Polarized Sunglasses for Fly Fishing: What Makes Them Essential and How to Pick the Right Pair
By John Harrington, Jr.
We’ve all been in this situation at least once… you’re wading in a crystal clear stream, scanning for the subtle flash of a trout. Then you spot one and it’s time to make the cast. Your next question is, where exactly is the fish, and where can I present the fly to maximize the potential for a strike?
Now, the difference between a successful, accurate cast and a missed opportunity will come down to your ability to see beneath the water’s surface. This is exactly what makes the right pair of polarized sunglasses more than just eye protection; they serve as a critical tool that can transform your entire experience on the water.
Taking a Closer Look at Polarized Sunglasses for Fly Fishing
Sometimes it is so bright, it’s hard to imagine how you’d even be able to detect a top water strike because the entire surface is glimmering with sunlight. This isn’t something that certain individuals struggle with because their vision isn’t great; it’s something that everyone experiences because the light from the sun is reflecting off of the water like a mirror making it impossible to see what is happening below.
Unlike regular sunglasses that offer UV ray protection, polarized lenses are designed to block out the blinding glare (also known as horizontal rays) produced by the sun reflecting off the water’s surface and allow you to not just see underneath, but do so with clarity. And whether you’re fishing a creek, stream, river, lake, or in the salt they manage to do this just as effectively.
Why is this such a big deal for fly fishing?
With polarized sunglasses, you can spot fish and structure that would otherwise be hidden due to the powerful glare produced by the sun. The enhanced visibility afforded by polarized shades makes it much easier to read the water, allowing you to identify currents, depth changes, and fish holding lies. On their own, each of these factors are crucial for accurate casting and effective presentation – but polarized sunglasses enable you to view them in combination, which is what makes them a game changer.
Let’s not forget that flies can be super, super tiny. Size #22 dries anyone? With polarized shades, tracking miniscule flies like these becomes much more straightforward. You’ll be able to follow their drift and even pick up on subtle takes with much less squinting and second guessing.
Overall, by reducing eye strain while you’re on the water, polarized lenses help you stay comfortable and focused, extending your time while making it more enjoyable and productive.
Distinguishing Between Different Lens Types and Tints
Choosing the right lenses and associated tints can make a huge difference depending on the scenario. They play an important role in how well you are able to see depending on the conditions.
As far as lenses go, there are two main types: polycarbonate (which is a fancy type of plastic) and glass. Polycarbonate lenses are known for being lightweight and resistant to bumps and drops, making them ideal for anglers who need durable and dependable eyewear that won’t break the bank.
Glass lenses on the other hand provide optimal optical clarity and superior scratch resistance that many tend to prefer. The downside is that they’re a bit heavier, and because they’re glass they’re way less durable. Lastly, they’re comparably more expensive. Consider giving these a look if you’re making a long term investment that you’ll use often and know you’ll take good care of.
Now that we have the main types of lenses covered, let’s talk about tint. The right tint selection will enhance contrast, manage light transmission, and boost visibility – helping you adapt to everything from consistently bright sun to overcast skies.
Amber, Copper, and Green: These warmer colored tints are optimal for fishing freshwater lakes, rivers, and streams, and are also an effective option for inshore saltwater fishing. They enhance contrast and make it easier to spot fish in variable light conditions, for example under tree cover with some sunny spots here and there.
Gray and Blue: These tints reduce brightness and eye fatigue when it is super bright – which make them a go-to option for offshore fishing and conditions with prolonged harsh sun exposure.
Yellow and Gold: These tints thrive in low light conditions like dawn, dusk, and on cloudy days. They enhance contrast, brighten your view, and help you detect subtle movements that otherwise would go unnoticed.
Photochromic: This type of lens is the most versatile, as it adapts to changes from light to dark – offering flexibility for anglers who fish from sunrise to sunset or in frequently changing weather conditions. An even more advanced version of this is available through Smith Optics, Polarchromic – which means that the lens is both polarized and photochromic.
One final consideration: some have a reflective mirror coating that further reduces the amount of light passing through the lens. This is particularly beneficial in extremely bright or sunny conditions. However, the opposite is true in low light conditions; they’ll make it less easy to see. So just know if you decide to go the mirrored route, they’re a little less versatile.
Additional Frame Fit and Design Considerations
Now that we’ve taken some time to understand the different nuances between lens types and tints – we can shift our focus to the frames. Frame fit and design are just as important as the lenses themselves when choosing the right pair of polarized sunglasses for fly fishing.
Look and Feel: Like any new wardrobe investment, take the time to try on the sunglasses you’re considering. Go outside and walk around in them. Also, considering everyone has a different size and shape head, make sure they fit yours well. That’s right, consider both the look and the feel. The right choice will keep them snug, help the light from getting in at different angles, and will look better on you too.
Wraparound Frames: These are a popular choice among fly anglers because they maximize coverage, keeping stray light from entering your view from either side of your face. You get the added benefit of protection, like spray from the water if you’re on a boat or debris if you’re battling heavy winds.
Ventilation: Frames with ventilation features can be crucial. I have a pair of sunglasses that have side vents that reduce fog that has a tendency to creep up at the worst times. I find these to be particularly useful when you have a longer hike into your spot, or if you’re in for a humid day on the water. Additional features like vented nose pads or temple arms can further reduce fogging.
