The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2024

Versatile, ventilated, and offering awesome coverage, the Costa Del Mar King Tides ($329-349) are arguably the most adaptable and downright performance-driven pair of fishing shades currently on the market.  Engineered to move seamlessly from boat to bar, these shades boast a range of features that will make them your go-to for sunny adventures.

These shades offer excellent coverage thanks to removable side shields built to block backside and peripheral light, and your choice of mid (King Tide 6) or full-wrap (King Tide 8) frames. Multiple ventilation ports and sweat channels woven within the frames keep perspiration in check so you can see what’s in front of you, while also ensuring glasses don’t fog over.

And, because they’re performance glasses above all, they only come with Costa’s high-quality glass lenses. Choose from a variety of polarized color options, including mirrored and non-mirrored lenses.

An especially innovative feature we found helpful on bumpy boat rides and while bobbing out in the surf: the anti-skid coating on the frame that prevents the King Tides from sliding around on any surface, wet or dry. The lightweight, but strong frames and the adjustable nosepiece mean these high-performance shades are customizable to fit your face and comfy enough to wear all day.

Fashion-conscious anglers might find the shark-gill venting unappealing, however, Costa does its best to make it subtle. However, we wish there was a larger choice of frame colors. The high price may cause some to balk at paying over $300 for a pair of sunglasses, but if you spend a lot of days on the water, the King Tides are worth it.

Whether it’s a full-send trip offshore or a leisurely day of fishing on the stream, the King Tides offer all of the performance features you want out of your sunglasses, and then some. Equally killer for beach life, surf sessions, and regular casual wear, you won’t find a more versatile pair of shades for any and all endeavors. Versatile and loaded with performance features, if you’re an angler looking for a top-quality pair of shades that also doubles as a lifestyle staple, the King Tides are for you.

Dive deeper into the amazing King Tides by checking out our in-depth review.

Take your pick of any polarized pair of Goodr Sunglasses (around $30), and you likely won’t be disappointed.

Our reason is simple. We asked several fishing guides we know what sunglasses they were wearing. We made it a point to look at or ask which shades people were wearing on the river during the first big hatch of the year. Our ballpark estimate is that eight out of 10 fishermen we know or have spoken with have made the leap to Goodr.

Not everyone has the budget to spend hundreds on shades, and Goodr has become the go-to for many fishermen who need the performance without the investment. They have a long list of different frame styles and lens options, each for around $30.

Best of all, they have a killer warranty, particularly for a budget pair of shades. Goodr really is the right buy for the broke fisherman in all of us.

Smith Optics is one of the best eyewear manufacturers on the market. The Guide’s Choice ($215-289) could honestly fit in any category on this list with just a simple lens swap. These frames have an aggressive wrap that’s wide at the temples, offering you top-notch protection in any conditions.

Known for having phenomenal lenses, Smith uses Techlite polarized glass, which cuts glare and reduces eye fatigue. We used the Guide’s Choice on an exceptionally sunny day on the lake where surface glare was brutal, but the excellent broad lenses kept us fishing comfortably late into the day.

The brand’s website clearly outlines which lenses are best for which applications in an easy-to-follow chart, so don’t limit these sunglasses to lake fishing. The rose-colored Techlite Ignitor lens would make these an awesome pair for small mountain streams.

The standard Guide’s Choice is best for large faces, but be sure to check out Smith’s two new Small and Extra Large frame size options for just the right fit.

The Stiltsville ($259) stands out in this collection as one of Bajío’s largest frames, designed to make a statement wherever your adventures take you. With an “Extra-Large” 8-base frame size, these sunglasses perfectly capture the essence of embracing challenges on the water and joyful celebrations off of it. Bajío has truly brought its A-game to the table with this rad pair of sunglasses.

What sets the Stiltsville apart is its sophisticated design. By incorporating vented temple tips and vented nose pads, these shades keep moisture off and contact points cool with improved airflow and fit. The edges of the frames feature a distinctive curvature, infusing a sense of cool and collected style while delivering exceptional coverage against direct and indirect sunlight. When you slip on the full-wrap Stiltsville sunglasses, you step into a world of possibilities, with a range of polycarbonate or glass lens options to choose from.

Also, check out the Las Rocas for another great extra-large frame option from Bajio. But for our favorite large-frames for fishing, we reach for the Stiltsville.

Another pair of Costa sunglasses in the mix? Yes. Why? Because they consistently make one of the highest quality sunglasses for every fishing need. So what makes the Fantail ($280) deserve a spot? These glasses will not fall off your face! They stay put when looking down or bouncing when boating through rough waters. These tight-fitting, wraparound glasses comfortably block out additional light and weather. Simply put, they don’t budge and protect your eyes.

The Fantail sunglasses are comfortable for all-day wear. The water-drop-shaped grips on the temples and nose keep the glasses securely in place, even in wet conditions. While the nose grip is not adjustable, our tester still found it comfortable. The Fantail offers a medium fit with small coverage, making it ideal for those with a medium/small face size.

