The Best Polarized Sunglasses For Fishing (2020 Update)

Page Contents

What Is A Polarized Lens?
What Colors Do Polarized Lenses Come In?
Glass vs. Plastic Lens
Are There Drawbacks to Polarized Lenses?

Our Choices For The Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

When it comes to being on the water all day, nothing is worse than the blinding glare from the sun as it reflects off the stillness of the water. Being on the water makes you particularly susceptible to the harsh glare from the sun. Some days, it is so intense that you can barely see, even while wearing sunglasses. Glare makes even the simplest of actions difficult, and really inhibits your ability to fish properly. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, then polarized sunglasses are something that you should consider, and we have conveniently rounded up a fantastic list!

If you are interested in finding the best polarized sunglasses for fishing, there are a few things you should know. Read below to learn some basic information about polarized lenses, and what colors and types they come in. Then, read on as we lay out some of the best polarized fishing sunglasses on the market today and which scenarios they excel in!

What Is A Polarized Lens?

A polarized lens is a special type of lens the greatly reduces the glare off of horizontal surfaces. When light from the sun hits a horizontal surface, it bounces off at unpredictable angles causing a harsh glare. We have all had the sun glare up at us, making it impossible to even keep your eyes open, much less perform an activity of any kind. Polarized lenses allow the actual light to pass through while blocking the reflective glare.

In addition to blocking glare, polarized lenses can be helpful in other ways. Polarized lenses darken images and boost the contrast of what you are looking at. This makes what you are viewing more refined and easier to see. For fishing, you may find polarized lenses that really your angling due to enhancing the color contrast you see. Polarized lenses also reduce eye fatigue since your eyes do not need to squint or strain while you are wearing them.

What Colors Do Polarized Lenses Come In?

Before discussing colors, we must first discuss the two main types of polarized lenses. When it comes to polarized lenses, you can choose between tinted or transition lenses. Tinted lenses will enhance a particular color in the environment as well as reducing glare. Transition lenses change how light and dark they are based on the brightness of your environment. They may be a little harder to find, but polarized transition lenses are available if that feature seems important or useful to you – but they are definitely among the most expensive options available.

When it comes to tinted lenses, there are many color options available. In general, there are six main colors to choose from: brown, blue, green, gray, pink, and yellow. Choosing a color for your polarized lenses is not just about personal taste or preference. Each color lens has a specific purpose and can help in different situations. For example, yellow lenses give the wearer better vision in hazy conditions. They also filter blue light from electronics. Red or pink polarized lenses offer the greatest amount of contrast for great road visibility and strong visual depth.

Glass vs. Plastic Lens

The last decision you have to make is whether you would prefer glass or plastic lenses. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Glass is a classic lens choice and provides the most clarity for your vision. They also offer more durability and are less prone to distortion. However, glass lenses are much heavier than plastic lenses, so wearing them for a long day of fishing can be slightly uncomfortable, and annoying if they keep sliding down your nose.

Plastic lenses have become more popular in recent years because they are lighter and generally less expensive. Plastic lenses are also very durable as they are not able to shatter or crack as easily as glass lenses do. One of the biggest positives of plastic lenses is that they can be treated with all sorts of things. Color tinting allows for better vision in harsh lighting conditions. UV protection or scratch-resistance can be added as well.

Are There Drawbacks to Polarized Lenses?

There is really only one major negative to using polarized lenses in your sunglasses. Polarized lenses make it difficult to see electronic devices like cell phones, dashboards, or other types of digital LCD screens. When driving, it may be difficult to view the electronic parts of your car. If you plan to use your cell phone or a GPS while fishing, you may have to lower or remove your polarized sunglasses so that you can see the screen clearly. Also, using polarized glasses at night is not a good idea. Since it filters light and reduces glare, it can be dangerous to wear them in conditions with extremely low light.

