Along with your rod and hook, your vision is the best equipment for a day of fly fishing. Give yourself the best chance of scoring your next big catch with sunglasses that provide ample protection, increase clarity, and enhance the colors of your surroundings. At SportRx, our Sports Opticians have compiled our picks of the best fly fishing sunglasses — so you can cast with ease.
Table of Contents
A. Video Overview
B. What to Look for in Fly Fishing Sunglasses
1. Frames
2. Lenses
C. Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses
1. Oakley Split Shot
2. Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
3. Costa Blackfin Pro
4. Costa Diego
5. Kaenon Arcata
D. Shop Prescription Fishing Sunglasses at SportRx
Video Overview
Join Eyeglass Tyler as he introduces the best fly fishing sunglasses! Read on to learn more about the frames.
What to Look for in Fly Fishing Sunglasses
Frames
Several features distinguish a solid pair of fishing frames from your everyday pair.
Optimal coverage
Your eyes need the most protection when you're out on the water and in the sun. 8-base frames with a wrap around design provide the coverage you need for blocking out excessive, blinding, or distracting light — so you remain focused on reeling in your next catch.
Lightweight material
A lightweight pair of sunglasses is optimal for all-day comfort and won’t weigh you down. Also, frame materials that can stand up to water and sunlight ensure a longer lifespan of your sunglasses. Steer clear of metal and acetate — as they are more likely to corrode and bend out of shape.
Secure fit
If you’re spending all day fishing, you need sunglasses that fit properly and won't slip off your face. Rubberized grip helps keep your frames secure and optically aligned.
Lenses
A quality pair of lenses makes or breaks a day out on the water. Read below for our recommendations.
Polarization
Polarized lenses are a must when it comes to fishing sunglasses as they filter out glare and increase optical clarity. This helps you see clearly through the water’s surface. This visual boost is what you need to experience fishing like never before.
Lens colors and coatings
There are multiple lens coatings that can make your time on the water more enjoyable. Hydrophobic and anti-reflective coatings repel water from the lens surfaces and reduce the amount of reflective light that bounces off. Certain lens colors are better for fishing, specifically shallow fishing, and provide greater contrast and detail.
For more information on what to look for when buying fishing sunglasses, visit our guide on How-To Buy Fishing Sunglasses.
For more information on fly fishing, check out our blogs on the Best Polarized Lens Colors for Fly Fishing and Fly Fishing for Tarpon and Redfish. For more helpful tips, read our Essential Fly Fishing Guide.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses
Continue reading for our picks of the best fly fishing sunglasses!
Oakley Split Shot
The Split Shot is Oakley’s first water-specific frame — and they caught a winner with this one. The wrap around design is perfect for fishing, as it gives you the best coverage. In addition, Oakley’s PRIZM™ lenses provide the most optimal visual experience by enhancing contrast and improving reaction time. The frames are equipped with a saddle nose bridge, which equally distributes the frame weight for maximum comfort, while the Unobtainium® grip gets tackier when wet to keep the sunglasses in place. You’ll easily fit the Split Shot underneath a hat thanks to the curved browline and sleek temple arms.
For shallow water environments, PRIZM™ Shallow Water lens tech will help you more easily spot fish. The rose-copper base enhances contrast and boosts green and copper hues. Additionally, by keeping the whites bright, you can track fish more easily. Shallow Water is the only lens tech and color that is not available in prescription.
Oakley Split Shot in Polished Black with PRIZM Shallow Water Polarized Lenses
Shop Oakley Split Shot
Split Shot Key Features:
- PRIZM™ lenses filter out distracting colors
- Unobtainium® grip gets stickier when wet
- Constructed from Oakley’s lightweight and durable O Matter™
- Plutonite® lens material is impact-resistant
- SFW: 131 (Men’s M/Women’s M)
Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
Named after one of Maui’s most desolate locations, the Kanaio Coast sunglasses are made for adventure. The wrapped design offers optimal eye protection and coverage, and the hydrophobic coating helps sweat and water droplets run off the lens surface. With triple-injected nylon frames and PolarizedPlus2 lens technology, you’ll fish to the best of your ability. The Kanaio Coast also features MauiBrilliant™ lenses that are lightweight and offer superior optics — making a day on the water a breeze.
