balance
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Repels water, oil, and dirst
- Full face coverage
Vintage Flare
4
Maui Jim sunglasses are known for their beautiful styles with a bit of a vintage flair.
However, if you spend any time in the water, you know that there is a lot more to consider in a pair of fishing sunglasses than just style.
These are an attractive pair of sunglasses with a frameless design.
They have a great wrap-around form which offers you more coverage and protection than a typical pair of sunglasses.
The Maui Jim Banyans are a durable pair of fishing sunglasses. The frames are made out of Grilamid TR-90 and feature rubber ends and temple tips. This allows them to be super lightweight as well as durable.
They provide excellent comfort due to the Flexon rubber earpieces that provide a great grip and superior hold on your head.
The lenses are polycarbonate and are coated in state-of-the-art polarizing technology, PolarizedPlus2. This technology provides better glare reduction and UV protection than standard polarized lenses.
They also enhance colors and provide crystal clear vision. The lenses have a good level of clarity and offer excellent color contrast.
They are rated at 100% UVA and UVB protection, feature a hydrophilic lens coating to help repel water and are impact resistant.
Overall, the Maui Jim Banyans sunglasses are a great pair of fishing sunglasses.
They’re lightweight, they’re comfortable, and they’ve held up well to use over the years. They aren’t the cheapest pair of fishing sunglasses but they’ll last you a long time.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Vintage look
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Better glare reduction
- Frameless look
Extra Durable
5
Under Armour is perhaps most well known for athletic wear, but they are a top brand in the world of sports eyewear. Especially when it comes to goggles and sunglasses, Under Armour has multiple models that are popular with anglers.
The Under Armour Storm Polarized Force is one such model, with great optics at a price that won’t break the bank.
The Under Armour Storm Polarized Force are a solid pair of sunglasses that are designed for fishing and other outdoor activities.
The polycarbonate lenses of the Under Armour Storm Polarized Force are enhanced with a combination of ArmourSite and Multiflection technologies, which are combined to offer a higher level of clarity and impact resistance.
The ArmourSite lenses offer more clarity and durability than typical materials used. The Multiflection coating is a layer of mirrored material that helps to reduce glare and smudges.
The frames are made from ArmourFusion, which is a combination of Grilamid and titanium that offers a lightweight frame but still maintains solid durability.
The Under Armour Storm Polarized Force have a solid level of comfort and fit well. The sunglasses don’t have any issues with slippage or moving around on the face.
Despite the lower price tag than the other sunglasses so far on this list, they perform quite admirably. They do a great job of cutting out glare from the water as well as provide a nice visual clarity.
Overall, these are some solid fishing sunglasses that will keep you safe from harmful UV rays and glare while still providing good clarity and vision despite being lightweight as well as durable enough to last.
What makes the Under Armour Storm Polarized Force stand out?
- Mirrored lenses
- Extra durable
- AmourSite polarization glare reduction
- 100% UV protection
Great Balance
6
This is a solid pair of sunglasses that offers a nice balance of function with style, and they do so at a very reasonable price.
The corning glass lenses are polarized, offer 100% UVA/UVB protection, as well as outstanding clarity and color contrast.
They have a bio-injected frame made of TR90 nylon material which helps keep them lightweight while still being strong, flexible, and durable.
Although they are not made with a lot of padding, they are extremely comfortable to wear.
They have a slightly wider frame than most other sunglasses but don’t feel overly bulky.
The frames are available in an array of different colors, just make sure that you’re selecting a polarized version from all of the options.
These sunglasses have a lot of the same features that you would find in more expensive fishing sunglasses.
Overall, they are a great value for the money and are a great pair of sunglasses if you’re looking for something stylish that still provides excellent protection from the sun and other elements—making them ideal for anyone who loves spending time on the water.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Polarized corning glass
- Comfortable fit
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Strong & flexible frame
Built To Last
7
The Costa Del Mar Caballito is one of my personal favorites for fishing sunglasses, and I know a lot of other anglers who wear them as well.
They are an all-around solid pair of fishing sunglasses and just one of the reasons is their durability. They are rugged and built to last.
The Caballito is a rectangular shaped fishing frame, similar to the classic wayfarer frames, and provides you with more peripheral vision than normal sunglasses.
The frames are made from high-quality nylon that is lightweight and durable. They are comfortable and lightweight and have a solid build that is ideal for those who tend to drop things.
The Caballito features 580P Polarized lenses which block glare and offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.
They also come with Costa Del Mar’s patented C-Wall coating. This coating is designed to repel water as well as dust and other debris.
The 580P lenses are very clear and offer excellent clarity when on the water. This helps with visual acuity to focus on your lure, fish, or to see other objects in the water around you.
Overall, the Costa Del Mar Caballito are great fishing sunglasses. They are durable, comfortable, and offer excellent clarity on the water.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Built to last
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Repels water and dust
- 580P polarization for great glare reduction
Lightweight Sunglasses
8
The Maui Jim World Cup sunglasses are another pair of fishing sunglasses with a classic rectangular design. The Maui Jim World Cup sunglasses feature large lenses that offer great clarity while fishing and out on the water.
