When it comes to fishing, there are essential tools and equipment that every angler should keep in their collection. These items include a good fishing rod and reel, lures, bait, and hooks, to name a few. However, one item that often gets overlooked is a good pair of fishing sunglasses. Not only do a good pair of sunglasses protect your eyes from the harsh sun, but they can also help you see what is beneath the water’s surface. To help you choose a pair that will suit your needs, I have researched and compiled a list of the top 7 best fishing sunglasses on the market in 2023.
What are the top 7 best fishing sunglasses in 2023?
Here is a quick list of the top 7 best fishing sunglasses. These shades provide the best functionality, durability, and sight clarity to help provide anglers with the ultimate fishing experience in 2023:
- Costa Del Mar Fantail
- Maui Jim Peahi
- Oakley Split Shot
- Smith Optic Guide’s Choice
- Wiley X Omega
- Ray Ban Predator 2
- Costa Del Mar Blackfin
Polarized lenses are a must-have.
When choosing the perfect pair of sunglasses for fishing, shopping for a pair with polarized lenses is crucial. Polarized sunglasses are game-changing when it comes to catching fish. These specialized lenses help reduce glare, which ultimately helps you see directly into the water. These lenses are beneficial when fishing in clear or shallow water, where fish are more visible.
Choose the right lens color.
Fishing sunglasses come in a variety of lens colors. Depending on the body of water and your fishing style, one lens color may have an advantage over another. For example, orange and yellow lenses enhance contrast, making it easier to spot fish underwater. Meanwhile, blue and green lenses are great for fishing in deep water, as they absorb more light and reduce glare.
Consider the shape and fit.
Similar to clothes and hats, sunglasses come in different shapes and sizes. You’ll want to consider a pair that sits comfortably on your nose without slipping off, even when casting a line or reeling in a fish. Most anglers prefer a wraparound frame style that offers maximum coverage and protection from the sun.
Look for durability and scratch resistance.
Many hazards can destroy a nice pair of sunglasses while fishing. These include water (especially salt water), wind, sand, and rough handling. That’s why it is crucial to find a pair made from durable materials that can withstand these conditions. In this article, each pair of sunglasses have passed the durability test and should hold up to any encounter with the elements they are exposed to. Additionally, scratch-resistant lenses offer protection for the lens and can also help your sunglasses look new for longer.
Don’t forget style.
While functionality should be your top priority, there is no harm in looking good while you fish. Fortunately, the brands listed in this article offer fishing sunglasses in a variety of stylish designs that suit any taste or preference.
Now, let’s dive into the best fishing sunglasses in 2023.
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Costa Del Mar Fantail
One of the best fishing sunglasses in the market, Costa Del Mar Fantail offers 100% UV protection and is made of lightweight plastic frames with polarized lenses. The Costa Del Mar Fantail offers exceptional value for money with its comfortable fit and excellent performance.
The Fantail comes in two different lens types: Polarized Glass (580G) and Polarized Polycarbonate (580P). Costa’s 580G lenses are scratch resistant. These polarized lenses are designed to eliminate reflective glare. The 580P lenses are also noteworthy because they contain Costa’s C-Wall coating, which repels oils, water, and dust. These lenses are also impact resistant, and 100% eliminate reflective glare.
Frame Colors: Blackout, Matte Gray, Tortoise, and Matte Black.
Lens Colors: Blue Mirror and Green Mirror. Gray lenses are available in 580P only.
Size: Medium – Regular fit with a medium lens designed to cover an average portion of the face.
Each Costa Del Mar Fantail pair comes with a Costa sunglasses case and cleaning cloth upon order. Also available in prescription lenses.
Maui Jim Peahi
With a frame constructed to be both lightweight and durable, the Maui Jim Peahi sunglasses offer superior performance and comfort while fishing. The polarized lenses are scratch and impact-resistant, making these sunglasses an excellent choice for fresh and saltwater fishing.
Frame Colors: Gloss Black, Black Matte Rubber, and Tortoise (It also comes in a limited edition version called Matte Tortoise that only comes with HCL Bronze lenses).
Lens Colors: Blue Hawaii, MAUIGreen, Neutral Grey, Maui HT, Maui Rose, MAUI Sunrise, and HAWAII LAVA.
Size: Large – Shaped for a larger, more prominent face or head.
Each pair of Maui Jim Peahi sunglasses come with a case, cleaning cloth, a two-year warranty, and free shipping and returns. Also available in prescription lenses.
Oakley Split Shot
The Oakley Split Shot sunglasses provide a stylish and comfortable fit that delivers unparalleled protection from the sun and harmful UV rays. These wraparound sunglasses offer polarized lenses with anti-reflective technology that enhances color contrast, making them an excellent choice for any fishing environment.
The Oakley Split Shot features include a high-wraparound frame with a detachable leash. These sunglasses are promoted as the ultimate eyewear for water activities. Other key features include a non-slip nose pad that increases grip as you sweat, and the frame is designed to be compatible with anglers who want to sport these sunglasses while wearing a hat.
Overall, the customization for these sunglasses can be limitless. You can even change the Oakley logo color!