Secure Fit: You don’t want your shades falling down your face every time you move up, down, left, or right which tends to happen a lot when you’re fishing. Add a little sweat and it can get pretty agitating. Non-slip nose pads and temple grips ensure your sunglasses stay comfortably in place, even when you’re sweating or moving around quickly.
Corrective Eyewear: Many top brands that specialize in sunglasses for fly fishing offer prescription polarized lenses, so you never have to compromise on clarity or performance while you’re out on the water. When you get an updated prescription and it's time for a new pair, some brands also offer discounts when you ship back your current set. I’ve done this a number of times with my Costa shades. It’s always best to check before you make your initial investment.
TCO Staff Picks: Setting Sights on the Top Shades for Different Scenarios
Now that we’ve got the lens and frame fundamentals down, let’s take a closer look at the top picks from those on the TCO staff. Noting that each pair of sunglasses have their own unique benefits designed to maximize your time on the water, we’ll break down each one in detail, helping you see how different lenses truly shine in different conditions and scenarios, from sun drenched days on the flats to low light mornings.
Smith Hookset
The TCO team recommends the Smith Hookset for those who are interested in achieving adaptable lenses that afford maximum clarity, regardless of the conditions. This is large in part due to Smith’s advanced ChromaPop Glass Polarchromic lens technology that affords “greater definition, natural color, and clarity.” The eye has trouble distinguishing colors where the blue and green as well as the green and red wavelengths cross over – and Smith’s proprietary ChromaPop lens technology filters these crossovers. The polarchromic lenses that are available through the Hookset model further enable the lens to darken or lighten your view depending on the amount of sunlight you’re exposed to at any time. Going back to the earlier point about adaptability – this means you can effortlessly transition from a cloudy morning to a sunny afternoon without feeling the need to swap your shades.
From a fit perspective, these are in the medium/large range, with wraparound composition and Megol nose and temple pads that keep the shades slip free. They also include a moisture resistant coating, vented frames, and have a built-in retainer that make them a solid choice for those seeking a single pair of sunglasses to handle a bunch of different scenarios.
Smith Guide’s Choice
Whether you’re an actual fly fishing guide or the everyday trout bum, the Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses will most likely find its way to your short list – assuming you demand high performance and durability. These are best suited for fly anglers that will routinely spend long days on the water throughout the year and expect top notch comfort, coverage, protection, and clarity all the while. The wraparound frame is larger compared to the Hookset. With wider temples and a more aggressive curvature, the Guide’s Choice will block glare and effectively shield your eyes from rays, water, and debris. If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses that can handle extended river days and tough conditions, the Guide’s Choice stands apart as one of Smith’s most protective and feature-rich options.
Smith Low Light Yellow
A favorite among the early birds in the fly fishing community, the Smith Low Light Yellow lenses thrive not just at dawn but also at dusk and when it's cloudy and light is scarce. If you find yourself routinely on the water before sunrise or fishing the evening hatch, the striking yellow hue of these lenses will help you make the most of the windows when fish activity can be at its best.
How does this work? A lens with a high visible light transmission (VLT) percentage is lighter in tint, allowing more light through, while a lens with a low VLT percentage will be darker in tint, blocking more light. Smith’s Low Light Yellow lens has a VLT of 33%, the highest offered in the collection.
These particular lenses were engineered by Smith to maximize brightness and enhance contrast to deliver maximum dependability in low light, dark environments – cutting through the glare that would hinder your ability to spot fish while enabling you to cast with accuracy. This particular pair comes in the same comfortable Guide’s Choice frame, so rest assured you can start and end your day on the water feeling great.
Costa Reefton
The TCO staff will often recommend Costa’s Reefton sunglasses to anglers who are looking for a versatile pair of sunglasses that can be used to explore a wide range of freshwater settings. Costa prides itself in delivering 580 polarized lens technology, which is an available option with this model. This gives each pair outstanding glare reduction, clarity, and color contrast—which make it easier to spot fish and underwater structure in a wide variety of light conditions.
Since these are large, wraparound frames, they are best suited for folks with naturally bigger faces. The added benefit is that the wraparound style provides maximum side coverage, blocking stray light and reducing eye fatigue on the water. With lens options like the Green Mirror, which excels in enhancing vision and contrast for sight fishing inshore and on flats and the Sunrise Silver Mirror for low light conditions, the Reefton is built for versatility and comfort during extended sessions on creeks, rivers, lakes, and inshore saltwater settings.
Costa Reefton PRO
If you’re seeking enhanced features for sweat management, would like a way to adjust the nose pad, are aiming to keep the sun from creeping in, and would like the ability to attach a retainer to the back of your shades – you may want to consider the Reefton PRO series which takes all of this into account.
It’s Time to See Your Local Water in a Whole New Light
By now, we’ve established that polarized sunglasses are far from nice to have accessories when it comes to fly fishing – they’re an essential part of your gear when fly fishing, just as you would consider your waders, rods, reels, and line. While the above models are a sampling of our staff’s preferred choices, they’re just the tip of the iceberg; there are countless options out there, each with their own unique fit, lens technology, and features.
No matter which option you choose, you’re giving yourself a leg up and an opportunity to see better beneath the surface, read the water, and fish with greater comfort and precision.
Whenever possible, stop into your local fly shop to test out various models in person. Getting the right fit and lens for your fishing style will ensure you’re set up for success, no matter where your next adventure takes you.
Leave a comment