The lenses are made of Maui Jim’s signature SuperThin Glass which is 20% thinner and lighter than traditional lenses.
They also feature Maui Jim’s patented PolarizedPlus2 technology which reduces reflected glare by 99.9% as well as providing 100% UV protection.
The featured state-of-the-art PolarizedPlus2 technology optimizes color transmission and offers a very nice level of clarity and vibrant colors.
The lenses on the Maui Jim World Cup are scratch resistant, which helps keep them looking great for years to come.
They feature a full-coverage frame with added durability from high-grade injected nylon in a wide wrap design to provide you with more coverage and maximum protection.
They also feature built-in nose pads for added comfort. These polarized fishing sunglasses are stylish, large, and very comfortable.
They are a great choice for fishing sunglasses but do carry a larger price than other comparable sunglasses on this list.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Lightweight glasses with 20% thinner lenses
- 100% UV protection
- Reduces glare by 99%
- Wide wrap design
Metal Frame
9
The Maui Jim Black Coral Polarized sunglasses are a slightly different type of fishing sunglasses than the others on this list.
They have a bright, all-round field of view with wide temples that offer excellent protection from the sun.
The Maui Jim Black Coral Polarized Sunglasses were designed with the comfort you need to enjoy an entire day on the water without having to worry about your glasses constantly falling off or becoming uncomfortable.
They feel great to wear and should fit a wide variety of faces well.
They feature anti-corrosive Monel metal frames which are a nice touch compared to many other fishing sunglasses that are made from plastic.
They are lightweight overall and the anti-corrosive spring hinges help ensure longevity, even when fishing in saltwater.
These glasses were developed for people who want polarized lenses, but don’t want anything too bulky or heavy.
They have scratch-resistant ST glass lenses and patented PolarizedPlus2 technology which has features like glare blocking, blue light management, and 100% UV protection to ensure optimal vision while out on the water.
They provide excellent contrast and clarity, and the polarization helps to reduce glare and haze from water and sunlight.
Overall, the Maui Jim Black Coral Polarized sunglasses are built for comfort and durability, but at a premium price point.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Metal frame
- Large field of view
- Excellent contrast and clarity
- 100% UV protection
Kevlar Reinforced Frames
10
The Huk polarized sunglasses feature an injection-molded TR90 frame that is reinforced with DuPont Kevlar fibers for superior strength and durability.
The unique 6-base sports wrap frame design and wider temple arms give these Huk fishing sunglasses a more modern look than other polarized fishing sunglasses.
The arms are also equipped with rubberized “Speed Clips” that provide a comfortable and secure fit for most head sizes.
The lenses are polarized to help eliminate glare on the water and the Huk polarization provides 100% UV protection.
The polycarbonate lenses feature an anti-scratch coating that helps protect them against smears, dirt, dust, scrapes, or chips that happen with rugged use such as fishing or boating.
The lens’s geometry also provides a wider field of view that is particularly helpful when fishing.
If you’re looking for a solid pair of sunglasses for fishing that will be comfortable while still providing excellent UV protection and minimizing glare, the Huk Fishing Polarized Sunglasses might be exactly what you need, especially when you consider their lower price tag.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Strong Kevlar reinforced frame
- 100% UV protection
- Anti-scratch coating
- Large field of view
Frameless Design
11
At one of the lowest price points of all of the sunglasses on this list, the Bircen Polarized Carbon Fiber Sunglasses, are a great pair of fishing sunglasses.
The Bircen have a unique frame-less design that makes them stand out from other fishing sunglasses.
They are made with a high-quality carbon fiber frame that offers strength and durability. The frame is lightweight but is still able to stand up to abuse and damage from falling or being dropped.
Like most fishing sunglasses they feature polarized lenses that reduce glare from sunlight reflecting on the surface of the water.
The lenses offer 100% UVA/UVB protection and are thinner than other fishing sunglass lenses, which allows for much better visibility and vision.
The Bircen sunglasses are light and comfortable and feature a wrap-around style which allows for a wide field of view and a good level of protection.
These glasses are available at a very reasonable price considering the high quality of the lenses.
Overall, these are a great pair of fishing sunglasses at a very low price.
What makes these fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Frame-less design
- Carbon fiber frame
- 100% UVA/UVB protection
- Wrap-around style
Lowest Price
12
The Calcutta Steelhead sunglasses are the cheapest options on our list. If you’re not looking for a pair of high-end fishing sunglasses, the Calcutta Steelhead should fit the bill.
The lenses are polarized and provide solid visual clarity while reducing glare.
In addition, they are equipped with rubber-coated nose and ear grips to ensure a comfortable fit. While the nose and ear grips didn’t provide the best comfort available, they do hold on to the face reasonably well.
The Steelhead sunglasses feel like they have a quality build and should last. They are made from a tough polycarbonate frame that will stand up to the elements.