Looking for the best lens color for this frame? Maui Jim’s High Contrast Lens with a bronze tint is ideal for fly fishing, as the warm color enhances contrast and reduces glare.
Maui Jim Kanaio Coast in Matte Tortoise Ombre with HCL Bronze Lenses
Shop Maui Jim Kanaio Coast
Kanaio Coast Key Features:
- MauiBrilliant™ lenses offer superior optics at 1/3 of the weight of glass lenses
- PolarizedPlus2 lens tech stops glare and blocks harmful UV
- Lens coatings repel water and oils
- Available in Reader’s
- SFW: 132 (Men’s M/Women’s M)
Costa Blackfin Pro
Costa frames are synonymous with fishing, and the Blackfin Pro is a go-to for many when they’re out on the water. These frames feature Costa’s 580-polarized lens technology — giving you higher definition and sharper contrast. The Blackfin Pro’s wrap around design and extended side shields block excessive light, while its sweat channels and eyewear drains keep your vision clear. These sunglasses will securely stay on your face all day thanks to its hydrolite grips and a rubber nose pad.
The Costa Green Mirror lens is popular with anglers — as its copper base creates a warm visual experience with high contrast. This color works in a variety of lighting conditions, making details pop on overcast days and providing protection on sunnier days.
Costa Blackfin Pro Matte Black - Green Mirror 580G
Shop Costa Blackfin Pro
Blackfin Pro Key Features:
- 580 polarized lenses provide a clearer visual experience
- Adjustable nose pad for a customizable fit
- Frame ventilation and sweat channels prevent lenses from fogging
- SFW: 135 (Men’s M/Women’s L)
Costa Diego
The second Costa frame on our list, the Costa Diego, features 580 polarized lenses that filter out harmful blue light and block all UV light. When you slip on these fishing sunglasses, you'll say goodbye to blinding glare and hello to crystal-clear visibility. In addition, hydrolite rubber grips get tackier when wet, so when you sweat or get splashed, your frames stay put. The Diego’s ventilation also wicks away moisture, reduces lens fogging, and keeps you cool.
For lens features, you’ll love the Costa Diego’s Sunrise Silver Mirror. It features a brightening effect and allows more light to come in — making them perfect for low-light conditions. The yellow base boosts contrast and the silver mirror deflects light for improved clarity.
Costa Diego in Matte Black with Sunrise Silver Mirror 580G Lenses
Shop Costa Diego
Diego Key Features:
- 580 polarized lenses enhance color and absorb harmful HEV blue light
- Hydrolite grips keep frames secure on your face
- Frame ventilation wicks away moisture and keeps you cool
- Straight temples are hat-compatible
- SFW: 138 (Men’s L/Women’s L)
Kaenon Arcata
The Kaenon Arcata’s features will help you see every salmon, trout, and bass that swims by. Constructed from lightweight, flexible TR-90 Grilamid, the Arcata offers exceptional coverage and top-notch optics. SR-91 polarized lenses provide glass-like clarity by sharpening colors and details — so you can enjoy your surroundings without blinding glare. Also, the Arcata’s nose-pad ventilation controls airflow and reduces lens fogging.
Kaenon’s Copper C12 tint is ideal for shallow water fishing. The lighter color boosts contrast — giving you the best chance to spot your next catch below the surface of the water.
Kaenon Arcata Matte Black
Shop Kaenon Arcata
Arcata Key Features:
- TR-90 Grilamid frame material is lightweight and flexible
- Vented nose pad reduces lens fogging
- SR-91 polarization sharpens colors and details
- SFW: 138 (Men’s L/Women’s L)
Prescription Fishing Sunglasses at SportRx
Need prescription fishing sunglasses? Done. When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tool tips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, contact us. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians, who can help you build your prescription fishing sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with the See Better Guarantee. Try your sunglasses for 45 days. If you’re not satisfied, send them back. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription fishing sunglasses at SportRx today!
