The best polarized sunglasses for fishing are far more than a fashion statement. With the ability to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays to having a better time spotting fish, they’re essential. With numerous brands and styles to choose from, we’ve selected the top five pairs you’ll want to consider.
Best Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing: A Review
1. Sungait Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses
The Sungait Rectangular Polarized Sunglasses packs a powerful punch as it not only looks great but also offers 100% protection against UVB and UVA rays. When worn, these sunglasses are quite comfortable and convenient to use for all outdoor trips, whether camping or fishing. They have plenty of beneficial features you’ll want to get your hands on.
Product Highlights
When you wear these sunglasses for the first time, you’ll appreciate how strong and sturdy they feel without adding too much weight to your face. The fashionable metal frame is rectangular and features a height of 42mm with a lens width of 62mm. The overall length of the sunglasses is 144mm, which should be comfortable for most wearers.
The protective features of this pair of sunglasses are quite notable as well, as you’ll have complete protection from three main types of sun rays. Your eyes will be sufficiently shielded from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays when you’re out on the water. They are also covered by a money-back guarantee and a lifetime breakage warranty.
All of the accessories needed to use the sunglasses are included with your order as well. You’ll have a cleaning cloth, a special pouch for storage, and a mini screwdriver if you need to make any adjustments.
What to Like About It
Wearers will appreciate the build quality of these sunglasses, as they feel far more expensive than they are. They fit comfortably on big and small heads, offering optimal polarization for incredibly bright days. You’ll love wearing them for driving, fishing, and any other outdoor activity.
If you find the glasses don’t fit, you can quickly return them thanks to the money-back guarantee.
What Not to Like About It
Depending on the sensitivity of your face, you might find these sunglasses to be an average weight rather than lightweight. They may also have a lot of internal reflection where you will be able to see your eyes more than the outside world. Also, they don’t perform as well if you are directly facing the sun.
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Average weight
- Comes with accessories
- Suitable for large and small heads
- High polarization for indirect light
Cons:
- Not ideal for facing the sun
- Have internal reflections
- Not as lightweight as intended
2. Gear District Polarized Sport Sunglasses
At first glance, you can quickly tell that the Gear District Polarized Sport Sunglasses is designed for outdoor enthusiasts. With a bright sporty feel, these sunglasses may be one of the better affordable options on the market. Their basic design is also what makes them notable, as they’re comfortable and easy to wear for any occasion.
Product Highlights
When it comes to polarization, these sunglasses are built to prevent your eyes from being irritated from reflections and glare. They can absorb 100% of UV light and reduce up to 99% of glare in most conditions. No matter if you are fishing in the summer or winter, you’ll find your eyes will feel more comfortable when it’s bright outside.
The UV 400 protection covers three main types of sun rays, UVA, UVB, and UVC. Your eyes are said to be 100% protected from the harmful effects of the sun. Each 74mm lens features mirror coating and TAC polarization for added durability and resilience.
You’ll surely appreciate the silicone padding added to some areas of the glasses that help to prevent them from slipping. There’s padding around the frame, which also helps the sunglasses to feel more comfortable against your skin.
What to Like About It
The first benefit to note is that these glasses look cool when worn. You won’t feel any discomfort around your temples or your nose area, which is perfect for sensitive skin. The added silicone also doesn’t make the sunglasses heavier, so they’ll sit comfortably on your face.
When working in semi-direct light, the polarization of the Gear District Polarized Sport Sunglasses is fantastic. You’ll have a clear and bright vision to use to your advantage when trying to spot fish in rivers and lakes.
What Not to Like About It
If you intend to wear these sunglasses in the hot summer months, be prepared for a lot of fogging, as they don’t work quite as well in humid conditions. You may also realize the overall build quality isn’t up to par with more expensive pairs. Wearers have noted the lenses pop out frequently, and the frame bends quite easily to the point of breakage.
Pros:
- Comfortable on the face
- Lightweight
- Silicone prevents slippage
- Useful polarization
Cons:
- Lenses fog easily
- Poor build quality
- Lenses may pop out
3. KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sunglasses
When you’re looking for quality sunglasses, often, it makes sense to opt for a slightly more expensive pair. Designed by a company well known for its fishing equipment, the KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sunglasses could be your best option. With a fashionable style that looks great on both men and women, these sunglasses are ideal for fishing, driving, running, and cycling.