They also have a fairly unique design, thanks to the tear-drop lenses that bring about a decent look.
Overall, the Calcutta Steelhead are a good pair of fishing sunglasses for the price. They have a durable frame and 100% UV protection.
While they are not water or scratch-resistant, they provide excellent optical performance for the price.
What makes the cheapest fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Inexpensive polarized sunglasses
- 100% UV protection
- Good glare reduction and visual clarity
- Solid feel
Lowest Price
13
The last on the list, the Revo Descend N are another great option for fishing sunglasses.
They are designed with a narrow rectangular shape that provides a wider field of view and less distortion when viewing objects off the centerline.
They have rimless, lightweight frames that feel more comfortable and don’t pinch or slip when worn.
The MotionFit design helps the frames feel lighter as they are designed to be wider around your face to better contour to your face. The MotionFit design also helps keep the glasses from slipping off of your face when moving around a lot and also provides a solid fit to keep them from falling off.
They also have a flexible yet durable frame that will hold up to wear from being on the water for hours on end.
The polarized lenses are equipped with Revo’s patented Light Management System that filters out harsh blue and HEV light while still letting through natural light in order to provide you with a clear yet crisp view.
The lenses do a good job at reducing glare from water and other reflective surfaces. The anti-scratch coating also helps protect the lenses from damage.
The Revo Descend N has an 8-base lens that is designed to curve over your eyes for better protection.
The Revo Descend N comes with Revo’s patented Light Management System. The technology used in the LMS helps to filter harmful rays of light from the sun and sharpen your vision for a clearer picture.
The LMS technology also helps to reduce the glare of light from all sorts of surfaces including water and other reflective surfaces.
Overall, these are a great pair of sunglasses for fishing.
They are an awesome option for those who want a flexible and comfortable frame without a big frame blocking your peripheral vision.
What makes the cheapest fishing sunglasses stand out?
- Comfortable fit
- 100% UV protection
- Patented polarization to reduce glare
- Frame curves with your eye to provide better glare protection
Tips For Choosing The Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
What to consider when purchasing polarized fishing sunglasses
The most important thing to consider is the quality of the lenses. You will want to purchase a pair that has the highest quality lenses available.
You will want lenses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays.
You also want them to be crystal clear. The best polarized fishing sunglasses lenses will also offer a wide range of visibility in the water.
The lenses will enhance the contrast in the water, making it easier to spot fish.
You will also want to check the durability of the lenses, as you do not want them to crack, break, or scratch, especially when you are out on the water.
Some of the best fishing sunglasses utilize polycarbonate lenses that are designed to be shatterproof.
Another factor to consider is the size of the lenses.
You want your fishing glasses to provide you with plenty of space for your peripheral vision to easily catch all of the movement on the water around you.
Why do you need Polarized Fishing Sunglasses?
In a word: Glare.
If you’ve been fishing, you’ve probably experienced glare at some point. It’s that blinding effect caused by light reflecting off the water or the waves.
Light bounces off the surface of the water and reflects directly into your eyes. This can make the detail of an object difficult to see, in addition to causing eye strain.
Polarized sunglasses offer a solution to the problem of glare by eliminating it. The polarization in the sunglasses cancels out the glare-causing light waves.
It should be noted that while the addition of polarization is welcome, it may not eliminate all of the glare.
Different scenarios cause different amounts of glare and the intensity of the glare may be too much for even the best sunglasses to handle.
However, polarization makes a huge difference and helps immensely, especially in those difficult glare situations.
How Do Polarized Fishing Sunglasses Work?
When light strikes a surface, it can be reflected in any direction. Some surfaces, like a lake or the ocean, are particularly reflective.
The sunlight reflects off the surface and straight into your eyes.
Traditional sunglasses that utilize a tinted lens help dim down the light but don’t do much to help against reflective glare.
Polarized sunglasses work by filtering out the horizontal light waves that bounce off the surface of the water.
The lenses of polarized sunglasses are made out of a special filter. This filter is made of a material with molecules that are lined up so that they only filter light that has been reflected from a horizontal surface.
Because of this, horizontally oriented light waves will be blocked by the filter. The filter will only allow light waves that are vertically polarized to pass through the lenses.
This greatly reduces the risk of glare from water and other surfaces.
Because of this, polarized sunglasses can be used to make more of the details of an object visible. This is especially true for objects that are on the water or the shore.
Anglers can use polarized sunglasses to see more detail in and around the water, allowing them to spot fish easier and more clearly.
How Do I Clean and Maintain My Polarized Sunglasses?
Cleaning your polarized sunglasses is simple.
You can clean them with a soft cloth, like a microfiber cleaning cloth, or a microfiber sunglasses cleaning cloth.
You can use mild soap and water on a microfiber cloth, or you can use a cleaning solution.
You can also use a special polarized lens cleaning kit, which is designed to clean the lenses without damaging them.
The kit includes a special solution, a microfiber cloth, and a cleaning cloth.
