When you’re scanning ocean or lake surfaces, your eyes are the most important tool you use to fish. The best polarized fishing sunglasses not only work to protect your eyes from the harsh rays reflecting off the water, but also to enhance your game by filtering out certain lighting. Frame and lens technology designed specifically for anglers enable you to effortlessly and clearly spot fish below the surface. Here's a breakdown of what to look for when shopping for the best polarized fishing sunglasses and our Sports Opticians' top picks.
Table of Contents
A. Video Review
B. Best Polarized Fishing Lenses for Your Environment
C. Environment-Specific Lenses for Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
D. Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses & Lens Technologies
1. Oakley Split Shot
i. Oakley PRIZM™ Lens Technology
2. Wiley X Grid
ii. Wiley X CAPTIVATE™ Lens Technology
3. Maui Jim Local Kine
iii. Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2® Lens Technology
4. Zeal Optics Snapshot
iv. Zeal Ellume Polarized Lens Technology
5. Costa Tuna Alley PRO
v. Costa 580 Lens Technology
E. More Frame & Lens Recommendations
F. Polarized Prescription Fishing Sunglasses Online at SportRx
Video Review
Join Sports Optician, TJ, as he shares the best polarized fishing sunglasses! Watch as he goes over each one in the video or keep scrolling to learn more!
Every angler and environment is different, so if a frame doesn't live up to your fishing A-game, let us know. Try any of our polarized fishing sunglasses for 45 days with our risk-free See Better Guarantee™.
Best Polarized Fishing Lenses for Your Environment
Whether your fishing passions reside onshore, in a stream, on a lake bed, or out in the middle of the ocean, polarized fishing sunglasses are a must. When your environment is surrounded by glare, you want to make sure you have over-the-top protection. Let's address some of the most frequent questions our Sports Opticians get about polarized fishing sunglasses:
Do Polarized Sunglasses Work for Fishing?
Polarized lenses offer the best protection while fishing because they work to cut glare, helping to prevent eye strain and unnecessary squinting. The best polarized fishing sunglasses help you see beyond the surface of the water, allowing you to spot your next big catch. And yes, polarized sunglasses really do help you see fish!
What Color Polarized Lenses Are Best for Fishing?
When shopping for the best polarized fishing sunglasses, it’s important to consider your typical fishing environment. That way your lenses will cater to the appropriate light conditions. As a rule of thumb, if you spend your days fishing offshore, a gray base lens with a blue mirror is the way to go. For freshwater and inshore, an amber, rose, or copper lens with a green mirror is an ideal choice.
Are Brown Polarized Lenses Good for Fishing?
Brown is one of the most recommended lens colors for fishing. Similar to coppers, ambers, and roses, brown lenses provide the perfect amount of contrast in a variety of lighting conditions. Brown is also a soothing color that eliminates eye fatigue and eye strain after long days under the sun.
For even more information on how to choose the best lenses and frames, check out our Fishing Sunglasses Buyer's Guide.
Environment-Specific Lenses for Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Which lens color is best for fishing? Well, it depends on your environment. Check out our blog addressing which lens color is best or keep reading for more!
Offshore Fishing
A darker lens with a solid mirror is important for offshore fishing because the light reflecting off the open ocean can be intense. While a gray base with a blue mirror is the most popular option, not all of our recommendations feature this.
Heading out to the open ocean? Check out our Best Lens Color for Deep Sea Fishing Sunglasses blog for more specific lens tech.
Inshore Fishing
If your fishing interests live on the shore or in freshwater — fly fishing, lake fishing, stream fishing, etc. — you'll want a lighter lens that gives a little bit more contrast because the glare isn't as severe. Polarization and mirrors are equally important for inshore fishing and offshore fishing because they work to eliminate glare. Lenses that are amber, rose, copper, and brown in color make for a brighter setting.
For a more detailed look at inshore fishing sunglasses, check out our following guides for freshwater, flats, and fly fishing.
Best Polarized Fishing Sunglasses & Lens Technology
Many top brands have developed and perfected their own lens technology. Read on to see our top picks for the best polarized fishing sunglasses, as well as breakdowns of each brand's cutting edge lens tech!
1 | Oakley Split Shot
The Oakley Split Shot is the brand’s first water-specific frame. A wrap around fit gives you the coverage and protection you need in a style you'll want to wear. The highly-durable O Matter™ frame features extended coverage on the top, sides, and temples to keep light out and reduce backside glare. The integrated 20” woven steel leash keeps the sunglasses on your face, or around your neck, and can be easily removed. Another key feature is the curved brow line for hat compatibility. The outside edges of the frame front are tilted downward to avoid contact with the brim of your hat.
