Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2024

We get asked all the time about what are the best fishing sunglasses we would recommend for various applications and fishing scenarios. While we’ve provided hundreds of recommendations over the years, we’ve never taken a concerted effort to review most of the new offerings and pick out some of the best to fit different anglers needs.

So this year we’ve been fortunate to test and use most of the new best fishing sunglasses out on the market and coming to market very soon. We went and visited most of the manufacturers at ICAST and have now been on the water with most of the sunglasses new for this year for anglers. We’ve tried to break down some of the bests for various budgets, fits, performance and more.

OUR TOP PICKS

BEST FISHING SUNGLASSES FEATURES

When trying to determine which will be the right fishing sunglasses for you, there are several factors to consider. For our tests we focused on these following factors:

  • Polarization
  • Light Blocking
  • Fit / Comfort
  • Lens Clarity
  • Durability
  • Slippage
  • Additional features

Polarization

Polarized lenses have the ability to cut reflective glare off the water’s surface so you can peer down into the water better. You also can add in degrees of protection from UVA and UVB lightwaves to reduce eye strain and fatigue over the long haul. In other words keeping your eyes healthy while on the water.

Light Blocking

Coupled with that, you have light blocking ability. If you let a lot of light in around the sides of the frames or above and below the frames then you reduce the sunglasses ability to block reflective light and inhibit your ability to see on and in the water.

Fit and Comfort

Fit and comfort are based usually on the size frame relative to your head as well as how the arms are shaped and the nose piece on the bridge of your nose. It’s often why it’s best to try on a pair of sunglasses if you can. But anymore we found a good rule of thumb on the Costa site for figuring out which frames will fit you best. If you where a snap back trucker hat and you button up all the holes you probably want a small or medium frame. If you button up 4-5 holes you probably want to look for medium-large frames. And, finally, if you only button up the last two holes, you probably should look at XL frames or the bigger large frames.

Lens Clarity

Lens clarity has come a long way in sunglasses and this is often what separates a $40 pair of sunglasses from a $200 pair of sunglasses. High quality, thin glass with light blocking properties can almost make your vision better. Glass is clearer than polycarbonate and honestly you can do more with it, so a glass lens is always more expensive than plastic.

Durability

The other thing that makes some sunglasses more expensive is the durability of the frames. You can make a pair of plastic frames for fishing sunglasses for $10, but if you drop them or sit down on them by accident, they are done. Companies like Wiley X who come from the tactical world come close to making indestructable lenses and super durable frames that can certainly handle fishing.

Slipage

This is often overlooked by anglers, but if you ever been on the water with your hands full with big fish, a rod in one hand a net in the other and your glasses keep slipping off your nose, it’s a really frustrating deal. So having good nose pieces and pads, good arms, easy lanyard attachments and more.

Additional Features

Things like oleophobic coatings, scratch proof mirror coatings, vented side shields, lanyards, and more add to the value of the best fishing sunglasses. So we also took a look at those as well on each set we reviewed.

BEST FISHING SUNGLASSES FOR THE MONEY

Bajio Vega Readers Sunglasses

I’ve worn my Vega Readers now for several months in a wide variety of fishing trips. I’ve used them on big lakes, small lakes, clear streams for smallmouths, trout streams, wooded timber lakes and more. The Vega Frames are very comfortable thanks to the padded nose section and the padded ear section of the arms. While the frames offer maximum coverage area, they do not feel heavy or pinch on your head. They are very light and fit extremely well.

The readers makes fishing a lot more enjoyable for me. Tying knots gets tougher with age. And when you’re fishing a lot of finesse lures, tiny knots on tiny lures gets really cumbersome. So these new reader options from Bajio are a much welcomed relief to angler with old eyes like me.

Buy at BajioSunglasses.com

Wiley X  WX Founder

Designed to honor Wiley X’s pioneering founder while providing advanced eye protection, the WX Founder offers maximum eye protection and a bold styling. The robust build and removable side shields make them ideal for fishing and casual everyday wear alike. They fit snug, don’t slip and are that same proven rugged durability you expect from Wiley X frames. A slick new style for 2024.

MSRP: $150 to 206

Buy at EcoFishingShop.com

Island Optics Angler

Best Value Sunglasses under $75

Engineered for the open water, the Angler is a popular and well price pair of polarized fishing sunglasses. The high sides block light very well as does the curved fit. Resembling the mouth of the Angler fish, these crescent-shaped polycarbonate lenses block glare and sidelight. They are a bit snug, but don’t slip, are very light and priced really well at $68.  They have a unique OX2 Polarized Lens technology that does a good job blocking glare on the water. 

These were a new company we saw at ICAST in 2023 and were anxious to test these frames this season. We came away impressed for how good they were at a lower price point. 

Buy at Island Optics 

Costa Paunch XL

Best Big Frames in Medium Footprint

The Paunch XL frames were released by Costa as a lifestyle on the water frame but they have quickly become popular with anglers who prefer a little larger frame and lens on the water without feeling like they have a windshield on their face. The frames are comfortable, light and block a ton of light making spotting big bass or cover a lot easier on the eyes.

