Catch the Perfect Pair: Top 5 Fishing Sunglass Brands for Every Boater
Sunglasses are essential for boaters, shielding your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare while improving visibility on the water.
When it comes to fishing and boating, having the right gear can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and coming home empty-handed. While rods, reels, and bait often take center stage, one piece of equipment that should not be overlooked is a quality pair of fishing sunglasses. Not only do they protect your eyes from harmful UV rays and glare, but they also enhance visibility, allowing you to spot fish more easily. With so many options on the market, choosing the right pair can be overwhelming. I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 fishing sunglass brands and investigated the science behind different mirror colors to help you make an informed decision.
Costa Del Mar: Costa Del Mar has long been a favorite among anglers for their high-quality lenses and durable frames. Their 580 lens technology offers unparalleled clarity and contrast, making it easier to see beneath the water's surface. When it comes to mirror colors, their blue mirror is ideal for offshore fishing, as it enhances contrast in bright, open water conditions, while their copper mirror is better suited for inshore fishing, providing enhanced color contrast in shallower waters. I personally prefer a more wrap around style frame like the popular King Tide 6 frame.
Maui Jim: Maui Jim is renowned for its polarized lenses that eliminate glare and enhance color and clarity. Their Neutral Grey lens is a popular choice for fishing, offering excellent glare reduction and true color perception. For different fishing conditions, their Blue Hawaii mirror is perfect for offshore fishing, providing superior color enhancement and contrast, while their HCL Bronze mirror excels in variable light conditions, making it suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. While Maui Jim is known for their lighter frames and Aviator style glasses they have plenty to choose from. The Peahi is a great choice utilizing their Neutral Grey Lenses.
Oakley: Oakley's reputation for innovation extends to their fishing sunglasses, which feature their patented Prizm lens technology. Prizm lenses are designed to enhance visibility by emphasizing colors where the eye is most sensitive, resulting in sharper contrast and better depth perception. Their Deep Blue mirror is optimized for deep water environments, enhancing blues and greens for improved visibility offshore. Meanwhile, their Shallow Water mirror is tailored for inshore fishing, enhancing reds and browns for better contrast in shallower waters. A choice that I like is their metal frame Holbrook style sunglasses with the Jade Iridium lenses for better shallow water performance.
Smith Optics: Smith Optics combines performance and style in their fishing sunglasses, offering a range of lens options to suit different fishing conditions. Their ChromaPop lenses enhance clarity and natural color, making it easier to spot fish lurking beneath the surface. For offshore fishing, their Blue Mirror lens excels in bright, sunny conditions, while their Ignitor Mirror lens is better suited for overcast days or low-light conditions. Inshore anglers may prefer their Green Mirror lens, which enhances contrast and visibility in shallower waters. I prefer the wrap around styling of the Embark frames paired with the Blue Mirror lenses for those bright offshore days.
Bajio Sunglasses: Bajio Sunglasses, one of the newest players in the fishing arena, offer premium eyewear designed specifically for outdoor enthusiasts. Their polarized lenses provide superior glare reduction and UV protection, while their durable frames ensure long-lasting performance in rugged environments. Bajio's Copper Mirror lens is perfect for a wide range of fishing conditions, enhancing color contrast and depth perception in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Whether you're casting lines in a shallow bay or trolling offshore, Bajio Sunglasses have you covered with unmatched clarity and comfort. The Nippers frame is always a great choice paired with their Copper Mirror lenses.
Investing in a quality pair of fishing sunglasses is essential for any angler looking to improve their performance on the water. With so many brands and lens options available, finding the right pair can seem daunting. By considering factors such as lens technology, mirror colors, and fishing conditions, you can narrow down your options and find the perfect pair to suit your needs. Whether you're chasing trophy fish offshore or casting lines in your favorite freshwater honey hole, the right sunglasses can make all the difference in your fishing experience. If you’re anything like me, having more than one pair will come in handy. So don't let the sun's glare ruin your day on the water or your eyesight—gear up and protect your eyes with a pair of fishing sunglasses and see the difference for yourself.
Tight lines and Following Seas!