Fashion

5 Best Sunglasses Brands for Fishing and Boating

by Michael C. Upton  |  Published July 2, 2024

While boating and fishing in bright, reflective environments, a good pair of sunglasses reduce glare, enhance visibility, and protect eyes from harmful UV rays while on the water.

The active boater and sportsperson have a myriad of options when it comes to sunglasses. A great pair of sunglasses for boating and fishing should have polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility on the water. Lenses should offer 100% UV protection to shield eyes from harmful rays, and it is a bonus if they are scratch-resistant. Many consider comfort, plus a secure fit with non-slip nose pads, temple grips, or a strap essential.

5 BEST SUNGLASSES BRANDS FOR FISHING AND BOATING

Stylish and functional, the Ombraz Cammina are armless glasses good for boating and fishing. (Photo: Courtesy Ombraz)

It does not hurt if the sunglasses float, too! We considered and researched sunglasses brands to find the best on the market to recommend. For our decisions we compared durability, cost, style, and functionality.

Ombraz Camminas

Superb for fishing, but equally as stylish for the beach, the Camminas are the newest addition to the Ombraz lineup of armless sunglasses. We found them wonderfully suited for the female face. Part of the Polarized Collection, we tested the Zeiss yellow lenses, which are optimal for variable conditions. The glasses come in three lens colors, provide 100% UVA/UVB protection, and each purchase plants 20 mangrove trees. The armless design was born from Ombraz founder’s experience of broken sunglasses while on safari.$160

Available at Ombraz

5 BEST SUNGLASSES BRANDS FOR FISHING AND BOATING

The sun rises with Island Optics sunglasses. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)

Island Optics Noord

Florida-based Island Optics have provided the public quality service for more than 100 years. Today, the company’s mission is to provide the fishing community and outdoor enthusiasts with affordable, top-tier polarized sunglasses. We tried the Noord wood grain style and found them a great multi-use item, which are available in five lens colors. With help from a branded strap and GatorGrip pads, these stylish frames stay secure even at high speeds. The Noords are anti-reflective, lightweight, and come with a lifetime limited warranty. $68

Available at Island Optics

goodr I Do My Own Stunts

Founded in 2015, goodr aimed to create affordable and stylish sports sunglasses. Designed for extreme sports, these sunglasses from goodr flash an ’80s vibe. The mirrored lenses are triple scratch resistant, shatterproof, and polarized. An anti-saltwater coating is applied to the final lens layer. The nature of the wraparound frames makes them ideal for larger individuals and a “grip-coated” frame helps them stay put. Wraparound styles provide maximum coverage and prevent light from entering around the edges. $45

Available at goodr

5 BEST SUNGLASSES BRANDS FOR FISHING AND BOATING

Gill sunglasses are ready for a boat ride. (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag)

Gill Pursuit

Outdoor wear super brand, Gill has created some of the best sunglasses for boating. We tested the Pursuit model, which fit snug and stand up to the wind while cruising on the boat. The glasses feature Floating Frame Technology, 7-layer TAC Polarized lenses, and 100% UV 400 protection for safety and glare-free vision. The hydrophobic outer coating helps shed water and reduce salt residue, while a rubber grip keeps the glasses in position. Gill’s entry level, scratch resistant glasses come in two frame colors. $74.95

Available at Amazon.com

Woodzee Avalon

For style points, these sunglasses made from recycled skateboards rate high. Not your traditional or expected brand for boating and fishing, Woodzee focuses on recycling and is proudly Californian. Nylon lenses provide 100% UVA/UVB protection. Frames flex with double spring hinges. And each pair is unique. The polarized Avalons we tested floated, but after a while in the water started to sink after the wood became saturated. These glasses rate high for comfort but will need straps for boating. $100

Available at Amazon.com