Upgrade your fishing game with the best fishing sunglasses! Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, the right pair can make all the difference. Find out what goes into the perfect pair for your setting, and join us as we talk about our top 7 picks for the season.
In This Post
2024 Picks for Best Fishing Sunglasses
Oakley Split Shot
Maui Jim Amberjack
Wiley X Omega
SMITH Guide’s Choice
SportRx Saeger
Bajio Bales Beach
Costa King Tide 8
Choosing the Best Fishing Sunglasses
Lenses
Polarization
Coverage
Grip
Materials
Shop the Best Fishing Sunglasses at SportRx
2024 Picks for Best Fishing Sunglasses
Each frame on our list has unique benefits as well as important features to note, which we summarize under each one. Check them out!
Oakley Split Shot
The Oakley Split Shot is a repeat winner on our list. The standout feature is its super easy leash attachment system, which has a firm clasp closure just like an actual split shot. The steel retainer leash is the standout feature and withstands more vigorous use than the typical fabric material. The Split Shot also has Oakley PRIZM lens technology—one of the best for deep sea and open water fishing. This frame is only available in dark tints, most of which are polarized. So we don’t recommend it much for freshwater fishing or overcast conditions.
Its detachable rubber nose piece gives the Split Shot one of the most comfortable saddle bridges. However, it can come off with a bit of pressure, especially when you’re cleaning it. If you ever lose yours, just know that Oakley makes replacement nose pieces. The Split Shot is still one of Oakley’s best fishing sunglasses and a tried-and-true favorite of ours.
Oakley Split Shot in Matte Black with PRIZM Deep Water Polarized Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Firm clasp leash attachment
- Steel retainer leash
- Comfortable rubberized saddle bridge
- Hat compatible
NOTES:
- Nose piece detaches
- Runs small
- No temple grip
Maui Jim Amberjack
New from Maui Jim is the Amberjack—a comfortable, full-coverage frame with sleek brightness protection. Despite its generous peripheral coverage, this frame doesn’t feel heavy and won’t slide around. This is due to its expert Italian craftsmanship and high quality materials. Speaking of quality, Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2 lenses are an angler’s best friend and block 99.9% of glare while boosting colors. Built-in side shields block sunlight from the lower peripherals for extra glare protection.
Unlike other fishing sunglasses which add rubber detailing onto the frame, the Amberjack has a soft-touch material injected into the frame itself. It’s flush with the bridge, so there are no uncomfortable pressure points. However, the material is smoother than rubber and isn’t as tacky. It’s also not adjustable, but if the fit is right, you shouldn’t have problems with either of these features.
Maui Jim Amberjack Sunglasses in Matte Dark Navy with Blue Hawaii Polarized Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Seamless coverage
- Built-in side shields
- Injected nose pads aren’t bulky
- Excellent polarization with Maui PolarizedPlus2 lenses
NOTES:
- Nose bridge material isn’t as tacky
Wiley X Omega
As the only safety-rated frame on our best fishing sunglasses list, the Wiley X Omega protects you in more ways than one. With ANSI Z87.1 shatter resistant lenses, you get added versatility for activities beyond fishing, or simply the extra assurance and durability. Not only is it incredibly lightweight and sturdy, the Omega has a hand-in-glove fit that works with a wide range of head sizes. The smooth wrap design provides full coverage from the sun and wind. Best of all, Wiley X Captivate lenses deliver crystal clear definition and contrast—even in prescription. We recommend Captivate Polarized Green or Bronze for brackish water.
The saddle bridge has injected rubber to prevent red spots on your nose, though the temples don’t have any grip. But since the weight, material, and fit are right, we think the other features more than make up for it. For one frame that’ll take you from the jobsite to the water in style, you’ll love the Wiley X Omega.
Wiley X Omega in Matte Black with Captivate Polarized Bronze Mirror Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Safety-rating adds versatility (ANSI Z87.1)
- Extra wide lenses at 66mm
- Excellent quality at a lower starting price
- Fits well on a range of head sizes
NOTES:
- No grip on the temples
SMITH Guide’s Choice
The SMITH Guide’s Choice has made our best fishing sunglasses list for several years. For total protection from sunlight and wind, this frame delivers. Thick temples taper into flexible, hat-compatible ends. Each temple also has a removable rubber piece where a leash attaches for seamless security. Hood extensions on the top corners of the frame block out overhead light for extra coverage.
For the amount of coverage this frame provides, it is incredibly lightweight and comfortable. It has spring hinges, which flex in either direction rather than locking into place. The Guide’s Choice is available in small and extra-large sizes—yet another reason why this frame is well-loved. We recommend sizing up before stretching it onto a bigger head, since doing so can interfere with grip. There really aren’t any potential drawbacks to the Guide’s Choice, except perhaps that the nose pad isn’t adjustable. Other than that, every frame comes with non-prescription glass ChromaPop lenses, which add weight but give exceptional clarity and scratch-resistance. Prescription lenses are available in Rx.
SMITH Guide's Choice in Tortoise with ChromaPop Polarized Green Mirror Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Maximum coverage
- Lightweight
- Thin, hat compatible temples
- Available in small and extra-large sizes
NOTES:
- Spring hinge can stretch out
- Glass lenses weigh more
SportRx Saeger
For anglers who want a high quality frame without breaking the bank, look no further than the SportRx Saeger. These 8-base wrap around sunglasses have everything you need on the water at half the price of most fishing sunglasses. Straight back, rubberized temples flex to fit any head shape and slide under any hat or helmet. The corners also have a hood extension for blocking out overhead light, with rounded edges to prevent hat crash. Locking cam hinges mean the temples won’t touch or scratch the back of the lenses when folded and stored. And for extra confidence, leash attachments fit your favorite retainer for worry-free security.