Our Choices For The Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

1. Best Overall Fishing Sunglasses: Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic Polarized Glass Sunglasses

The Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic sunglasses have the option of adding polarized glass for a stylish and functional option. The wayfarer are the traditional and recognizable style that the Ray-Ban company is known for. With these sunglasses, you have multiple customizable options to create the perfect glasses for you.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

First, you have the choice between standard and small frame size to properly fit your face. Next, you choose four different colors or patterns for your frame. Lastly, you can decide between 6 different lens colors to find the one that best enhances the clarity of your vision. The glass lenses that the Wayfarer’s come with allow you to see with perfect clarity in almost any environment. While these sunglasses have a pretty steep price tag, they are made with high quality materials and are sure to last for many years.

2. Best Frameless Fishing Sunglasses: Maui Jim Ho’okipa Polarized Sunglasses

If thick frames seem too bulky for your liking, consider a frameless option for your fishing sunglasses. The frameless polarized sunglasses from Maui Jim are a super lightweight option that are perfect for a long day on the water. The lenses are made from durable polycarbonate while the frame is made from Grilamid, another extremely strong and durable material. These lenses are equipped with the proprietary PolarizedPlus technology. This means that they offer nine layers of protective elements for your eyes.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

The Maui Jim Polarized Sunglasses also allow for multiple customization options. Choose between three classic frame colors, as well as four different polarized lens tints. For fishing, we recommend either the Maui Rose tint or the Neutral Gray tint. Both of these colors offer high contrast and a large amount of light reduction, perfect for reducing the glare and seeing the fish in the water.

3. Most Durable Fishing Sunglasses: Costa Del Mar Reefton 580G Mirror Glass Polarized Sunglasses

If you are rough on your sunglasses, consider getting these Reefton 580G Mirror Glass Polarized Sunglasses from Costa Del Mar. These sunglasses are made with a durable, bio-resin frame, spring hinges, and scratch-resistant glass lenses. All these safety features make these glasses more likely to withstand some rough and tough use. Once you are on the water and you place these sunglasses over your eyes, you will immediately have relief from eyestrain due to the diminished reflective glare. 100% UV protection blocks the harmful rays of the sun from damaging your eyes over time.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

These glasses even have features in place to help keep them in place on your nose. Nose pads made from Hydrolite and co-molded temples keep these sunglasses firmly in place during the hottest of days. The large frame of these Costa Del Mar Reefton Sunglasses give you maximum coverage while also being comfortable for a long day of fishing. While you have four different choices for frames when buying these sunglasses, you can only choose between two different lens colors: blue or green. Your purchase of these glasses includes a hard-sided storage case for safety, as well as a high-quality cleaning cloth for maintenance.

4. Best Budget Polarized Fishing Glasses: Costa Fathom 580P Polarized Sunglasses Black/Gray

If you only fish a few times a year, or are looking for a budget-friendly option, the Costa Fathom 580P Polarized Sunglasses in Black and Grey are your best choice. While these glasses don’t offer as many customizable options as some of the others on this list, they are a quality product for an affordable price. The polarized finish on these glasses is in a gray tint. This color helps to maintain accurate color saturation while also providing natural contrast in bright sun conditions. Polycarbonate lenses provide strength and durability while giving you crystal clear vision and a comfortable fit. This material also provides impact resistance to reduce the chances of cracking.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

True Costa 580 Technology in the lenses gives these sunglasses the ability to block yellow light while also enhancing red and green light. On top of this, the proprietary C-Wall coating on the lenses repels water and other unwanted things like grease and dust. It also provides scratch-resistance to keep your lenses clear, even with rough and tough use. For safety from the sun, 100% UV protection is also provided.

5. Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses for Large Faces: Oakley Gascan OO9014 Polarized Sunglasses

If you struggle to find sunglasses that fit your face, consider purchasing the Oakley Gascan OO9014 Polarized Sunglasses for your fishing needs. These Oakley sunglasses are offered in two different sizes: standard and large. The large size has a wider frame that will cover and protect your peripheral vision more and fit your face more comfortably. The frame is made from O-Matter, a lightweight and durable material. This keeps your face comfortable after a long time wearing. When it comes to the lenses, Oakley makes their own Plutonite polarized lenses. These lenses are specifically designed to completely block UV rays, as well as blue light up to 400nm. These features keep your eyes safe while you are wearing them.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

When it comes to customizing your Oakley Gascan OO9014 Polarized Sunglasses, you have a few options between Prizm tinted lenses. You can choose between black iridium, Prizm black iridium, and Prizm sapphire. The Prizm technology is specifically designed to give you the most precise and vivid color in any type of lighting environment. Once you have chosen your preferred lens tint, you can choose between two classic frame colors: steel or matte black. No matter what combination you choose, these Oakley’s will be useful and stylish sunglasses to add to your fishing gear.

