5 Best Sunglasses for Fly Fishing

Selecting the right sunglasses is crucial for a successful fly fishing experience, as they provide essential polarization and glare reduction needed to spot fish beneath the surface.

From budget-friendly to professional-grade, the market offers specialized fishing sunglasses tailored for both weekend warriors and seasoned anglers.

Let's explore five top options to enhance your time on the water.

Key Takeaways

• Flying Fisherman Matecumbe offers professional-grade features with AcuTint lens technology and non-slip rubber pads for secure fit during active fishing.
• Flying Fisherman Fowey combines amber polarized lenses with lightweight design for superior clarity and contrast in various fishing conditions.
• Sand Bank sunglasses deliver premium performance comparable to $150 models at $22, featuring wrap-around design for complete light blocking.
• Flying Fisherman Maverick suits larger faces and excels in low-light conditions, though frame durability should be considered.
• Flying Fisherman Muriel provides complete UV protection with scratch-resistant Triacetate lenses at an affordable $20 price point.

Flying Fisherman Fowey Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing

Looking for affordable, high-quality polarized sunglasses? The Flying Fisherman Fowey offers exceptional value with its matte tortoise frame and amber lenses, ensuring superior clarity and contrast for fishing. The non-mirror-coated lenses provide a classic look with excellent visibility.

Lightweight and durable, these sunglasses are comfortable and stay securely in place, even during active fishing. Though slightly smaller than some alternatives, their ergonomic design is reliable. They're a top choice for fly fishing enthusiasts seeking quality and affordability, as confirmed by positive reviews.

Best For: Fishing and outdoor enthusiasts wanting quality, affordable polarized sunglasses with a classic design.

Pros:

• High-quality amber polarized lenses for excellent clarity
• Comfortable, lightweight, and durable
• Great value compared to pricier options

Cons:

• Smaller fit may not suit larger faces
• Lacks mirror coating
• Limited style options

Flying Fisherman Sand Bank Sunglasses

Flying Fisherman Sand Bank Sunglasses offer budget-friendly performance at $22.00, rivaling $150 models. These polarized sunglasses reduce glare and protect your eyes during long hours on the water.

Their secure wrap-around design blocks light from all angles, and amber lenses enhance clarity for activities like fishing and driving. While lenses might rattle during cleaning, they're durable and scratch-resistant. They may be too dark for woodland streams but are ideal for most fishing conditions, praised by anglers and post-cataract surgery users.

Best For: Budget-conscious anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking premium features at an affordable price.

Pros:

• Exceptional value at $22
• Durable, scratch-resistant lenses and sturdy frames
• Comfortable, glare-reducing wrap-around design

Cons:

• Lenses may rattle during cleaning
• Too dark for shaded areas
• Limited availability at advertised price in some regions, especially Canada

Flying Fisherman Matecumbe Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing

Anglers seeking top-tier eye protection will find value in the Flying Fisherman Matecumbe Polarized Sunglasses. Made from lightweight Grilamid and Polycarbonate, these frames were tested by professional fishing guides in the Florida Keys. The AcuTint Lens System enhances color contrast, blocks UVA/UVB rays, and the polarized triacetate lenses reduce glare and improve clarity on the water.

Non-slip rubber nose and temple pads ensure a secure fit during extended fishing trips, while the impact and scratch-resistant build offers lasting durability. With a strong 4.5-star user rating and a one-year warranty, they provide professional performance for boating, kayaking, and hiking at an affordable price.

Best For: Serious anglers and outdoor enthusiasts needing performance polarized sunglasses at a mid-range price.

Pros:

• Professional-grade polarized lenses with AcuTint for color contrast and glare reduction
• Lightweight, durable construction with non-slip features
• Great value with UV protection and a one-year warranty

Cons:

• Limited style options compared to fashion-focused brands
• Some users may find the lightweight build less premium
• Lower brand recognition than major eyewear brands

Flying Fisherman Muriel Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing

Anglers looking for a mix of retro style and practicality will appreciate the Flying Fisherman Muriel Polarized Sunglasses. These lightweight, medium-fit sunglasses feature scratch-resistant Triacetate lenses that block 100% UVA and UVB rays and reduce glare, enhancing underwater visibility. Developed and tested in the Florida Keys, they are ranked highest for quality and value among anglers worldwide.

