Of all the clothing and accessories outside of your rod and reel and lure, polarized sunglasses are one of the most critical parts of bass fishing. They protect your eyes from the sun, reduce glare, and help you see what's under the surface. A quality pair will serve you well on the water, reducing eye fatigue and making you a more efficient angler.
There are countless brands to choose from, with options for every budget, so the choices are endless. Add in the array of different lens colors, and there are many things to consider when choosing your next pair. The following pairs listed in this buyer's guide fit a wide range of budgets, and there is sure to be something for everyone.
Under $150
You can spend quite a bit on sunglasses or go with something much more inexpensive. While lower-priced sunglasses often don't feature high-quality glass lenses, there are still excellent options if you don't want to shell out a lot of money on your next pair. The following sunglasses are still very good and won't break the bank.
Strike King S11 Clinch - $44.99
Strike King makes a host of fishing lures, and they also have several sunglass options that don't cost an arm and a leg. The S11 is a higher-tier Strike King, and the name comes from its 11 layers of polarization. These are wraparound designs offered in three lens-and-frame combinations. At this price, you can easily get an extra pair of Clinches and still be well below the cost of some of the other sunglasses on this list.
Strike King S11 Rogue - $44.99
Another in the S11 lineup, the Rogue features the same 11-layer polarization and anti-reflective coating, with three options. Unlike most traditional fishing sunglasses with a wraparound design, these frames are flatter and better fit some anglers' style preferences. They are also offered in three different lens and frame options, including the unique dark earth frames with green mirror lenses.
Hobie Hull Float - $119.99
Hobie has been making sunglasses for many years, and it is now also known for its kayaks. The Hull Float and other frames blend the two, as these sunglasses are made from upcycled kayak plastic. The result is a pair of sunglasses that will reduce worry when leaning over the water, as they will float rather than sink to the bottom. Beyond just the floating aspect, these are quality sunglasses with some great lens colors. One standout in the lineup is the Sightmaster Plus lenses, which are a yellow tint and work very well when sight-fishing for bass and are also a good choice for lowlight conditions.
Over $150
Spending a little more on sunglasses will get you a pair with excellent lenses that will last for years. At this price, many brands offer a great warranty for any damage, so you can rest easy as you shell out a premium price for sunglasses. The four brands listed below all offer a variety of styles and several lens tints, but these four stand out from the crowd.
RLVNT Advantage- $199
RLVNT produces some great sunglasses and offers unique frame colors. First, choose your preferred base (brown, gray, or chameleon), then choose the color based on what you plan to use them for. The Chameleon base adapts to light, so it works well when looking at the water but is just as good when looking at your phone or other electronic screens. They have a very detailed website that explains each of their lenses and what they are best for, so you can go with a general-purpose pair or dial it in to a specific type of fishing. The Advantage frame is a classic fishing-style sunglass, but it offers several options to suit anyone's style.
Bajío Greenland - $219 for polycarbonate lenses and $269 for glass lenses
Since Bajío burst onto the fishing scene, they've quickly become a favorite for anglers because they make great sunglasses. They have seven lens colors, including the unique violet mirror and rose mirror, both of which are great for lowlight conditions and sight fishing. The Greenland frames are one of their newer styles and have a "goggle-like" feel, as they fit close to your face and let you see better underwater because less light gets in. These are a large fit, but they offer several frame options for varying face sizes. Bajío offers several frame colors, and for those looking for something unique, they teamed up with Mossy Oak to provide camo designs on some of their popular sunglasses.
Costa Tuna Alley - $296 and up
Costa is undoubtedly one of the most popular sunglasses for fishing, offering a wide range of frame styles, from classics like Tuna Alley to more fashion-forward designs to suit everyone's style. Tuna Alley has been around for years and continues to sell because it is so popular. All Costa's sunglasses are top quality and are available in many lens and frame colors. These are rated as an extra-large fit, but they come in a pair for everyone, including the new Schoolie frames made for kids and teens with smaller faces.
Smith Outrigger - $277
Smith is well known for their quality optics, both in sunglasses and in goggles for the ski and snowboard crowd. Their sunglasses are top-tier, featuring a lens technology they call ChromaPop that increases clarity, cuts glare, and adds contrast, among other benefits anglers will appreciate. Their lenses are crystal clear and scratch-resistant. The Outrigger frame is just one of the many designs offered by Smith, and it has a style that works well whether you are on or off the water.
Choosing your next pair of sunglasses depends on your budget, so thankfully, there are many options, no matter how much you are willing to spend. After that, choose one that fits your face and personal style, and then decide on the