Oakley Split Shot in Matte Black with PRIZM™ Deep Water Polarized
Shop Oakley Split Shot
Oakley Split Shot Key Features:
- First water-specific frame from Oakley
- 8-base coverage & extended hooding & shields for extra sun protection
- Seamless hat compatibility with curved browline & sleek temples
- Available with Rx-able PRIZM™ lenses
- SportRx Frame Width: 131 (What is SFW?)
Oakley PRIZM™
Oakley PRIZM™ lenses increase contrast by boosting the colors you want to see while filtering out the distracting colors. This allows you to perform at your peak while going for your next catch. To meet the demands of fishing conditions, Oakley designed shallow water and deep water lenses.
PRIZM™ Shallow Water Polarized
PRIZM™ Shallow Water is built for inland situations on streams, rivers, and lakes in medium to bright conditions. This lens has a brown base and a VLT of 16–26%. PRIZM™ Shallow Water will keep the whites vibrant so you can see the flash of fish scales. The boost, in contrast, will make finding hiding spots and tracking fish easier.
PRIZM™ Deep Water Polarized
PRIZM™ Deep Water is darker than Shallow Water and is ideal for open water fishing in bright conditions. This lens has a gray base and a VLT of 12–20%. PRIZM Deep Water lenses will help to filter the shades of blue and allow you to pick up on the details below the surface.
Oakley HDPolarized Technology
What sets Oakley HDPolarized apart from other brands' polarized lenses is the assembling process. Oakley uses an infusion molding process to produce a single-layered lens. This gives you the best optical clarity because there is no sandwiching of layers or adhesives used. Also, a single pair of lenses is made at the same time to guarantee that the axis of polarization is centered. Some competitor brands manufacture their lenses at different times, meaning there is a greater chance of the axis of polarization being off-center on one of the lenses. This reduces the quality of the polarized lens because more glare can sneak past the filter to your eyes.
All Oakley lenses are 100% UVA, UVB, and UVC protected to preserve the long-term health of your eyes. With a Shallow Water and Deep Water PRIZM™ lens available, Oakley has all of your fishing needs covered.
2 | Wiley X Grid
One of the newest Wiley X fishing sunglasses, the WX Grid is every deep sea angler's dream. Generous rectangular lenses and a wrap around design provide all-around protection in a lightweight and comfortable frame. As a member of the Wiley X Climate Control Series, the WX Grid features a removable Facial Cavity™ Seal, which blocks excess wind. This feature is ideal when on a multi-hour boat trip to reach your destination fishing spot. You'll arrive with comfortable vision that hasn't been irritated by the wind, and can choose to keep, or take off, the foam gasket.
All Wiley X sunglasses are safety-rated, and the WX Grid is no exception. It is ANSI Z87-2-certified, meaning it can handle a range of your other activities and passions with ease (or a fall from wrangling a feisty trophy fish.)
Wiley X Grid in Matte Cool Grey with CAPTIVATE™ Polarized Green Mirror Lenses
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Wiley X Grid Key Features:
- ANSI Z87-2-certified can handle the occasional tumble to the deck floor
- Removable Facial Cavity™ Seal provides complete seal from wind & dust
- Optional leash cord provides an extra layer of frame security
- Available with Rx-able CAPTIVATE™ lenses
- SFW: 135
Wiley X CAPTIVATE™
Wiley X CAPTIVATE™ lens technology seamlessly blends optimal clarity and safety for the best visual experience. The brand continues their eyewear safety standards with CAPTIVATE™, which is tested to meet ANSI Z87.1 requirements, so you can enjoy your day and adventures with confidence and visual ease. By distinguishing colors on the color spectrum, the lens tech improves contrast and increases depth perception. CAPTIVATE™ lenses block out harmful blue light within the Visible Light Spectrum (VLS), resulting in reduced risk of retinal damage, increased awareness, and a boost in your mood.
All CAPTIVATE™ lenses in Wiley X sunglasses also feature polarization, oleophobic lens coating, and scratch resistance.
3 | Maui Jim Local Kine
The Maui Jim Local Kine has all the ingredients to become your new favorite piece of fishing gear. With sleek 8-base wrap and refined rectangular lenses, you'll get all the coverage you need for long days under the sun — and a stylish design that looks good off the dock. This frame is made of triple-injected nylon which is lightweight, durable, and holds its shape against nature's elements. Rubber nose pads and temple tips further enhance comfort and feature contrasting colors to give these polarized fishing sunglasses a unique look. Finally, the Maui Jim Local Kine uses hidden spring hinges to provide just the right amount of comfortable support.
