The Best Fishing Sunglasses of 2025

Most budget sunglasses aren’t really “fishing” sunglasses, but the Goodr Tidal G’s ($45) have some water-centric features that put them right at home on this list. The most standout is the glass’s ability to float, which can be a real lifesaver for those times your shades fall off while bending over to net a fish or you take an accidental swim. And if you’re on a budget, nothing is worse than losing your glasses and having to spend money on another pair.

A less obvious, yet more noteworthy feature is the water-repellent coating on the lens. If you’ve fished a day in your life, you’ve had a fish give you the proverbial “middle fin” and splash your sunglasses on the release. After getting a few splashes from finned creatures and getting an outright soaking while cliff jumping, tester Morgan Nowels found that water beads right off of the lenses. Water spots don’t stick around, and you have an unimpeded view, no matter what happens. It’s awesome.

Now, from a pure, sight-fishing, optical clarity standpoint, the Tidal Gs do start to struggle. The frames are flat, not wrap-around, which results in a substantial amount of light entering the interior of the lenses from the side and back. That can cause some weird glare that gets annoying after a while. The lenses also aren’t the most clear, and there is some distortion on the far edges of the lenses.

But at 45 bucks, what can you expect? If they had all of the benefits of the other glasses on this list, they’d be priced like them. The Goodr Tidal G’s will cut glare with polarization and give you passable sight fishing performance, all while saving you some coin for gas and a few flies or lures. And, they look good, which can’t be said of most budget sunglasses.

Maybe you’re looking to upgrade from the ol’ gas station sunglasses, but don’t want to drop over two bills. If that’s the situation you find yourself in, the Vallon Revival sunglasses ($149) are an excellent choice. They’re offered at a price that seems to be largely ignored by many manufacturers, who opt for selling mass quantities at bottom-of-the-barrel prices or selling a premium product with the associated costs.

There are two versions: the Freshwater Revival, which sports brown lenses in either a green or black frame, and the Saltwater Revival, with a grey base mirror lens and black frame. Both offer Cat 3 (13%VLT) protection, which makes for a solid, catch-all lens. A few more lens color options would be nice, but the two available are good choices.

But, outside of the limited colors, these are some sweet shades. Gear Junkie tester Morgan Nowels spent the summer using the Freshwater Revivals while bass fishing in TN and chasing cutthroat trout in British Columbia. He was most impressed by the ability of the frames to block out any and all light from the sides and rear of the lenses. The lenses tuck up tight to your face, eliminating those pesky gaps that allow glare to enter your field of view. The wraparound frame does its job well, all while maintaining a lightweight feel on your face.

In fact, they’re some of the lightest sunglasses tested, which is a nice benefit for long days on the water, when heavy lenses can cause sore spots on your ears and nose.

These aren’t budget sunglasses, and the lenses provide good color separation and a clear view into the underwater world. The brown lenses were perfect for freshwater environments, and sight fishing was no problem. The Revivals deliver performance without demanding the same price as the competition.

There are no glass lenses here, though, which is part of the reason they’re priced the way they are. That means they won’t be as scratch-resistant as other shades on this list, but they are more impact-resistant and lighter. After a summer of use, the pair tested has held up great, with no scratches or noticeable wear and tear. If you want to jump out of the budget sunglass game, give the Vallon Revivals a shot.

You know that really annoying time period in the morning or evenings when you can’t decide if you can see better with your sunglasses on or off? The Bajío Greenland ($269) with the violet lens provides a clear answer. Leave the shades on, and see everything.

Low-light lenses are something many anglers don’t spring for, but if you fish a lot, you really should. They’re great not only for those periods when the sun is tucked below the horizon, but also on cloudy and rainy days. A dedicated low-light lens will give you polarization to cut glare, and will brighten up what you’re seeing underwater.

These particular lenses stand out from the competition for several reasons. First, they have a violet mirror, but are actually yellow-based — in fact, they look much more yellow in person than online images would lead you to believe. That mirror finish makes you look less like a nerd while wearing them, while giving you the bright image yellow lenses provide. It also allows them to roll over into the “all-around” lens category, and they work better (although not perfectly) than the competition in bright light situations.

With some voodoo wizardry, Bajío was able to make these lenses with 93% polarization efficiency, while most yellow lenses block less than 65% of glare. It is striking how much less glare you see with these sunglasses compared to others of similar VLT levels. If you ever plan on sightfishing in low light, grab a set. You won’t regret it.

They do let a lot of sunlight in in bright light, which can cause some eye strain. But our tester said that after a few days of consistent wear, his highly sensitive eyes adjusted to them, and he found himself leaving them on for the majority of the day instead of changing to darker lenses. The bright image they provide is really nice, even in the middle of the day.

The frames scream quality, with vents on the subtle side shields and nose vents that keep fog at bay. A sun shelf lines the top of the frame, which prevents light from entering in on the top entirely. And while the violet lenses are great for low light, you could pick up a set of Greenlands in other lens colors and have a sweet set of shades for any conditions you face.

Smith Optics is one of the best eyewear manufacturers on the market. The Guide’s Choice ($237-327) is a time-tested favorite that could fit in any category on this list. These frames have an aggressive wrap that’s wide at the temples, offering you top-notch protection in any conditions.

GearJunkie tester Morgan Nowels has guided anglers for over a decade, and for at least half of those years, the Guide’s Choice was on his noggin. The fit is unbelievably comfortable, and with such a variety of lenses, there’s an option for any fishing situation.

Nowels has used the bronze mirror lenses while fishing for trout and bass, the yellow low-light lenses for stormy days, and the rose blue mirror lenses while fishing on the saltwater flats. His love for the comfortable fit is what drove him back to the Guide’s Choice time and time again. They’re one of those solid pieces of gear that you have zero regrets purchasing.