The design offers a comfortable fit and straight frame that suits long fishing trips. Priced around $20, they deliver strong performance without breaking the bank. The amber lenses are great for driving and lake activities, though some users note the lack of protective accessories and have mixed reviews on size and glare reduction.

Best For: Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking affordable, polarized sunglasses with retro flair for fishing and water activities.

Pros:

• Lightweight, comfortable design with scratch-resistant lenses blocking 100% UVA/UVB rays
• Excellent value at approximately $20, ideal for daily use
• Tested in the Florida Keys for effective polarization enhancing underwater visibility

Cons:

• Comes in basic packaging without protective accessories
• Mixed feedback on glare reduction
• May be too small for some adult faces

Flying Fisherman Maverick Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing

Searching for budget-friendly polarized sunglasses? The Flying Fisherman Maverick offers top-notch performance for under $20. They excel in glare reduction and visibility during dawn, dusk, or cloudy weather.

These lightweight sunglasses provide comfort for long wear, fitting larger heads well. Ideal for fishing, they enhance underwater detail visibility, though handle with care due to reported frame durability issues. Despite this, their light amplification and clarity make them great for outdoor activities like fishing or driving.

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts and anglers desiring affordable sunglasses with good low-light performance, prioritizing comfort and visibility over durability.

Pros:

• Excellent glare reduction, enhancing visibility in low-light
• Affordable, under $20, offering good value
• Comfortable, lightweight, fitting larger heads well

Cons:

• Frames may break easily
• Lenses might be too large for some faces
• Possible color distortion when driving

Factors to Consider When Choosing Sunglasses for Fly Fishing

When you're selecting sunglasses for fly fishing, you'll need to evaluate several critical features that directly impact your performance on the water. Your choice should account for lens color and polarization for ideal sight fishing, UV protection to shield your eyes, frame durability that can withstand outdoor conditions, and glare reduction technology that helps you spot fish beneath the surface. Finding the right balance between price and performance will guarantee you get reliable eyewear that meets your specific fishing needs without compromising on essential features.

Lens Color and Polarization

Choosing the right lens color and polarization for your fly fishing sunglasses is crucial for success on the water. Polarized lenses reduce surface glare, making it easier to spot fish beneath the water's surface. Match lens colors to your fishing conditions: gray lenses are ideal for bright, sunny days as they maintain true color perception; amber lenses enhance contrast in bright sunlight; and yellow lenses boost visibility in low-light or overcast conditions.

Consider UV protection, as you'll be exposed to the sun for extended periods. For comfort, select lighter tints in shaded or cloudy conditions and darker tints in intense sunlight.

Frame Durability and Fit

When choosing fly fishing sunglasses, frame durability and fit are crucial. Opt for frames made from high-performance materials like Grilamid and Polycarbonate for impact resistance and longevity. These materials are lightweight, making them ideal for long days on the water.

Ensure your sunglasses have non-slip rubber on the nose pads and temple areas to prevent slipping, especially when near water. Select frames that complement your face shape, aiming for medium to larger profiles for complete light coverage. Adjustable frames offer customization for comfort and secure fit, enhancing your fishing performance by minimizing distractions.

UV Protection Features

Choosing sunglasses with effective UV protection is essential for fly fishing. Ensure they offer 100% UVA and UVB protection to prevent eye damage during long hours on the water. Quality fishing sunglasses not only block UV rays but also maintain clarity for spotting fish.

Opt for sunglasses with polarized lenses to reduce glare from water surfaces, allowing you to see beneath more clearly. Models with the AcuTint Lens System enhance color contrast, aiding in distinguishing fish under various lighting conditions.

