Polarized Fishing Sunglasses Compared

How Do Polarized Sunglasses Work?

Although the human eye cannot distinguish the difference, light can reflect off objects in unorganized rays that scatter in many different directions, or they can bounce away uniformly, mostly in one direction, which is called polarizing.

When light scatters off horizontal surfaces like water, it polarizes, bouncing off the surface entirely horizontally, which creates glare. Polarized lenses have a chemical applied to them that’s laminated vertically to counteract glare from horizontal surfaces by blocking it.

Benefits of Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Polarized Sunglasses Buying Guide

Fishing Environment

Lens Features

Frame Shape & Style

Different frame shapes suit different head types. Square frames may bother some folks because the sharp corners can contact the cheekbone. Larger lenses give a wider field of vision but may not let air through as well. Some frame styles have rimless or semi-rimless lenses, which lets more air through and may suit personal preference but can also make them more brittle and vulnerable to damage if they’re dropped.

Sunglass Size

Folks with larger heads sometimes require a pair of sunglasses either specifically sized for wider circumferences or flexible enough to fit without falling off. On the opposite end of the spectrum, smaller noggins often have trouble with larger lenses and frames resting on their face too much or falling off completely. The wrongs sized sunglasses might lead the wearer to leave lots of annoying fingerprints on the lens during adjustment and cause general discomfort.

Extra Accessories

1. Oakley Men’s OO9096 Fuel

2. Costa Del Mar Fantail

Wider lenses give these glasses a wraparound feeling and help them block light leaks and give sharpness to objects in the periphery. Three different fittings are an option to suit different head sizes. Fantails are constructed to suit long days in direct sunlight hitting off the water, offering clarity and glare reduction thanks to the scratch-proof mirrors encapsulated between the external layers of glass in the lenses.

The polycarbonate lenses are also impact-resistant and covered with a special scratch-proof coating. There are a variety of lens colors available, but the blue lenses are the best-suited for use on open, reflective water. They're handmade and comfortable to wear. They can still be worn in slightly more overcast conditions without a sharp change in visibility. 

Nylon frames keep these glasses lightweight and strong enough to handle getting dropped onto the deck. For transportation, these sunglasses come with a carrying case to make sure they aren’t smashed up by all of your other gear. A cleaning cloth to keep the lenses nice and clean is also included.

The only drawback is a possibility of limited breathability that can lead to fogging if the sunglasses aren’t purchased in a suitable fit. Make sure to research sizes and buy the best fit. Besides this minor possible disadvantage, these Costa Del Mar polarized fishing sunglasses have everything an angler will need to fish in bright sunlight safely.

3. KastKing Skidaway

4. Wiley-X P-17

These sunglasses from Wiley-X are most well-known for their Z87+ rating, a high-velocity impact standard required in many occupational safety regulations for use on and around worksites. That means these polycarbonate lenses are durable, and it also means these sunglasses can most likely double as work safety equipment for anyone in industries requiring such.

Besides the safety rating, these glasses are really comfortable and allow enough air in to prevent fogging and remain comfortable for longer periods. An eight-layer polarization makes the lens great for eye and vision protection in bright conditions out on the water. Unfortunately, the outer layer of the coating used to give these glasses this protection does occasionally begin to wear off after a few months. 

There are also rubber pieces in the bridge to help keep the frames comfortable on the nose, but these can begin to wear out or fall off after some time. That being said, Wiley-X has a customer support team that will help get everything sorted out according to their warranty against defects.

The fit of these glasses is snug enough that they won’t bounce or slide off even if you hit choppy water. They’re light enough that you won’t mind carrying them when not in use and won’t be uncomfortable wearing them all day. In addition to a cloth and carrying case, these sunglasses also come with an elastic strap and leash cord so they won’t fall off and can be hung up for quick storage.

5. Native Kodiak

6. Flying Fisherman Maverick

7. Strike King Polarized Okeechobee

These sunglasses have been treated to handle all kinds of light well. They have been built to enhance the entire visual field and boost color in any condition. Optimal for clear or muddy water, these sunglasses are comfortable and lightweight enough, even if they lack some of the cushioning that some competing models have.

They have a rim all the way around and don’t have any design features that give them additional breathability besides the relaxed way they sit on the wearer’s head. That being said, they really don’t fog up very much.

