Whether you are fishing, sailing, kayaking or out on a paddleboard, sunlight bouncing off the water can make it hard to see anything but glare. Polarised (or polarized) sunglasses reduce glare from reflections on the water’s surface. Here you will find some of the best polarised sunglasses for fishing and watersports, plus what to look for when choosing fishing sunglasses.
Key points at a glance
- Polarised lenses reduce glare from reflections on the water and give you a better view beneath the surface.
- Proven models: the Oakley Split Shot for fishing, the Oakley Holbrook and Ray-Ban classics as all-rounders, the Oakley Radar EV Path for active watersports.
- Choose the lens colour to suit the water: grey or blue for open water, brown or copper for shallow water, yellow or orange for low light.
- Look for filter category 3, UV400 and a CE or UKCA mark. Polarised lenses are also available with your prescription.
Why polarised sunglasses help on the water
When sunlight hits a smooth stretch of water, part of it is reflected. This reflected light travels mostly horizontally and shows up as bright, dazzling glare. Polarised lenses contain a filter that blocks most of this horizontal light.
The result is less glare from reflections and a better view beneath the surface. When fishing, you can spot rocks, drop-offs, weed beds or a fish lying just under the surface more easily. When sailing, kayaking or boating, waves, currents and shallows are easier to read.
Worth knowing: tint and polarisation are two different things. The tint controls how much light gets through overall, while the polarising filter targets reflected light. A dark pair of sunglasses without polarisation only dims the glare; it does not filter it out.
What to look for in fishing sunglasses
Lens colour to suit the water
Lens colour affects how you see colours and contrast. As a rule of thumb:
| Lens colour | Best for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Grey or blue (often with a blue mirror) | open, deep water and bright sun | sea fishing, big lakes and reservoirs, sailing |
| Brown, copper or amber | shallow and murky water, changing light | rivers, streams, bank fishing, fly fishing |
| Yellow or orange | dawn, dusk and low light | early mornings, evenings, overcast days |
If you fish lots of different waters, brown or copper is a popular all-rounder. Yellow and orange lenses usually have a lighter tint and are not the right choice for bright midday sun.
Filter category
Category 3 is the usual choice for bright days on the water, while category 2 suits changeable weather. Category 4 is very dark and designed for extreme brightness, such as glaciers at high altitude, and it is not suitable for driving. If you drive to the water in the same pair, category 3 is the more practical option.
UV400 and CE or UKCA marking
Check for UV400 and a CE or UKCA mark. UV400 means the lenses filter UV radiation up to 400 nanometres. The CE or UKCA mark shows that the sunglasses meet the applicable requirements for sunglasses. By the way, polarisation on its own says nothing about UV protection: the two are separate features.
Wraparound frame or side shields
A wraparound frame that follows the shape of your face, or side shields, keeps out light from the side as well as wind and spray. Non-slip nose pads and temple tips keep the frame in place when you are casting, paddling or sweating.
Materials, lenses and accessories
- Light and floating: a light frame stays comfortable for hours, and some models float if they go overboard.
- Impact- and scratch-resistant: polycarbonate lenses are more impact-resistant than glass lenses, and a hard coating makes them less prone to scratches.
- Hydrophobic coating: water beads off, and salt and fingerprints are easier to wipe away.
- Saltwater-friendly: for sea use, sturdy plastic frames and corrosion-resistant hinges make sense.
- Retainer strap: a floating strap stops your sunglasses disappearing into the water while you are playing a fish or catching the next wave.
Best polarised sunglasses for fishing
Looking for the best fishing sunglasses? We have not tested the following models ourselves. This is a selection of proven polarised sunglasses from our range, sorted by what they are best suited to. You can check which lens colours are currently available on each product page.
Oakley Split Shot: built for anglers
The Split Shot was designed specifically for fishing. The lightweight wraparound frame has non-slip nose pads and a detachable leash. Its polarised PRIZM lenses come in a version for deep water (Deep Water, blue mirror) and one for shallow water (Shallow Water, green mirror on a brown base).
Oakley Holbrook and Holbrook XL: the all-rounders
The Holbrook is a classic square Oakley frame that looks just as good on the riverbank as it does in town. With polarised lenses, it is a good choice for bank fishing and relaxed days on a boat. The Holbrook XL is the larger version for wider faces and bigger heads.