I’ve worn them a bunch already this year fishing for bass, crappie and bluegill and love the bigger lenses and coverage area for spotting fish and cover just under the surface that is sometimes hard to spot in shady or dark waters. I love the fit and finish of these frames and the Fog Gray frames are sharp and unique. And I love that the nose pieces are integrated into the frame for a solid uni-body feel while wearing. 

Buy at BassPro.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Amazon

Costa Jose PRO

Not oversized or undersized, the Costa JOSE PRO offers a medium-sized frame that provides a fit for a large majority of anglers. If you have a higher nose bridge and lower cheek bones, these shades will fit you perfectly and you’ll quickly fall in love. 

The scratch-resistant coating on the premium polarized 580 lenses offers outstanding clarity in a wide array of situations. Whether you’re sight fishing, driving a bass boat in low-light conditions, hanging out on the beach or simply driving your truck, these lenses are very impressive. 

We have also liked how well the frame has stayed locked onto our face while we drive a bass boat at high speeds. Some other poor-fitting frames will move and wobble when met with excessive wind resistance but these frames don’t move an inch at high speeds. So if you’re driving fast, bending down unhooking a fish or anything of the sort, we’re fairly certain you’ll enjoy this fit. 

Buy at BassPro.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Amazon

Maui Jim Alenuihaha

Best Lens Technology

I’m a big fan of Maui Jim. I bought my wife a pair for her birthday because a good friend sells them at Fast Eddies on Kentucky Lake. So I was anxious to test some of their newer fishing frames with that new Hawaii Lava lens. 

These large frames feature an 8 base curve (64-14-123) in the triple-injected nylon material with spring hinge. The comfortable lightweight wrap design that best complements square, oval or oblong or heart-shaped faces. The bridge features a fixed saddle style construction with embedded rubber nose pads. 

But the lenses are the real story. Maui Jim makes some of the clearest lenses thanks to their Super Thin Glass. You get 30% or so thinner and lighter lenses that offer the best scratch and solvent resistance. You can get them with readers which is a dynamite option on this high quality of a frame. 

I loved these sunglasses. They were comfortable, but had some of the best viewing into the water I’ve seen on a pair of glasses. 

Buy at REI.com

Buy at Amazon

Bajio Roca

Best Big Framed Sunglasses

The Bajio Roca frames were the largest frames we tested and the extra large fit, comfort and viewing area were all superb. Not surprising, as the new player Bajio is powered by a lot of former developers for the powerhouse big brands in fishing sunglasses. So they are going to do very well with their fishing sunglasses we predict. Nevermind the fact that these sunglasses just won Best of Show at ICAST 2022. And now we see why.

The Roca frames offer maximum coverage with a full base curve wrap design for maximum light blocking performance. The frames are a durable bio-based nylon with proprietary non-slip rubber nose grips and temple tips. The hinges flex for maximum comfort on any larger sized head. They were very comfortable to wear all day and we had great visibility into the water with these fishing sunglasses.

The lenses and frames together were made to be the ultimate sight fishing sunglasses. The polarized lenses feature their proprietary blue light blocking LAPIS technology and scratch resistant oleophobic coating. They come in polycarbonate and glass options.

I have a large head and generally wear large frames. These were actually extra large on me but they really give you so much viewing area into the water. I felt like I had a lot more peripheral vision in these frames.

Buy at Tackle Warehouse

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Bajio

Costa Blackfin Pro

The Costa Blackfin Pro polarized fishing sunglasses offer a lot of the wanted features in a good pair of fishing sunglasses. These shades build on the original Blackfin which has been one of Costa’s most popular frames. But the new Pro frames offer adjustable vented nose grips, stickier temple tabs with pre drilled lanyard attachment points with metal protectors.

The wide sides block side light very well making it a lot easier to see into open water and reducing eye fatigue on super bright days. I tested the blue mirror lenses which are great for open water applications and high sun days.

This is an all-around frame anglers with average to large heads. 

Read our full review of the Costa Blackfin Pro Sunglasses here.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Buy at BassPro.com

Buy at Walmart.com

Buy at Academy.com

Wiley X Grid

Best in Durability for Fishing Sunglasses

I really liked the Wiley X Grid sunglasses as well. These frames are made to last even the worst abuse from the toughest conditions. The frames are made of a highly flexible Triloid nylon, one of the toughest materials available. Likewise the shatterproof lenses are made from Selenite, a material that is extremely protective, shatterproof and exceptionally clear.

So knowing they would be solid frames, they were very light, featured a removable clip-on Facial Cavity Seal and the lenses were very clear for polycarbonate. Their Captivate polarized color-enhancing lenses are very good at seeing into the water. I was able to pick out brush from a distance with these sunglasses. So I was very happy with these shades. 