Strike King has also built these sunglasses with a superhydrophobic coating that keeps out oil, dust, and water. This also helps prevent pesky water spots from building up on the lenses, leaving them clear and usable for a longer time.

The anti-reflective coating on the lenses is also convenient. Not only does it block bright light from the water, but it also prevents light from bouncing off the backside of the lens and into the wearer's eye, where it could cause damage, discomfort, or eye strain over a long period.

The polarization in these sunglasses is constructed in eleven layers and is really effective in shallows and makes spying beds really easy in water up to about twenty feet. Overall, these sunglasses are one of the most versatile you can find and the best polarized sunglasses for fishing under $50.

8. Fish Man Clip-On Sunglasses

Constructed with a metal frame and four screws that are guaranteed to stay tight, these lenses are durable for a pair of clip-ons and just as lightweight and portable as clip-ons usually are. You might want to invest in a hardshell carrying case to keep them protected, but since these clip-ons are for folks who already wear glasses, it’s likely there’s already a case lying around somewhere.

They snap right on to a pair of glasses and have great staying power, making them ideal for running and other sports in addition to fishing. While they do have a slightly lower UV rating than the other glasses in this guide, the difference is negligible. They still offer plenty of protection against UV rays and bright sunlight, giving bespectacled anglers the chance to avoid eye strain without customizing a whole new pair of sunglasses with their own prescription.

It's effortless to transition to shade or indoors and return quickly to sunlight since these clip-ons flip up with a flick of the wrist. The outer layer of the lenses is treated to be scratch-resistant and smudge-resistant. They also repel water, so water spots shouldn't be a problem. A variety of colors is available to match these clip-ons with a variety of scenarios.

9. V.W.E.

Lens Colors Best for Fishing

Customized Prescription Sunglasses & Polarization When Outdoors

Sunglasses Sizing Guide

There are three general sizes of sunglasses. Small sizes are 55mm and below. Medium ranges from 56 to 64 mm, and large sizes are anything above 65mm.

Different head sizes will need different size frames to get a snug fit. There are also different bridge sizes and arm sizes that will change how sunglasses sit on the nose and over the ears.

Caring for Polarized Fishing Lenses

Avoid using a shirt or cleaning your lenses in corrosive saltwater. Always use a dedicated cleaning fluid and a clean microfiber cloth. If that’s not possible, you can also use dish soap. Using the wrong kind of fabric to wipe them or clean them can quickly create scratches.

Store your sunglasses in a hardshell case when not in use, especially on a boat. Make sure that the case is secured to prevent it from going overboard. 

People Also Ask (FAQs)

What are some reasons why fishermen should wear sunglasses?

Can polarized sunglasses help you see features under the water’s surface?

Maybe not to the depths of the sea, but polarized lenses can help you see through the water much more clearly to identify structure like sunken trees or even fish themselves.

Is polarization affected by the time of day?

Different color lenses will be more effective around sunrise and sunset. Light levels and cloud cover can also affect the effectiveness, and the greatest level of glare is generally around high noon.

Is polarization affected by how choppy the water is?

Glare depends on light reflecting off a horizontal surface. Polarization is a vertical coating, which you can see if you try to look through them when they're tilted on their side. Really choppy water should have less glare, but slightly rough water can still be really bright. As long as the surface of the water is still more or less horizontal, polarized sunglasses will still work.

Are polarized lenses worth it?

There are many considerations to account for before purchasing a pair of polarized sunglasses, but they will save lots of discomfort and allow anglers to enjoy the entire day of fishing. Plus, the ability to sight fish a bass bed from a distance before the fish know you’re there can lead to some huge catches.

What does mirrored lenses mean?

Mirrored lenses have a reflective coating that helps reduce glare from solid surfaces. Pairing mirrored lenses with polarized ones gives you the best of both worlds, but be careful because the wrong pair of colored lenses can cause some color distortion.

What are some other tips for protecting your eyes and face when fishing?

The best way to shield yourself from wind, sun, and spray is a good wide-brimmed hat or visor and a face mask or a buff. A buff is a tubular piece of fabric that goes around the neck and can be pulled up to cover more of the face.

How can I tell if my sunglasses are polarized?

If you aren’t sure, you can test polarization by looking through the lenses when they’re tilted to a 60° angle and about 6 inches away from your face. If you see some darkness in one lens, they’re polarized. Since polarization is a vertical treatment, you should be able to see a difference in polarized lenses by tilting them.

Conclusion