Product Highlights
The number of color variations you can choose from is impressive, as you can opt for different frame and lens colors based on your preference. Some of the most popular combinations are matte black with smoke, matte black with amber, matte black with copper, and matte black with cobalt. You’ll easily be able to find the perfect fishing sunglasses for your style.
The lens quality of these glasses is also impeccable, with one millimeter of thickness. This thickness is similar to some of the higher end fishing sunglasses on the market. When constructed, the lenses are put under a decentering test to ensure optical distortions aren’t prevalent, which can cause headaches.
You’ll also love that the polarized sunglasses help to reduce any light reflections and glare. If you’re someone interested in a high-quality frame, these sunglasses feature Grilamid, which is typically used for medical and military purposes. The frames are incredibly flexible and lightweight, but they are also UV resistant and heat resistant.
Overall, the shape integrity of the KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sunglasses is quite impressive, and the frames are virtually indestructible. When it comes to fit, you’ll love how the tacky nose and temple pads keep the sunglasses comfortably on your face. You won’t have to worry about them sliding down your nose from sweat or having to readjust them constantly.
It’s also important to note that each color combination comes with its own benefits. For example, the smoke lenses are perfect for bright sunlight and ideal color reproduction. While the brown lenses are useful for contrast and depth perception, as are the copper lenses, but are best for low to moderate light.
What to Like About It
When you opt for the KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sunglasses, you’ll get a high-quality pair of sunglasses meant to last years of use. It sits very comfortably on your face, whether it’s windy or not. You’ll also love how easily it cuts through glare, giving you an accurate representation of colors and fish in the water.
Some anglers even suggest that the sunglasses help to make it easy to see fish in dirty water and clear water alike. No matter if you wear them in the sun or shade, you’ll have impeccable clarity and comfort.
What Not to Like About It
The main issue with these sunglasses is the quality of the mirror coating. When the sunglasses get wet, rubbing the water spots away can cause the mirror coating to come off. You may also have to take special care to continually clean the lenses for optimal clarity in very bright situations.
Pros:
- Cuts through glare
- Optimal color reproduction
- Multiple color variations
- Sit comfortably on the face
- Work well in windy conditions
Cons:
- Mirror coating may rub off
- Not recommended to get wet
- Require constant cleaning
4. Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses
With a frame style that is quite similar to the KastKing sunglasses, the Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses is comfortable to wear for numerous outdoor excursions. Its TAC polarized lenses offer up to 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays meanwhile maintaining actual color. Wearers will appreciate how lightweight they feel as well.
Product Highlights
There are a few particular characteristics of these sunglasses, especially in terms of polarization. The TAC polarization helps to block UVB and UVA rays with ease while minimizing any reflected light. You’ll also find your eyes will experience less eye strain thanks to the seven layers of protection.
The multiple layers of protection added to these sunglasses are ideal for polarization, but they also help the sunglasses to absorb any UV light. The second and third layers are bonded, so the lenses have impeccable durability to prevent breakage. Also, the sixth and seventh layers are shatterproof, so you can guarantee these sunglasses are designed to last a while.
The confident style of the Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses will make you feel great on the water. The clarity it offers is also unmatched when compared to other affordable sunglasses on the market. You’ll find these sunglasses will quickly become your most used pair for sports, skiing, cycling, fishing, and even riding motorcycles.
With the addition of the polycarbonate frame, the exterior of the sunglasses is ultimately scratch-resistant and incredibly durable. When worn, the rimless jacket frame also helps to offer a lower vision field so you can see everything in your surrounding area.
What to Like About It
The lenses on the Duduma Polarized Sports Sunglasses are the best part of the design, as they are incredibly bright and crisp, even in direct sunlight. Compared to high-end brands, these perform better without any fogging in humidity or cold temperatures. You’ll also find they sit on your face comfortably without the fear of slipping from sweat or improper sizing.
Although not rated as safety glasses, the shatterproof lenses can give you peace of mind when working on your property around heavy machinery. They are sure to offer far more eye protection than if you weren’t wearing any glasses at all.
