Short answer: buy polarized, get a lens colour matched to the light you fish most, and prioritise coverage and fit over brand. Bajio, Costa Del Mar, and Smith are the three I'd point anyone toward — and honestly, you can't go badly wrong with any of them.

Fly fishing relies heavily on your eyes, and some of the best fly fishing is sight fishing. To sight fish it's critical to block glare and improve light transmission so you can see the fish as a target. Polarized lenses are paramount to successful angling and a staple of the gear set.

Here's an overview of three manufacturers worth your money. There are others that will get you by, but these three are the creme de la creme of angling sunglasses.

Bajio Sunglasses

Polarization and lens quality. Bajio sets itself apart with a focus on blue light reduction. Their LAPIS technology removes 95% of blue light up to 445 nm, surpassing other brands. That enhances clarity and colour while reducing glare, haze, and blur.

Models and lens colour. A wide range of frame styles and shapes, made from sustainable materials like bio-based nylon. Seven lens colours for different lighting conditions, with a choice of polycarbonate or glass in each. Glass is optimal for durability but a little heavier than polycarbonate.

Light transmission and durability. The blue light reduction significantly improves clarity, letting you see further and deeper. Their frames, notably made from castor plants, are robust and reportedly 13 times stronger than common bio-plastics. When the founders of Bajio separated from Costa Del Mar they set out with the specific intention of outperforming their predecessors.

Warranty. Competitive. They require a 30-day return in salable condition, plus a lifetime manufacturer warranty — basically, if you didn't cause the breakage they'll replace them. Check their website for current terms.

Costa Del Mar

Polarization and lens quality. The 580 series lenses are lauded for high clarity, boosting colour and contrast by blocking yellow and blue light. That's particularly useful for sighting fish and tracking flies.

Models and lens colour. Various colour and mirror combinations designed for diverse light and water conditions. Costa also offers a more affordable 400 series lens, still providing 100% UV blockage and polarization but without the enhanced colour and contrast of the 580.

Light transmission and durability. A choice between glass and plastic. Glass provides superior clarity and scratch resistance but is heavier. Plastic is lighter, more comfortable, and impact-resistant, but less scratch-resistant.

Warranty. Hand-built in Florida and backed by a lifetime warranty. Check their website for current terms.

Smith Sunglasses

Polarization and lens quality. Smith's ChromaPop Polarchromic Ignitor lenses offer vivid colour, exceptional clarity, and contrast. They adapt to changing light while providing 100% protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC.

Models and lens colour. A good range of styles and colours, with a genuinely smooth transition between different light conditions and true-to-form colour representation.

Light transmission and durability. The ChromaPop lenses give sharp clarity across lighting, though detailed light transmission percentages weren't something I could find.

Warranty. A limited lifetime warranty covering manufacturer defects, applying only to authentic Smith products bought from authorised dealers or direct.

Which would I buy?

Find a pair that fits your face and provides ample coverage so the lenses can perform their best.

Personally I'm a fan of the Bajio model. They've really turned it on lately to outperform their competitors, and they've put significant consideration into conservation and the eco-friendliness of the brand.

Smith would be my second option. The light-adjusting ChromaPop technology has a lot of fans. I unfortunately haven't had the same durability experience as with the others — the lenses are nice but the frames haven't held up as well for me, and they seem to fall outside the warranty policy.

Costa Del Mar makes nice glasses and lenses. I do sometimes find it hard to get the optimal lens make and colour in the frames I prefer.

Pros and cons at a glance

Bajio

Pros: advanced blue light reduction with LAPIS technology; wide range of sustainable frame styles and materials; seven lens colours; choice of polycarbonate or glass; enhanced clarity and depth perception.
Cons: relatively new to the market (since 2021).

Polarized sunglasses worn while sight fishing on a river

Costa Del Mar

Pros: 580 series lenses offer high clarity and colour contrast; both affordable and premium lens options; hand-built quality with a lifetime warranty; choice of glass or plastic; KICK PLASTIC conservation initiative.
Cons: glass lenses can be heavy; plastic lenses are more prone to scratches.

Smith

Pros: ChromaPop technology for vivid colour and clarity; lenses adapt to changing light; 100% UVA/B/C protection; limited lifetime warranty; good range of styles.
Cons: specific light transmission percentages aren't published; limited information on lens colour variety.

Two tips that matter more than brand

Match the lens to your light. Depending on your individual eyesight, certain colours and lens designs affect what you can see. Most freshwater anglers run amber; adding a low-light yellow is a genuine game changer on grey mornings. Try a pair, alter lens colours according to conditions, and you'll soon find what you like best.

Tilt your head. A last tip — tilt your head to the side when looking into the water. That changes the light refraction and makes the view look completely different. It's an old pro's tip when sight fishing.

Best of luck picking a pair. Each brand makes great sunglasses and you really can't go wrong.

The rest of your sun protection

Good lenses only solve part of the problem. A dark under-brim on your hat kills reflected glare from below, which is what tires your eyes on a bright day — the Brown Trout Straw Sun Hat and the Tarpon both have a real brim on them. See all hats, beanies and neck gaiters.

For long days on the water, a hooded sun shirt beats sunscreen because there's nothing to remember to reapply — the FORLOH SolAir Hooded LS Shirt, or the Women's Sun Protective Fishing Shirt. Browse warm weather clothing.

Want to sight fish better generally? Read Fish Behavior and the OSSCP Fly Selection Formula.

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