Select lenses made from durable materials like polycarbonate or triacetate for both UV protection and scratch resistance. This combination ensures your sunglasses perform well across multiple fishing trips.

Price Vs Performance

Investing wisely in fly fishing sunglasses doesn't require spending a fortune. High-quality options under $25 can match the performance of $150 models, especially with features like polarized lenses and UV protection.

When comparing price and performance, prioritize core features such as complete UVA and UVB protection and a lightweight, comfortable fit for long wear. Many affordable sunglasses now offer polarized lenses to reduce water glare and improve fish visibility in different lighting.

Lower price doesn't mean lower quality. Customer feedback often highlights that budget-friendly sunglasses provide excellent durability and resistance to wear and tear. Focus on options that balance cost-effectiveness with practical features like impact resistance and anti-fog capabilities for the best value.

Glare Reduction Technology

For fly anglers, glare from water surfaces is a significant challenge, making polarized lenses crucial in fishing sunglasses. These lenses filter horizontal light waves, reducing distracting glare and enhancing visual acuity to spot fish beneath the surface.

Consider advanced features like the AcuTint Lens System, which enhances color contrast and clarity alongside polarization. This helps distinguish underwater features, providing an advantage in spotting targets.

Effective glare reduction also protects eyes from harmful UV radiation intensified by water reflection. Choose sunglasses offering full UVA and UVB protection with polarization for optimal visibility and eye safety during long fishing days.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Often Should I Clean My Fly Fishing Sunglasses?

You should clean your sunglasses after each fishing trip to prevent salt, dirt, and water spots from damaging the lenses. For daily maintenance, rinse them with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth. Weekly, use lens cleaner and carefully wipe both sides of the lenses. If you notice scratches or heavy buildup, you'll want to perform a deeper cleaning using specialized lens cleaning solutions designed for your specific lens coating.

Can I Wear Polarized Fishing Sunglasses While Driving?

You might worry that polarized sunglasses will affect your ability to see your car's dashboard displays, but you can safely wear them while driving. In fact, they'll help reduce glare from other vehicles, wet roads, and snow, making your drive safer. However, you may notice slight distortion when viewing LCD screens in your car, and some people experience mild disorientation initially. If you're comfortable with these minor trade-offs, polarized sunglasses are excellent for driving.

What's the Best Way to Store Fishing Sunglasses When Not Using Them?

To properly store your fishing sunglasses, always keep them in a hard protective case when you're not wearing them. Don't leave them face-down on any surface, and avoid storing them in hot places like your car's dashboard. You'll want to clean them with a microfiber cloth before storage, and keep them in a cool, dry place. If your case has a microfiber lining, that's even better for protecting the lenses.

Do Prescription Fishing Sunglasses Affect Polarization Quality?

You'll be glad to know that prescription fishing sunglasses don't compromise polarization quality when manufactured correctly. Modern prescription lenses can be polarized just as effectively as non-prescription ones, as the polarizing filter is typically applied between lens layers. However, you'll need to verify you're getting your sunglasses from a reputable manufacturer who specializes in prescription polarized eyewear, as proper lens construction is essential for maintaining peak polarization effectiveness.

How Long Do Polarized Fishing Sunglasses Typically Last Before Needing Replacement?

Your polarized fishing sunglasses should last 2-3 years with proper care, though you'll need to replace them sooner if you notice reduced glare protection or visible lens damage. You'll know it's time for replacement when you see scratches affecting visibility, deterioration of the polarized coating, or if the lenses feel less effective at blocking glare. Daily cleaning and proper storage in a protective case will help maximize their lifespan.

Conclusion

Looking to enhance your fly fishing experience with the right sunglasses? Explore these five Flying Fisherman models, each providing unique features for varying fishing conditions. Prioritize clarity, value, or low-light performance to ensure essential eye protection and improved visibility. Choose features that best suit your fishing style for a well-equipped angling adventure.