What Not to Like About It
Our primary concern with these sunglasses is that you might encounter problems once they get wet, especially in saltwater. Even after cleaning and drying the lenses, the optical quality becomes significantly worse. Also, if you’re not used to wearing rimless jacket sunglasses, the bottom of these may become uncomfortable on your cheeks.
Pros:
- Clear and crisp vision
- Great in direct sunlight
- Reduce fogging
- Fit comfortably
- Shatterproof lenses
Cons:
- Lose optical quality when wet
- Not recommended for saltwater
- Bottom of the lenses feels uncomfortable
5. Siplion Polarized Sunglasses
Sleek and stylish are the two words that come to mind when you look at the Siplion Polarized Sunglasses. The ultra-modern aesthetic will make you look your best meanwhile protecting your eyes from the harmful glare of the sun. With similar UV protection as the other glasses on this list, it’s perfect for fishing expeditions.
Product Highlights
The first highlight to discuss is the polarization on the lenses, as it has UV 400 protection designed to block UVB, UVA, and UVC rays. You’ll also find they help to reduce glare off the water, snow, roads, and any other horizontal surface. With remarkable clarity, you’ll be able to see actual colors without the worry of reflected or scattered light.
Ergonomic features are essential with sunglasses, especially if you’ll be wearing them for extended periods. The smart technology used to design this pair helps to make them far more comfortable on your temples and nose. You’ll also find they are a little more lightweight than your average pair of sunglasses.
The frame of the glasses is quite durable, as it’s made from stress-resistant material. TR90 is known for preventing breakage and unnecessary bending. You can guarantee that your lenses aren’t likely to bend or break, even if you were to sit on them by accident.
As an extra convenience, the sunglasses have an anti-skid sport design with breathable non-slip nose pads. Wearers will love the all-day comfort that these have to offer.
What to Like About It
Overall, the weight of the sunglasses is more lightweight than you would expect and are moderately polarized. If you’re in the market for a quick pair of sunglasses that you can throw on while driving or fishing, these are a portable and convenient pair to have. You’ll also find they help to cut most of the glare off surfaces, especially when fishing.
What Not to Like About It
The build quality of the Siplion Polarized Sunglasses is slightly questionable, as it feels quite cheap. You may also find that the polarization isn’t as dark as you would expect, though it’s still quite useful in bright conditions. Also, it’s important to note the glasses aren’t mirrored.
Pros:
- Adjustable nose bridge
- Very lightweight
- Easy to pack
- Cut off surface glare
Cons:
- Moderate polarization
- Do not have any mirroring
- Feels cheap
Buyer’s Guide
Shopping for sunglasses can be quite a task, especially since you’ll want a pair that is as fashionable as functional. With the help of this guide, you’ll know what to look for when you start shopping for the perfect pair.
1. Lens Color
As mentioned, sunglasses are typically available with many lens colors. You’ll find the colors can range from amber to blue and even yellow. It’s important to remember that specific colors will work better in certain conditions; for example, gray is a fantastic option for extremely bright days.
2. Lens Type
The type of lenses you choose will have a lot to do with their integrity and durability over the years. You’ll generally have to choose between mirrored and non-mirrored glasses, as well as consider any added durability features. Mirrored lenses have a tint that reduces even more glare by reflecting light away from the eyes.
With that said, mirrored lenses can sometimes be slightly more expensive than non-mirrored, but are highly recommended for reducing eye strain. You may also find that some mirroring can distort your visibility and the true colors of your surroundings.
It’s essential to keep an eye out for other lens features as well, such as scratchproof coatings and how the lenses withstand saltwater and freshwater. Ideally, the best sunglasses will be shatter and scratchproof so they can last as long as possible.
3. Cost
It can be tempting to spend a lot of money on sunglasses, but there is a likelihood that they will get lost or broken in the future. Although you won’t want to settle for the cheapest pair possible, as they’ll be of a lower quality, finding a median price is best. On average, suitable polarized sunglasses fall between $20 and $50, with higher-quality brands costing as much as $100.