6. Best Ladies Fishing Sunglasses: Maui Jim Starfish Polarized Sunglasses for Ladies

If you are a woman looking for polarized fishing sunglasses that are made specifically for you, the Maui Jim Starfish Polarized Sunglasses for Ladies are some of the best on the market. With these sunglasses, you get both functional and stylish shades that are handcrafted from the highest quality materials. These sunglasses have been designed with a slight cat-eye shape and a sloping top so that they are flattering on all facial types. Not only do they look good, but they have many functional features as well.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

The PolarizedPlus2 lenses are constructed from extremely thin glass. This glass is lightweight while also providing crystal clear, high quality optics. It is 20 percent thinner and lighter than standard lenses used for glasses. This lens material also provides scratch resistance. To help keep the sunglasses in place, these glasses have rubberized, nonslip nose pads as well. The frame is made from nylon over wire for strength and flexibility. For the frame, you have the choice between tortoise with black or tortoise with translucent chocolate. For lens tint, you can choose between bronze or neutral gray.

7. Most Stylish Fishing Sunglasses: Oakley Holbrook Polarized Sunglasses

The Oakley Holbrook Polarized Sunglasses win the award for most stylish polarized fishing sunglasses. Their design is inspired by the old-fashioned movie star sunglasses from the 50s and 60s, but with a modern twist. The lenses on these sunglasses are made with High Definition Optics. This technology delivers the best optical clarity as well as impact resistance. Additionally, the HDPolarized lenses protect from 100 percent of the UVA, UVB, UVC and damaging blue light. They also have the capability of filtering 99 perfect of the glare that you encounter.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

Another reason these sunglasses are awarded the most stylish is that they have the most customizable options for both frames and lenses. For frame finishes, you can pick matte black prismatic (featuring a geometric design), matte black tortoise, polished black, satin black, or matte black. Once you have picked your frame, you can choose a corresponding lens tint from one of five different options. Decide between Prizm sapphire iridium mirror, Prizm daily, Prizm black iridium mirror, Prizm sapphire, or Prizm deep H2O iridium mirror. When choosing one of the Prizm tints, you get more precise color definition in any type of environment. If one of the iridium tints interests you, this means that the lens has a special oxide coating on it. This coating creates crisp contrast and regulates harsh glare and light absorption.

8. Best Cheap Fishing Sunglasses: Costa Caballito 580P Polarized Sunglasses

If you are looking for a cheap but quality option for your fishing sunglasses, the Costa Caballito 580P Polarized Sunglasses are just what you are looking for. Even though these sunglasses are cheaper than the rest, they still offer much of the same features and technology that the more expensive sunglasses provide. True Costa 580 technology on the lenses blocks yellow light while enhancing both red and green light. It also enhances the efficiency of the polarizing feature. An additional coating, referred to as C-Wall, gives the lenses the ability to repel water, oil and dust while also resisting scratches.

Product Summary and Notable Features:

If this isn’t enough lens protection for you, the glasses also have impact resistance. The polycarbonate lenses of the Costa Caballito 580P Polarized Sunglasses have been impact and velocity tested to extremes so that they stay strong, and in one piece, in the most intense situations. Although they are strong, they are also extremely lightweight so that they don’t weigh down on your face or slide down your nose constantly. You can choose between two frame colors and two lens tints. If you are interested in the cheapest option, go for the Coconut Fade frame with the gray lens tint.

Care and Maintenance

Once you choose the right polarized fishing sunglasses for you, it is important to know how to properly maintain them. Maintaining the cleanliness and safety of your sunglasses will ensure that they last through many years of use.

Cleaning

Since the sunglasses you are interested in purchasing are meant for fishing, there’s a pretty good chance they’re going to get dirty frequently. Sunglasses fall in the water, get splashed and smudged with grease and sweat after only a short time on the water. In order to maintain clear vision and use your polarized lenses to the best of their ability, you will need to clean the frequently. This is best done with a lens cleaning cloth.