Maui Jim Local Kine in Soft Black / Dark Transparent Green / Light Transparent Grey with Maui Green Lenses
Shop Maui Jim Local Kine
Maui Jim Local Kine Key Features:
- Triloid nylon construction is lightweight, durable, & withstands extreme temperatures
- Wrap around design covers you from all angles
- Hidden spring hinges provide comfortable grip
- Available with Rx-able PolarizedPlus2® lenses
- SFW: 135
Maui Jim PolarizedPlus2®
All Maui Jim fishing sunglasses have PolarizedPlus2® lenses, which offer the highest percentage of glare protection available. In addition to blocking 99.9% of glare, PolarizedPlus2® lenses provide excellent contrast-enhancement and fine-tuned depth perception. Give them a shot for yourself and you'll quickly understand why Maui Jim makes some of the best polarized fishing sunglasses out there. Plus, you can get them in prescription!
If you’re looking for a pair of off-shore Maui Jim fishing sunglasses, we recommend Neutral Grey lens. If you’re looking to cast out in shallow waters or on a lake bed, we recommend Maui Jim’s HCL Bronze or Maui HT, as those will provide excellent contrast for inshore environments.
4 | Zeal Optics Snapshot
If you're an offshore angler, you need all the protection you can get from harsh UV rays and blinding glare. The Zeal Optics Snapshot provides maximum coverage as you enjoy the open ocean. With a full wrap around design and generously thick temples, you'll get comfortable vision free from squinting and eye fatigue. Despite the more substantial design, the Snapshot remains incredibly lightweight thanks to its unique Z-Resin composition. This eco-friendly material is derived from the castor plant to deliver durable wear while reducing environmental impact.
Zeal Optics Snapshot in Matte Black with Dark Grey Lenses
Shop Zeal Optics Snapshot
Zeal Optics Snapshot Key Features:
- Plant-based frame is lightweight, durable, & eco-friendly
- ProFlex rubber keeps your frame comfortably in place
- Camlock hinges create just the right amount of grip
- Available with Rx-able Ellume Polarized lenses
- SFW: 135
Zeal Ellume Polarized
All Zeal sunglasses are available with Ellume Polarized lenses that revolutionize your view of the world. With a 99.9% polarization efficiency, 100% UV protection, and 95% blue light filtration, Ellume Polarized lenses reveal nature's beauty with more vivid color and greater contrast. In addition to providing a pristine visual experience, this proprietary lens technology takes the same environmentally-friendly approach as Zeal frames. Ellume Polarized lenses are also plant-based and made of Z-Resin, which creates a high-purity lens with less pollution than standard lenses. And just when you thought they couldn't get any better, Ellume Polarized lenses are Rx-able!
5 | Costa Tuna Alley PRO
One of Costa's most popular fishing frames just got better. The Tuna Alley PRO is the newest member of the Costa PRO Series, which features six angler-approved updates to their top fishing sunglasses. Now, with new and improved Hydrolite™ rubber that gets even tackier when wet, and sweat management channels that direct moisture away from your frame. You'll achieve clear vision, no matter the level of heat, and have fog-free vision — at all times. The Costa Tuna Alley PRO also features fully adjustable nose pads, so you can get a custom fit that is nothing short of perfect. One thing that hasn't changed? The Tuna Alley PRO still features the same eco-friendly bio-resin material, because protecting our planet's waters never goes out of style.
Costa Tuna Alley PRO in Wetlands with Green Mirror 580G Lenses
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Costa Tuna Alley PRO Key Features:
- Front venting encourages air flow & minimizes fogging
- 8-base bio-resin frame is saltwater-safe & provides generous sun protection
- C-Wall® coating repels water, oil, & sweat
- Available with Rx-able 580 lens technology
- SFW: 136
Costa 580
Costa sunglasses are a must-have for anybody spending time on the water. The brand has advanced the world of fishing sunglasses with their unbeatable lens technology. For Costa, the best lenses go way beyond polarization. Costa lenses are all about dissecting the light spectrum, removing harmful blue light, and enhancing beneficial light. The Costa 580P lenses (polycarbonate) and Costa 580G lenses (glass) are the clearest lenses on the planet.
Costa 580 lenses work to reduce haze and blur while providing greater contrast, enhanced color definition, and unmatched clarity. On top of that, Costa 580 lenses reduce harmful high-energy blue light. This feature provides greater visual clarity and sharpness, and is beneficial for eye health. Costa 580 lenses are your absolute best bet for eye protection when it comes to fishing sunglasses for every environment.
Polarized Prescription Fishing Sunglasses Online at SportRx
Need polarized 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 polarized prescription fishing sunglasses.
Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try your fishing 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 the best polarized fishing sunglasses online at SportRx today!