Truly, any Costa Del Mar sunglasses are a durable investment. The Fantail is no exception. They feature Costa’s renowned in-house-built 580 lenses, which are scratch-resistant, ensuring long-lasting use. The frame is constructed with bio-based materials, enhancing the product’s sustainability ideals. If you are looking for medium-fit, wraparound sunglasses that will not budge after you put them on, check out the Fantail.

The Smith Redding sunglasses ($215-$295) sleekly blend style, performance, and functionality in one of our favorite pairs of shades. The lightweight frame wraps around the head, providing a comfortable fit that blocks out light and the elements without being too tight. Notably, the lens curves just enough to allow our long-lashed testers enough room to blink without their lashes touching the lens.

Smith’s are known for their high-quality lenses, and these are no exception. The glass offers 100% UV protection and comes in ChromaPop Plus, ChromaPop Glass, and Techlite Glass, all of which are scratch-resistant. We can attest to the scratch resistance of the ChromaPop polarized glasses as we dropped them outside numerous times on a particular Monday of Mondays.

Once they were on our heads, they stayed put. There was no movement or shifting while looking down, tying on flies, battling fish, or scampering to shelter during a flash lightning storm. The wraparound fit with temple and nose pads did a superior job securing the glasses even without Croakies. The narrow temples fit under a hat and are comfortable for all-day wear without applying too much pressure.

Overall, the Smith Redding sunglasses are a top choice for those looking for a small coverage wraparound fit. With their stylish design, effective lens technology, and robust construction, these sunglasses offer a winning combination of performance and aesthetic appeal.

Costa Del Mar Taxman ($292) stands out with its top-notch lens construction and protection. The name ‘Taxman’ may not immediately evoke positive connotations, but Costa Del Mar has redefined it. They’ve taken the bold, powerful image associated with a taxman and infused it into these sunglasses, backed by the best technology. Rest assured, you won’t look like a taxman while wearing them.

These large and wide frames offer medium protection and are surprisingly lightweight. The wide-set temple narrows down above the ears, providing ample sun protection without feeling scrunched under a hat. The flexible nose pads and small vents ensure air circulation, keeping you comfortable even on the hottest days under the sun. They don’t wrap around tight and our tester noticed some wind would get funneled through on extra windy days. Additionally, because it doesn’t sit tight against the face, there was some water glare that would peek through the bottom of the glasses. Neither of which were truly bothersome for the tester, but if you were looking for something with full coverage we’d suggest looking at the Costa Del Mar Fantail.

As for technology, Costa really knows how to make high-quality glass. These come with a blue mirror tint that works best in full-sun situations, reducing glare and providing enhanced visual clarity. They also utilize Costa 580 lenses, which help absorb High-Energy Blue Light (HEV), enhance reds, greens, and blues, and filter out harsh yellows.

Lastly, they use encapsulated mirrors (between layers of glass) to help them scratchproof. Our tester was not disappointed in the quality, and he noted the clarity is noticeably different once you put the glasses on. He did not encounter eye fatigue despite guiding multiple all-day fishing trips in the middle of summer.

Costa Del Mar sunglasses are not cheap, but considering their quality and the stellar warranty that even has an option for DIY repairs, the Taxman might be the time to “buy once, cry once.” And for our friends who don’t have 20/20 eyesight, they have a prescription option.

The Bajío Vega ($209-259) is a very close runner-up to the Costa Del Mar King Tides. We gave the nod to Costa in this instance, as we have a little more experience with the brand in long-term testing. Bajío is making some serious waves, and as long as the shades hold up for the long run, we’ll likely be seeing the brand in the top ranks more and more often.

Where these shades truly stand out is clarity. Bajío focused on cutting blue light, resulting in wildly clear views. With lenses in an array of colors to fit your specific fishing environment, the Vega is a solid choice that’s more than worthy of the runner-up position.

Wide temples, full coverage, and a reasonably aggressive wrap make the Vega sunglasses a pair of performance fishing glasses capable of getting the job done. The only notable drawback is size. The Bajío Vega is big. If you have a smaller face, you might want to look at something like the Palometa — same performance, smaller frame.

The Smith Boomtown ($175-215) sunglasses combine a retro design with a practical approach. Smith integrates its cutting-edge ChromaPop technology into these oversized lenses, delivering full-wrap coverage and top-notch clarity in a single offering. Consider this pair the boldest statement on this list — a fusion of style and substance.

Still, appearances can be deceiving. The Boomtown is crafted to handle every facet of your day, making it a true companion from dawn until dusk. Pair these frames with the right polarized lens, and they might just become your next go-to eyewear.

Our initial tryout of these sunglasses was an eye-opener. With their lightweight frame, we half-expected them to easily slip off with the lapping of a wave against the boat’s side. However, much to our surprise, they held firm. This remarkable grip is attributed to their MEGOL pads, which ensure a non-slip connection to the temples, even in challenging conditions.