I really torqued on these frames too. Twisted, pulled and yes sat on. And perfectly fine and back on my face. So they live up to the hype.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Hobie Monarch Float

Best Sunglasses Under $100

I really liked the new Hobie Monarch Float fishing sunglasses. They feature easily removed side panels that do a great job blocking out the peripheral light from the top and sides when you’re really staring into the water. But they come off quickly for things like driving the truck to the lake. 

The frames float, come with an adjustable retainer strap, HydroClean 360 degree lenses and a flatter 6-base curve shape to the frame.

These are average to large frames (53-20-126). But they are super light, comfortable and I like the way the look for fishing and everyday wear. Hard to beat at $99.

Buy at Tackle Warehouse

Torege Pure Cratos

Best under $50 Fishing Sunglasses

I took a chance on one of those drop ship frames off Amazon and Instagram just to compare. I have to be honest. I was pretty pleasantly surprised. The frames came with a lanyard, a cloth, a soft case and a hard case. And I got all of that for $49.

The frames are comfortable, flexible, feature double action hinges for a flexible fit and the lenses weren’t too bad. So to say these will satisfy any small budget angler is accurate.

The lenses aren’t the clearest, but very usable. I’m seeing them on sale at Amazon.com regularly for $25. So you are really getting a decent pair of sunglasses for not much money. 

Buy at Amazon

 

Costa Untangled Antille

Best Conservation Minded Sunglasses

The Costa Untangled collection features frames made from recycled fishing nets. Their partnership with Bureo created a line of sunglasses made from recycled materials. 

I’ve been wearing the Costa Untangled Antilles for quite a while and they quickly have become some of my favorite fishing glasses I’ve ever owned. The oversized lenses and flat profile fit perfectly to my face and cheeks so I get maximum viewing from any angle. They are really one of the best fishing sunglasses and the fact we’re helping conservation efforts makes it even better.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Buy at BassPro.com

Buy at REI.com

BEST OF THE REST FISHING SUNGLASSES 

 

Fin-Nor North Drop Sunglasses

I was not as familiar with the Fin-Nor sunglasses, but I’ve been very impressed with their new North Drop frames. Engineered with superior Lateral Line Lens Technology and featuring the world’s best 7-layer anti-reflective coating on the glass lens and 5-layer anti-reflective coating on the polycarbonate lenses to prevent glare on the backside of the lens, anglers can enjoy sharpened vision and reduced eye strain for a better visual acuity on the water. 

These bio-resin frames are great large frames that cover my viewing area perfectly. They feature adjustable and easily replacable nose grips, and tacky flexible side arms with dual direction hinges for a perfect fit no matter what face shape. The arms can be adjusted to have a tighter or looser fit and the lenses were very clear. These are a great pair of sunglasses for a demanding angler.

I thought they were comfortable, no-slip, and great viewing ability into the water. And they feel like they will last many fishing seasons.

Buy at Tackle Warehouse

Hobie Bluefin Float HC Sunglasses

These new Bluefin Float HC frames from Hobie feature the largest frame build they offer with tall sides for maximum coverage to blockout side light inspired by Bassmaster Classic Champ Hank Cherry. The no-slip arms and nose pads keep the glasses secure to your face. They are good fitting and comfortable sunglasses that start at $99. 

So you are getting good quality, no-slip performance and coverage for that middle price point in a pair of fishing sunglasses that float.

The lenses I tested were the Sightmaster lenses recommended for low-light, overcast conditions and being able to see fish in shallow water without a lot of sunshine.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Wiley X Ozone Sunglasses

As the newest member of their Climate Control series, the Wiley X Ozone offers CLICK A.I.R. Gaskets combined exceptional protection from the elements with a quick-click ventilation option to eliminate fogging. These frames are light, feature the Captivate color-enhancing polarized lenses and ANSI Z87.1+ protection.

Even though these have polycarbonate lenses, they are very clear with great color. I could see really well into the water with them. The air gaskets keep the sun completely blocked and vent well. They are comfortable, light and tough. 

I really enjoyed wearing these fishing. They are light enough and comfortable that you forget you are wearing them.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

Hobie Mojo Float HC Sunglasses

The Hobie Eyewear Mojo Float HC are super lightweight, float and feature all-day comfort in a stylish frame inspired by Hank Cherry. I wore them fishing and enjoyed the fit and viewing in these sunglasses. They use 360-degree Hydro Polarized Nylon lenses in a frame with an XL fit (67-18-120).

They fit snugly to your face with mid-sized side guards to keep most of the light out on the side. So they performed well for a middle price-point pair of fishing sunglasses.

Buy at TackleWarehouse

BEST FISHING SUNGLASSES BRANDS

The best fishing sunglasses brands have changed a lot in recent years but there a few newcomers that are worth the money now that will cover in our breakdown below. For the most part the perennial powerhouse in fishing sunglasses have been the following:

  • Costa
  • Wiley X
  • Maui Jim
  • Oakley
  • Smith

Best newcomers making waves and really good sunglasses right now include the following:

  • Bajio
  • Hobie Eyewear
  • Fin-Nor

 

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