Prizm Polarized Options: Tungsten Lenses with Matte Tortoise Frame, Deep Water Lenses with Matte Black Frame, Deep Water Lenses with Woodgrain Frame, Black Lenses with Matte Black Frame, Sapphire Lenses with Matte Black Frame, and Deep Water Lenses with Black Ink Frame.
Prizm Non-Polarized Options: Ruby Lenses with Matte Black Camo Frame and Grey Lenses with Black Ink Frame.
Size: Medium – Made for medium to large faces.
Each pair of Oakley Split Shot sunglasses come included with a water-resistant case and attachment clip upon order. Also available in prescription lenses.
Smith Optics Guide’s Choice
The Smith Optics Guide’s Choice is a premium pair of fishing sunglasses designed for hardcore anglers. With a rubber nose pad and temple pads, this pair provides superior comfort even on the longest of fishing trips. The lenses are polarized and offer excellent color contrast, making it easy to spot biting fish.
Each pair of Smith Optics Guide’s Choice sunglasses has a moisture-resistant, smudge-resistant coating and is easy to clean. The lenses are manufactured with an anti-reflective coating that reduces eye strain and improves clarity.
Three different lens types are offered: Techlite, ChromaPop Polarized, and ChromaPop Glass Polarized. ChromaPop Polarized lenses cut glare and enhance contrast and natural colors to make details pop. Similarly, ChromaPop Glass Polarized lenses cut glare, enhance color and contrast, and remain highly durable and scratch-resistant. This article will only focus on the polarized variants.
Frame Colors: Matte Moss, Black, Havana, Tortoise, Matte Tortoise, Matte Black, and Matte Cement.
ChromaPop Polarized Lens Colors: Black, Green Mirror, Blue Mirror, and Gray Green.
ChromaPop Glass Polarized Lens Colors: Green Mirror, Blue Mirror, Bronze Mirror, Brown, Light Yellow, and Gray.
Size: Medium to Large frames that fit in a wraparound shape.
Each pair of Smith Optics Guide’s Choice sunglasses comes with a hard case, a detachable sunglass leash, and a microfiber bag upon purchase. Also available in prescription lenses.
Wiley X Omega
The Wiley X Omega is a high-performance fishing pair of sunglasses that offer a versatile fit and superior protection against the sun’s harmful rays. The anti-fog coating is a unique feature of these polarized lenses and provides excellent sight clarity.
Key features of these sunglasses include a bold, lightweight frame with a high wraparound that blocks out any peripheral light. Dual injection rubber nose pads built into the frame allow for slip-free comfort. These polarized lenses meet ANSI Z87.1+ safety standards and U.S. Military standards for ballistic eye protection. The lenses are also shatterproof and guarantee maximum protection and precision for any outdoor adventure.
Frame Color: Matte Black
Lens Color: Grey
Size: Medium to Large
Each pair of Wiley X Omega sunglasses comes with rubber grips, a black zippered clamshell case, and a cleaning cloth upon purchase. Prescription lenses are also available.
Ray Ban Predator 2
The Ray Ban Predator 2 is a classic and stylish pair of fishing sunglasses. The polarized lenses offer excellent protection from the sun and are scratch and impact-resistant. These lightweight sunglasses offer a snug fit, perfect for those who wear glasses.
Key features of these sunglasses include a subtle, striped texture treatment on the temple tips that helps the sunglasses stay on during movement and activity. Their wrapped fit creates a sporty, casual, and athletic look.
Polarized Frame and Lens Combinations: Matte Black with Polarized Mirror Grey Lenses.
Non-Polarized Frame and Lens Combinations: Matte Black with Green Lenses and Polished Dark Havana with Brown Lenses.
Size: XXL – Regular fit that rides high on the nose bridge
Each pair of Ray-Ban Predator 2 sunglasses comes with a case and cleaning cloth. Also available in prescription lenses.
Costa Del Mar Blackfin
The Costa Del Mar Blackfin sunglasses are designed for avid anglers and deliver unmatched performance and comfort for all-day fishing trips. The wide lenses offer maximum protection from glare while providing excellent underwater visibility.
Costa’s patented 580 technology goes beyond polarization by filtering out harmful high-energy UV blue and harsh yellow lights. These key features allow users to experience top-notch clarity, brighter-looking colors, and more defined objects.
Lens Colors: Blue Mirror and Green Mirror. Gray lenses are available in 580P only.
Size: Large – Considered a regular fit where the lens covers an average portion of the face. Those with a higher nose bridge and low cheekbones will have a more secure fit.
Costa Del Mar Blackfin sunglasses come with a Costa case and cleaning cloth upon order. Prescription lenses are also available.
Invest in your pair of fishing sunglasses.
Before you head out on your next fishing trip, make sure that you invest in a high-quality pair of fishing sunglasses. With polarized lenses, the right lens color, a comfortable fit, durability, and style, you can enjoy your time on the water while also improving your chances of catching more fish.
These top 7 best fishing sunglasses in 2023 offer premium features such as comfort, protection, durability, and clarity, making them an excellent choice for any angler. Invest in a pair of polarized and scratch-resistant sunglasses to make the most out of your next fishing trip!
Please remember that product availability and popularity of specific sunglasses may vary. It is always a good idea to try them on and choose the best fit before purchasing.