The Boomtown not only embraces a nostalgic aesthetic but also embodies robust functionality, making it a versatile companion for both style-conscious adventurers and dedicated anglers alike.

The Cometa ($209-259) from Bajío has a cool retro look and a comfortable fit. Most notably, they stay on a ball cap when we pop them up there. If you’re a person who often puts their shades on their head, you know how irritating it can be when they flop off and don’t stay put.

As far as performance, these are top-notch. The rose mirror lenses, in particular, are incredible on small waterways. They have a really nice balance for seeing through that top water reflection without blocking out too much light. Bajío uses LAPIS technology to cut 95% of blue light up to 445 nm, resulting in less eye fatigue and a crazy crisp view.

On top of that, they’re a fairly new company making pretty big waves in both the sunglass world and the conservation world. Check out our profile of Bajío and the work they’re doing.

The Wiley X P-17 ($185) has a low-profile frame with a lightweight, incredibly durable polycarbonate lens. These shades have been a favorite for years both for their sleek, athletic profile and because they meet ANSI Safety Standards for high-impact resistance. That’s right — these are fishing sunglasses that are also classified as safety glasses.

All that is to say, they are durable.

One of the major perks of such an aggressive wrap style is the ability to block out ambient light from your peripheral vision. That in itself makes it an awesome shallow-water pair of shades. No one needs all that crazy bright light reflecting in from the sides.

The polarized lenses are offered in multiple colors, all of which offer 100% UVA/UVB protection.

The P-17 is a solid choice for those bright fishing scenarios, or any performance fishing situation where durability and light management are important.

Costa Del Mar has become one of the most well-known performance fishing sunglass manufacturers. The Lido Frame with a Green Mirror Lens (poly $224, glass $284) is a perfect pair of shades in an area with intense direct light, where you’ll likely be sight fishing. The Lido is an awesome addition to your gear pile whether you’re headed to the flats to chase bonefish or to the mountains to chase trout.

These shades have a classic look, with the added function of both top and side shields. The nose pieces are adjustable without protruding, giving you a more secure fit. They are comfortable and protective, and they perform.

Costa’s 580 lenses are known for their color-enhancement capability, making distinguishing fish from their surroundings so much easier. These are an asset when sight fishing in intense light, regardless of your target.

With the option of polycarbonate or glass lenses, you have the ability to tailor your weight and durability preferences.

Thinking of the tropics? Check out Maui Jim’s Alenuihaha ($279) sunglasses. They blend a rectangular style with a reliable fit and top-notch lens clarity. We couldn’t resist taking them to the beach for some surf fishing. With Maui Jim’s new Hawaii Lava lens, we felt seriously cool in these shades. The PolarizedPlus2 technology made the views incredibly clear with a vibrant yet natural contrast. 

The frame was just right — not too heavy, not too light — comfortable even after a long day at the beach. The lenses aren’t oversized, and folks with small to average faces can expect a solid fit. If you want magnification or prescription, the Alenuihahas have plentiful options. These should be on your radar when you’re shopping for your next sunnies.

The Waterwoman 2 ($204-284) is a fashion-forward choice with nearly indestructible polarized lenses. They’ve been a hit with women on the water since the original version was released a few years back. The bold frame — with a wide temple and narrow fit — offers a touch of flair to a functional pair of performance fishing glasses.

These are the favorite sunnies of GearJunkie tester and former editor Nicole Qualtieri. For female anglers, they offer a silhouette that feels less bro-ey fishing guide, and more girl having fun on the water. Plus, the lenses are among the toughest we’ve ever worn. Here’s what Qualtieri has to say about them:

“I’m seriously hard on sunglasses. They don’t survive me. These didn’t either; they fell in the Gallatin River in a kayak accident, never to be seen again. But, after months of devoted wear and undevoted care, they didn’t have a scratch on them. By far, the best sunnies I’ve ever worn.”

Covered by Costa’s awesome warranty, the Waterwoman 2 is an excellent option for the ladies, or for the more fashionable gents.

Three polarized sunglasses for under $20? It sounds too good to be true, but the price does not match the quality. Kaliyadi Polarized Sunglasses (three for $20) are lightweight and comfortable, and the glass is actually pretty decent quality as well.

To be fair, there is a clear difference between the quality of these lenses and the higher-priced ones. With that said, for $6.66 a pair, these are an incredible deal. We compared them to our kid’s polarized sunglasses, and the quality of the Kaliyadi was much better. There was minimal distortion, which is only noticeable when looking out the corners. While the glass is not as crisp as others, they certainly get the job done.

The Kaliyadis are spring-hinged and can fit a wide variety of faces. They are also super lightweight and comfortable. They come in so many different color combo options that you’ll be hard-pressed to find one that won’t work for your style. If you lose your glasses all the time, these just might be the way to go.