Oakley Radar EV Path: for active watersports
The Radar EV Path is a sports frame with a large lens that extends upwards and a close, secure fit. It is designed to stay put during fast movement, for example when kitesurfing, windsurfing or kayaking.
Oakley HSTN and Latch: casual rather than sporty
HSTN and Latch are Oakley lifestyle models with a less sporty look. If you would rather not wear sports eyewear by the water, they offer relaxed styles that are also available with polarised lenses.
Ray-Ban Aviator, Wayfarer and Justin: for everyday life by the water
Ray-Ban’s classics are also available with polarised lenses. They are a good fit for a walk along the coast, the beach or a ferry crossing, but have no side shields. The Justin is a rectangular shape that looks a little sportier than the Wayfarer.
Prada Linea Rossa: sporty design with links to sailing
Linea Rossa is Prada’s sports line and is closely linked to sailing. The collection ranges from sporty to everyday styles and includes polarised models.
More brands with polarised models
Maui Jim was founded in Hawaii and specialises in polarised lenses. Polaroid has been associated with polarising filters for decades and also offers polarised sunglasses for children. You will also find polarised models from Carrera, Arnette and Julbo.
Oakley EYEJACKET REDUX (OO9438 943805)£118.15 POakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102D6)£126.11 PRay-Ban JUSTIN (RB4165 622/T3)£101.92 POakley TERRAFORMA (OO9530 953006)£112.78 POakley RADAR EV PATH (OO9208 920851)£141.83 POakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102F0)£122.10 POakley HOLBROOK (OO9102 9102O2)£120.35 PRay-Ban RB3928 001/83£147.10 PPolarised fishing sunglasses with your prescription
Wearing glasses does not mean missing out on polarisation. Many sunglasses can be fitted with polarised lenses in your prescription. With strongly curved sports frames, however, the possible prescription range is limited; flatter frames offer more scope.
Alternatively, you can wear contact lenses with standard polarised sunglasses. You can find out more in our guide to prescription lenses for sunglasses.
Care and practical tips for use on the water
- Rinse off salt water: after a day at sea, rinse your sunglasses under fresh water before the salt dries. Never wipe off dry salt crystals, as they scratch the lenses.
- Dry them properly: pat the lenses dry with a clean microfibre cloth. T-shirts, paper towels and harsh cleaners can damage coatings.
- Avoid heat: do not leave your sunglasses on the dashboard or in full sun on deck. High temperatures can damage lenses and coatings.
- Use a case: your tackle bag is full of hooks, weights and tools. A hard case keeps scratches at bay.
- Find the right size: measure the lens and bridge width of a pair that fits you well and look for similar measurements. They are usually printed on the inside of the arm.
- Long days outdoors: photochromic lenses adjust their tint to the light. In warm, humid weather, vented frames help against fogging.
Frequently asked questions about polarised sunglasses
Are there independent tests of fishing sunglasses?
Yes, polarised sunglasses are tested independently. We have not tested the models in this guide ourselves, so we do not name a test winner. Instead, compare pairs on the criteria that matter on the water: polarisation, a lens colour to suit the water, filter category, UV400 and CE or UKCA marking, fit and side coverage, weight and materials. With any review, it is worth checking when the test took place and which criteria were used.
Can I drive with polarised sunglasses?
Yes. Polarised sunglasses in filter category 3 are suitable for driving in daylight. However, screens in the car, on a sat nav or on your phone can look dark or show patterns depending on the angle, as can some windscreens. Category 4 sunglasses are not suitable for driving.
What is the difference between mirrored and polarised lenses?
A mirror is a coating on the outside of the lens. It reflects part of the light and gives the sunglasses their look. A polarising filter sits within the lens and specifically filters reflected light from water and other smooth surfaces. The two can be combined, but mirrored lenses are not automatically polarised.
Are polarised sunglasses a good idea for skiing?
They reduce reflections on snow, but they are not everyone’s first choice on the slopes: icy patches shine less through polarised lenses and can be harder to spot. That is why some skiers prefer non-polarised lenses. Read more in our article Best Sunglasses for Skiing.