4. Material
You’ll want to pay close attention to the materials used for both the frames and the lenses of your sunglasses. The best pairs will have high-quality and durable materials for both, helping to prevent scratches, shattering, and even unnecessary bending. Sunglass frames made from poly plastics are typically affordable and incredibly resilient.
In terms of lenses, you’ll want an average thickness of one millimeter, as this can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Some manufacturers will have several layers of coating added to the lenses to prevent them from breaking over time.
5. Comfort Level
For something you will likely wear on your face for hours at a time, your sunglasses should feel weightless yet secure. You’ll want them to fit comfortably against your temples, though not too tight to cause headaches. Also, the nose grips should prevent the glasses from sliding down your face without digging into the skin.
If you have the option of choosing sunglasses with adjustable nose pieces and arms, you can create a more customized fit for all-day comfort. We also recommend opting for a pair that features silicone padding that will maintain the shape and fit of the glasses.
Best Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing FAQs
1. What Color Sunglass Lenses Are Best for Fishing?
When you start shopping for sunglasses, you’ll notice the lenses come in numerous colors. Luckily, each color has its advantages to help make fishing even more enjoyable. Below, you’ll find the most popular sunglass lens colors and their purposes.
- Yellow: Yellow lenses are perfect for evening and early morning fishing, as they’re made for low light conditions. By removing blue light, you’ll have a brighter vision and heightened contrast for fishing in shallow waters.
- Copper: This is one of the most popular colors because it’s quite versatile. Copper is renowned for its purity, so you always have the best color representation possible. You’ll also love using these lenses in any weather, even in a storm at dusk.
- Amber: Similar to yellow, amber is an excellent choice for fishing in low light. You’ll find they are the most beneficial on cloudy, foggy, and rainy days, as the lenses will be quite adaptable. In-sight and flat fishing will be more accessible, thanks to the high contrast of amber.
- Gray: Gray lenses are typically best for moderately bright conditions. They’re ideal for blocking the intensity of water reflections, meanwhile reducing eye fatigue. If you’re fishing in deep offshore waters, gray is one of your best options.
2. Why Do Fishermen Wear Polarized Sunglasses?
There are numerous reasons fishers wear polarized sunglasses, the most prevalent being eye protection. When you’re out on the water for hours and staring into bright reflections, you’re bound to experience eye strain, fatigue, and discomfort. With polarization, the brightness and glare are reduced, which helps to protect your eyes further.
Many fishers find that unique sunglasses are also ideal for getting clearer vision into the water. Frequently, seeing through murky conditions will be more straightforward, and you can enhance your natural eyesight with specific colored lenses.
3. Can You See Fish With Polarized Sunglasses?
You can see fish with polarized sunglasses, which is why they are as popular as they are. With that said, not every pair is created the same, and the higher quality, the clearer your vision will be.
Ideally, your sunglasses should allow you to see into deep or shallow waters with ease. You will also want to make sure the polarization reduces glare so that you can take advantage of actual colors and optimal clarity.
4. What Color Sunglass Lenses Are Best for Fishing?
Choosing a specific sunglass lens color will all depend on the area that you regularly fish at. You will also want to consider the weather, as this can affect how much brightness you’ll need to shield yourself from. Generally, you’ll want to opt for gray or dark-colored lenses in very bright conditions.
Alternatively, opting for yellow or amber-colored lenses can significantly benefit you in low-light conditions, as they help to brighten the area.
5. How Can I Tell If My Lenses Are Polarized?
The easiest way to tell if your lenses are polarized is to grab your sunglasses and a computer monitor. You’ll want to turn on the computer with your sunglasses in front, looking at the screen through the lenses. Tilt the sunglasses 60 degrees, and if they turn black, the lenses are polarized.
Another sure-fire way to tell is to try the sunglasses on when it’s sunny outside. If you can tell that the glare is noticeably reduced and the surrounding area is darker than without the glasses, they are likely polarized.
Our Final Recommendation
The best polarized sunglasses for fishers are the KastKing Hiwassee Polarized Sunglasses because of its pristine clarity and extreme comfort. With fishing in mind during the designing process, these sunglasses are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You’ll love their style and their polarization to keep your eyes comfortable and protected.