The best lens cleaning cloths are typically made of microfiber. Microfiber is soft and effectively cleans your lenses no matter what is on them. Using other materials can potentially scratch or harm your lenses instead of properly cleaning them. Microfiber can trap and remove oil, dust, dirt and anything else that may be impeding your vision. If there is something particularly thick or sticky on your lenses that is hard to remove, you will need to wash it off before using your microfiber cloth. To do this, use lukewarm water and a small amount of dishwashing soap to first clean your lenses. Use your fingertips and softly massage the soapy water over your lenses until they are clean. Then, let the lens air dry before polishing with your microfiber cloth. Following this process will give you smooth, clear lenses every single time.

Carrying

Sunglasses are a fragile accessory to carry around with you all the time. Everyone has broken or scratched more than one pair of sunglasses in their life. In order to avoid scratching or cracking your nice, polarized fishing sunglasses, there are a few precautions you should take.

Sturdy Carrying Case

The first thing you can do to keep your sunglasses safe from scratching or breaking is to purchase a sturdy, hard-sided carrying case. Some sunglasses will come with their own case, and some will not, so you have to do your research. If you need to find one on your own, make sure you are looking for a sunglasses case with hard sides. This will allow your glasses to fit comfortably inside and not get crunched if someone sits on them or if they get tossed around a little. Look for a carrying case with a microfiber or other soft fabric for its lining. This will ensure both the lenses and the frame of your glasses will be safe and sound nestled inside.

Using A Lanyard

Another easy, yet important, thing you can do to protect your brand new polarized fishing sunglasses is to wear them with a lanyard. A lanyard for glasses is a long string that attaches to both sides of the frame. The string is placed over your head, like a necklace, while you are wearing the sunglasses. This way, if the boat jerks or your fit is loose, the sunglasses will fall off your face, but remain hanging around your neck. Even if you don’t anticipate there being rough waters or a lot of movement, accidents happen all the time. Since you are using your sunglasses for fishing, look for a lanyard made from sturdy and waterproof or water-resistant materials. This way, your lanyard can last as long as your sunglasses.

Tips For Getting The Perfect Fit With Your New Sunglasses

When trying on your sunglasses to find the right pair, there are a few things you need to keep in mind about their fit. First, let’s talk about the frames. The frame of your sunglasses should fit snugly on your nose without pinching or rubbing. The same goes for the part of frame behind your ears. If either of these spots are uncomfortable at all during your first try on, it will continue to bother you as you wear it for longer periods of time. Another factor to consider is how close the lenses are to your face. Your eyelashes should not come into contact with the lens or the frame in any way.

Additionally, you must consider the coverage that your sunglasses provide for your eyes. The lenses of your glasses can have as much fancy UV protection and polarization as you can get, and it won’t matter if the frames don’t adequately cover your eyes. When you put the sunglasses on your face, make sure the lenses come out past your eyes. This will ensure that both eyes are protected from the sun. Sunglasses that are big enough and that fit well enough can even protect your peripheral vision as well.

What happens if you shop for sunglasses online? If this is the case, look for the product description and read reviews carefully. Look for phrases like “fits smaller faces.” Most sunglasses that are sold online have a careful and detailed description of the fit, making it easier for people to purchase without actually trying them on. However, no matter how careful you are, there is still a chance that the glasses you purchase won’t fit you perfectly. You can either have them adjusted (as described in the next paragraph) or return them. Just make sure to save copies of your receipt and understand the return policy completely. We understand that most people have probably owned sunglasses before, so you likely will know what size of shades fit your face best!

If there is a pair of sunglasses that you really love but are slightly uncomfortable, there may be something you can do about it. Take your sunglasses to an eyewear store or optometrist. They should be able to adjust the frames slightly so that they fit your face a little better. Keep in mind, there is only so much they can do. Frames can only be adjusted slightly in a few places to enhance fit. The optometrist or eyewear clerk can make the nosepiece closer or father apart to better fit your nose. They can also slightly bend the frame at the temples to make the earpieces fit more tightly on your head.