Of all the frames on our best fishing sunglasses list, we recommend the SportRx Saeger most for prescription wearers. The best part about this frame is that you get free single vision Rx lenses—which easily saves you a few hundred dollars. Choose from dozens of optician-designed tints that are tailored to your fishing environment, including any from the Sport Optimized Lenses collection. Non-prescription wearers can still get polarized gray lenses for deep water fishing, so all anglers can enjoy quality sunglass tech at a lower price with the SportRx Saeger.
SportRx Saeger Sunglasses in Matte Black with Black Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Best price point
- Free prescription lenses
- Hat compatible
- Hood extension blocks overhead light
- Leash attachment
NOTES:
- Only two frame colorways
Costa King Tide 8
No list of the best fishing sunglasses would be complete without a Costa model, and we couldn’t pass up the King Tide 8. This frame is for the angler who wants all the tech and versatility a frame has to offer. The main attraction is the vented, removable side shields that extend hooding over the top—which is also vented. It’s the only frame on our list that includes adjustable, vented rubber nose pads. Are you seeing a theme here? Everything is vented on this frame, giving it the best sweat management system. Each rubberized temple has sweat channels that drain in the back.
Frame aside, Costa also offers glass 580G lenses in both prescription and non-prescription. Glass delivers premium optics and scratch resistance, especially for saltwater fishing. Just keep in mind that it adds weight.
While there’s a lot to love about this frame, it’s technical style, look and price might not be for everyone.
Costa King Tide 8 in Black Pearl with Blue Mirror 580G Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Best sweat management system
- Removable side shields and hooding
- Adjustable nose pads
- Glass lenses for plano
NOTES:
- Higher price point
- Style might not suit everyone
Bajio Bales Beach
Last and certainly not least, the Bajio Bales Beach is an excellent all-around fishing sunglass that stands out for its durability, quality craftsmanship, and superior optics. Independently owned by former Costa VP Al Perkinson, Bajio frames are made in Italy and reflect the renowned handiwork. This frame has a generous amount of rubber grip, especially on the saddle bridge. It also has vented side shields with the same grip material, and hooding on the corners for added brightness protection. Its temples are bent and thicker than most of the other frames on our list, yet are still hat compatible.
Bajio’s LAPIS lens technology is the star here, which blocks 95% of harmful HEV blue light and the harsh yellow that blurs color separation. This results in radically clear optics and color enhancement. The Bales Beach also comes with glass lenses in both prescription and non-prescription for ultimate clarity and scratch resistance. With over a dozen lens and frame colorway options, there’s a tint for every water body type.
Bajío Bales Beach in Black Matte with Silver Mirror Lenses
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BENEFITS:
- Best grip
- Vented side shields
- Glass lenses in Rx
- Lots of colorways and lens tint combos to choose from
NOTES:
- Less side coverage
- No sweat channels/drains
Choosing the Best Fishing Sunglasses
What goes into the best fishing sunglasses for your needs? No matter what type of fishing you do, there are key features every angler should look for. Let’s break it down by each one below, starting with the most important one: lenses.
Lenses
The key differentiator in fishing sunglasses is the lens tint, which should be tailored to your environment. Dark gray or brown tints with blue or silver mirrors are often best for offshore saltwater fishing. Brown, bronze, or copper tints with green mirrors are great for inshore saltwater fishing as well as freshwater fishing. You can read more about it in our blog, What’s the Best Lens Color for Fishing?
Not only does each tint enhance your surroundings, the Visible Light Transmission (VLT) controls how much light enters your lens. This improves brightness protection and overall visibility. Lower VLT is best for bright, glaring sunshine, while a slightly higher VLT will help you in a mix of sun and clouds or tree cover.
Polarization
Speaking of glare, fishing sunglasses should have polarized lenses. Besides cutting glare, polarized lenses help you see below reflective waters and are necessary for blocking harmful HEV light. This is for protection as well as preventing eye fatigue. There are few exceptions to this, such as with low light, nighttime, or overly cloudy conditions. However, polarization is essential for most anglers in most conditions.
Coverage
Wind and sun coverage is also a must in fishing sunglasses, and the simplest way to achieve this is with a wrap around frame. Wrap around sunglasses hug the contours of your face so there’s little room for the elements to get in. Thick temples are also a signature feature of many fishing sunglasses for peripheral protection. These are the main features to look for, but others you may find include side shields and hooded corners.
Grip
Unlike casual sunglasses, fishing sunglasses have rubber grip for added hold against sweat and moisture. This is mostly found on the nose pads or bridge, but you can also look for it on the temples for extra security.
Materials
Along with lens tech, frame and lens materials are often what separate low and high quality fishing sunglasses. The best fishing sunglasses are made with durable, lightweight materials that can withstand all the elements of being on the water. Frames made of high-quality nylon like TR90 Grilamid are tough, yet flexible, and keep their shape season after season. Lens materials also range in quality, especially polycarbonate. Gas station or marina sunglasses are cheap and convenient, but have poor clarity and protection. Make sure your frames are not only comfortable, but will last.
Shop the Best Fishing Sunglasses at SportRx
Find the best fishing sunglasses for your needs at SportRx! Our friendly, experienced Sports Opticians are experts at customizing eyewear for any activity, no matter what your vision goals are. Contact us anytime for personalized, one-on-one assistance.
If you’re shopping for prescription fishing sunglasses, your order qualifies as an FSA/HSA eligible expense—simply enter your card information at checkout. You can read more about what’s covered in our blog How to Use Your FSA & HSA for Glasses & More.
Lastly, don’t forget about our See Better Guarantee. This gives you a full 45 days to try your fishing sunglasses risk-free. If you’re not completely satisfied, let us know and we’ll be happy to set up an exchange or return. We even cover shipping!
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