When it comes to locating fish, a pair of polarised sunglasses cut out the glare from the water and help you see into it much more clearly. The best polarised sunglasses for fishing allow you to see if there are any carp near the surface that are willing to feed. They also help you see your hookbait with greater accuracy and finally, seldom worried about, is they protect your eyes from the sun, which is of vital importance.
Lens choice is generally not considered, but it can affect how visible the underwater environment will be. On lower light days, where the water is cloudy, it is recommended you choose an amber or brown lens to contrast the fish easier. On a very bright day, with tap clear water, a green or blue lens might be more appropriate.
Best best polarised sunglasses for fishing at a glance
• Best fishing sunglasses overwraps - Fortis OverWraps - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
• Best camo polarised sunglasses for fishing - ESP Camo Sunglasses - View offer on eBay
• Best fishing sunglasses for all conditions - Gardner Hi-Lo Sunglasses - View offer on eBay
• Best alternative polarised sunglasses for fishing - Fortis Bays - View offer on Total Fishing Tackle
Picking a pair of sunglasses for fishing is largely down to personal choice, with most models being more than up to the job but varying in aesthetics. If you have to use glasses in your everyday life, it's advised to look at getting a set of polarised lenses with your standard glasses at your opticians, or getting 'overwraps' that sit on top of them. Here are our picks of the best glasses for fishing.
Best Fishing Sunglasses Overwraps
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Description
The useful design of the Fortis OverWraps has been created to fit over regular spectacles.
Soft rubber inserts in the frame ensure they won't slip in use, while vents in the brow reduce the chances of them steaming up.
Pros
- Essential for those with prescription glasses.
- Variety of lenses.
Cons
- A little bulkier than non-wraps but still comfortable.
Best camo polarised sunglasses for fishing
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
The large grey-tinted lenses make spotting fish on bright sunny days much easier. The frames have a dark camo finish and are supplied with a woven E-S-P neck cord, cleaning cloth and protective case.
Pros
- Strong neck cord.
- Classic fishing look.
Cons
- Only available in one lens colour.
Best fishing sunglasses for a touch of class
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
These glasses feature black and grey carbon effect frames in a durable wrap design. The inlaid rubber temple tips provide a non-slip and comfortable fit.
Pros
- Very comfortable to wear.
- Understated lens colours.
Cons
- Not the most sturdy lens design.
Best fishing sunglasses for looking carpy
www.fishingtackleandbait.co.uk
Description
With ‘carpy’ frames and high-quality Revo lenses with a green tint, these stylish glasses look the part both on and off the bank. Ideal for overcast and low-light conditions.
Pros
- Look really 'carpy'.
- Strong frame design.
Cons
- Only available with one lens colour.
5.
Fortis Wraps
Best fishing sunglasses for clarity
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Description
Wraps have been designed to fit perfectly around the face and eliminate unwanted light penetrating from the side. A unique vent system at the top increases airflow and prevents mist/fog build-up.
Pros
- Don't mist up like other glasses.
- Multiple lens colours available.
Cons
- Not the most colourful.
Best fishing sunglasses for all conditions
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
Hi-Lo glasses offer you the dual benefit of having interchangeable amber and grey lenses to suit varying light conditions. The amber are perfect for overcast days and the grey for bright sunny days.
Pros
- Interchangeable lenses.
- Comfortable to wear.
Cons
- Not the most hard-wearing lens design.
7.
Fortis Bays
Best alternative polarised sunglasses for fishing
www.total-fishing-tackle.com
Description
The Fortis Bays have been designed with a 22-degree wrap angle, offering excellent side coverage to help eliminate the ingress of side light. A reflective surface coating that offers additional (or extra) glare block to enhance vision.
Not only does technology provide maximum functionality but the reflective surface coating is also aesthetically pleasing, creating a mirror of colour. Available in a range of colours, each designed to filter out certain colours within the light spectrum to give maximum performance in any condition.
Pros
- Stylish.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Colour won't be to everyone's liking.
Best compact fishing sunglasses
www.ebay.co.uk
Description
Available with yellow lenses for lower light or grey lenses for high contrast bright conditions. Supplied in a high-protect moulded case with a lanyard and a cleaning cloth.
Pros
- Strong and compact frame.
- Good in bright conditions.
Cons
- Not the most stylish look.
What to look for in polarised fishing sunglasses
When looking for the best pair of fishing sunglasses there are a few things one should consider. It's likely these tools will be put through a fair bit of use and end up in situations on the bank where they could be broken, it is therefore vital the frames are strong and sturdy.
The lenses on the glasses need to be considered too. Are there multiple options available to suit a variety of conditions, or are they a good all-round colour regardless? Are these lenses interchangeable with potentially spares supplied? This may well be the difference between splashing out on multiple pairs of glasses or just one of the best. Also look at how the frame sits around the lens, are they secure, or could they easily fall out or be damaged?
The final considerations are comfort and looks. It's likely you will be wearing these for the majority of the warmer months and even in the winter. So they need to be comfortable on your nose and ears. The last thing you want is glasses that rub and cause irritation. Having glasses that look fantastic on your face but feel like torture is not the answer.
Glossary
Frames: The structure that holds the glass lenses in place and supports them on a person's head.
Lenses: A transparent substance, usually glass, often curved and coloured, allowing the user to see through clearly.
Polarised Lenses: Lenses that reduce light glare to limit eye straining. They can help anglers see deeper into clear waters.
Lanyard: A cord used to hang glasses from the user's neck or shoulder for easy transportation.
Wraps: Sunglasses that wrap around the head fully, providing peripheral vision benefits too.
Overwraps: Sunglasses designed to sit over regular prescription spectacles.
Frequently asked questions on fishing sunglasses
Is it worth buying fishing sunglasses if I have prescription glasses?
This will depend on the type of prescription you have. If you are short-sighted (can only see things clearly that are close to the eyes) you will need to get overwraps which sit on top of your standard glasses. Alternatively, look to get some prescription polarised sunglasses from your opticians.
If you are long-sighted (struggle to see things clearly that are close to the eyes) a standard pair of fishing polarised sunglasses should suit you perfectly.
Which lens colour is best for bright conditions?
When it comes to lens colour, grey is best on super-bright days, while yellow helps with contrast in low light conditions. Brown lenses are the all-rounder, making them the ideal choice if you only wish to buy one pair.
Some anglers swear by blue or green, though, so it’s worth trying out a few pairs before parting with your cash.
Author Mark Sawyer holds the position of Tackle Editor at Angling Times, boasting more than thirty years of experience working within different fields of the angling industry.