The brand’s website clearly outlines which lenses are best for which applications in an easy-to-follow chart. Use it to find the best set for your situation.

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.

Many of the sunglasses on this list prioritize function over fashion. For most, that’s perfectly acceptable, but for anglers who want shades that can perform on the water and look good on the bar patio after, the Wiley X Apex ($236) is tough to beat. The lenses are packed with great technology, but the frame design is modern and forgoes permanent side shields and vents that make many sunglasses look, well, dorky.

But even while looking cool, these shades sport some “dorky” features. One of the coolest is that they meet the American National Standards Institute requirement (ANSI Z87.1) for High Mass Impact/High Velocity. That means they’re OSHA-approved and double as some good-looking shades for range days.

If you’re looking for more fishing-specific features, the Apex delivers. The Wiley X Captivate technology in the lenses is very similar to the Smith Chromapop technology that anglers have relied on for years. It enhances colors and increases contrast, delivering a crystal clear image. The blue mirror lenses that Gear Junkie contributor Morgan Nowels tested proved to be exceptionally good in extremely bright fishing situations, like he found himself in while surf fishing in Florida.

While he was fishing in the hot, July Florida heat, the open concept of the flat lens curvature (or lack thereof) was a huge benefit in regard to fogging. With such an airy fit, the sunglasses never clouded over in the humidity. Unfortunately, that open design does allow for light to enter on the sides of the frame, and if you don’t have a sun hoody on, sight-fishing capabilities suffer.

But that flat design is precisely what makes these sunglasses look so good. Nowels has tested many of the sunglasses on this list and wears them all often, but his wife claims these are her favorite. The reason? When he’s done climbing out of roadside ditches in search of redfish, the Wiley X Apex fits right in at a high-end beachside restaurant.

For anglers who spend most of their time in freshwater, the Bajío Zapata ($269) provides an unmatched view into the underwater world. Our tester spent this spring using the Zapata with a copper lens and found that they provided excellent color separation, allowing him to see more things underwater than he could with other sunglasses.

You may be asking, “What makes these a freshwater set of sunglasses?” It comes down to the unique needs of freshwater anglers. Freshwater anglers, like everyone else, need protection from the sun. However, they won’t find themselves in extremely bright situations, such as those experienced by offshore anglers near the equator. That means they can get away with sunglasses that let in a little more light and give them better viewing for sight-fishing opportunities.

The copper lenses fit that bill perfectly, and our tester was able to track lures underwater at a distance, identify underwater structure holding bass and crappie, and sight trout feeding on nymphs in pools. The clarity provided by these sunglasses is amazing.

There are other features that all anglers will love, regardless of where they’re fishing. There are breathable ports on the nosepiece that allow air to flow through the sunglasses, preventing fogging. Built-in side shields keep sunlight from entering the sides of the glasses, providing great coverage while also maintaining a good look.

Freshwater anglers will be pleased with the performance they get from the Bajio Zapata with the copper lens, and they’re also available in other colors to perfectly suit anyone.

Finding technical, fishing-specific sunglasses for hardcore female anglers can be challenging. Yes, there are many options with high-end lens technologies, but most of the frames are designed to look “cute”, rather than for fishing functionality. That usually leaves you looking at men’s sunglasses if you want the best performance-wise, which is far from ideal.

Luckily, the Bajío Annette ($269) comes to the rescue. It combines some of the best lens technology in the business with a small, full wrap-around frame that still manages to look feminine. After wearing men’s sunglasses for years, Gear Junkie tester Morgan Nowels’ wife Alexis switched over to the Annettes and hasn’t looked back.

The small frame stays on her face perfectly, and she no longer has to deal with too-large sunglasses falling off every time she looks down. The wide temples, built-in sun ledge, and full wraparound design ensure no light enters from the back of the lens, making them a perfect choice when sight fishing is on the docket for the day.

You can buy these in three different frame colors: Blue Ray Gloss, Peach Glass Matte, and Black Gloss. The former two are very attention-grabbing and certainly make a statement. The Black Gloss is the best bet for those looking for a more subdued look. It’s refreshing to have that choice.

With seven different lens colors available in both polycarbonate and glass lenses, you can find the perfect set of Annettes for your style and fishing conditions. The only complaint Alexis has is that her hair gets caught in the hinge occasionally. But, numerous other friends have tried Alexis’ Annettes on and went out and purchased their own pair. If that’s not a glowing review, we don’t know what is.

Costa Del Mar Taxman (starting at $286) 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.

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 Smith Redding sunglasses ($227-327) 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.

Smiths 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.

Are you looking to channel your inner Bill Dance? If so, the Costa Grand Catalina ($309) will take you right back to Saturday mornings watching the legend himself flip for bass. These sunglasses combine modern technology with a classic look, featuring Costa’s 580 polarized glass lenses and the original ’80s-style aviator frame Costa launched over 40 years ago.

The biggest problem with aviator-style sunglasses and fishing is that they let in too much light on the sides of the lenses. You’re not wearing sunglasses on the water just to look cool. They’re fishing tools that give you a spotlight into the underwater world. Sightfishing is considerably more difficult with excess light coming in from the sides of your sunglasses.

Costa solved this problem by making the sunglasses with removable side shields. We found that having the side shields on made the sunglasses more of a goggle. No excess light got in from the sides, and it kicks the retro look up a notch. While completely covered, the sweat management channels and vented nose pads keep things from getting fogged up.

The Costa Grand Catalina comes in a multitude of lens colors, allowing you to choose the best option for the type of fishing you do. Tennessee Vols trucker hat sold separately.

The Stiltsville ($219-269) 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.