Tips for Choosing the Best Sunglasses for Freshwater Fishing
The Essential Role of Sunglasses in Freshwater Fishing
For freshwater anglers, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a good day of fishing. Whether you’re targeting bass in shallow waters or fly fishing for river trout, you need the right gear to land your intended catch — and your shades are just as important as your rod and reel.
When it comes to spotting fish beneath the water’s surface, your sunglasses are central to achieving optimal viewing conditions. The right shades enhance your ability to see clearly, protect your eyes from the elements, and reduce the visual strain caused by the sun’s brightness and glare.
Read on to discover the features you should consider when choosing freshwater fishing sunglasses and what makes Costa fishing glasses a top choice for serious anglers.
Key Features to Look for in Fishing Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an essential piece of equipment in any fishing adventure, and having the right fishing glasses is key to a successful day on the water. Below are some of the top features to keep in mind when choosing the best sunglasses for freshwater fishing:
UV Protection
The most important reason for wearing sunglasses is protecting your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Wearing freshwater fishing glasses that provide 100% UVA-UVB lens protection means your eyes are getting maximum UV protection. You’red UV exposure. All Costa sunglass lenses provide 100% UV protection.
Polarization: A Non-Negotiable for Spotting Fish
One of the biggest challenges in freshwater fishing (and fishing in general) is glare reflecting off the water. Glare can obstruct your view, making it difficult to see beneath the water’s surface, especially in various lighting conditions. Polarized sunglass lenses help you overcome this challenge.
Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces, such as smooth water, sand and metal. With glare reduction, you’re better able to spot fish and navigate around underwater structures.
All Costa frames come with polarized lenses, and they have a reputation for being some of the best polarized sunglasses for freshwater fishing.
Lens Color: Matching Your Environment
Lens color, or tint, is another key factor to consider when choosing sunglasses for bass fishing and other freshwater activities. Different lighting conditions call for various lens tints to optimize visibility. Costa offers the following lens tint options tailored to various lighting and fishing environments:
Green mirror
- Variable light conditions
- Shallow water environments
- Inshore fishing
- Bass fishing
- Fly fishing
- Sight fishing
Copper silver mirror
- Low-light conditions (such as sunrise and sunset)
- Inshore fishing
- Bass fishing
- Fly fishing
- Sight fishing
Blue mirror
- Bright sun
- Open-water fishing
Gray silver mirror
- Low-light conditions (such as sunrise and sunset)
- Open-water fishing
Sunrise silver mirror
- Low-light conditions (such as sunrise and sunset)
- Sight fishing
Copper
- Varying light conditions
- Everyday activities
Gray
- Bright sunlight
- Everyday activities
Gold mirror
- Varying light conditions
- Everyday activities
Gray gradient
- Various light conditions
- Everyday activities
Rose gradient
- Various light conditions
- Everyday activities
Note: Mirrored sunglass lenses are particularly effective at reducing glare in freshwater environments such as rivers, streams and lakes.
Scratch-Resistant Lenses for Durability and Clear Vision
Durability is also important when seeking the best freshwater fishing sunglasses. Selecting sunglasses with scratch-resistant lens properties helps ensure your vision stays clear while your eyes are on the prize.
Lens materials like glass and polycarbonate are excellent choices for freshwater fishing. Costa’s glass lenses offer superior optics while being virtually scratch-proof. Plus, our polycarbonate lenses are built with a C-WALL molecular bond for scratch-resistant protection. They’re also impact-resistant for added durability.
Costa's Expertise in Crafting Fishing Sunglasses
Costa fishing glasses were developed by anglers for anglers. For over 40 years, Costa has delivered top-quality eyewear designed to withstand the harshest conditions on the water. Our products blend cutting-edge lens technology with innovative frame design.
Costa's Unique Lens Technologies
Central to Costa sunglasses’ stellar performance is our 580 lens technology. Named for their ability to filter out visible light wavelengths at 580 nanometers (nm), 580 lenses excel at boosting color contrast and clarity.
We include 580 lens technology in every pair of polycarbonate and glass lens polarized fishing sunglasses. Key features of these lenses include:
- Polarization – Provides glare reduction
- UV protection and blue-violet light* filtering – Offers optimal eye protection from the sun’s UV rays
- Enhancing reds, greens and blues – Boosts the appearance of natural colors and contrast
- Filtering out harsh yellow – Increases visual contrast and delivers high-definition clarity
Costa also makes some of the best fishing prescription sunglasses around. Most Costa frames can be fitted with prescription lenses for those needing vision correction.
Lightweight Frames for Fit and Comfort
Sunglasses, in general, are made from a variety of frame materials. But when considering the best pick for freshwater fishing, the following options tend to provide optimal performance:
- Co-injected nylon – Known for its strength and resistance to hot and cold temperatures
- Bio-based resin – An eco-friendly option that offers durability and longevity
Costas also come in other frame materials, including acetate, Monel and titanium. These make excellent choices for a day on the beach or other land-based adventures.
Additional Frame Features
Costa fishing glasses are designed with features to enhance their comfort and functionality. Some of these include:
- A sweat management system – Airflow channels wick sweat and moisture away from the lenses to reduce fogging and help keep you cool.
- Hydrolite rubber – This high-grade material is applied to the frames’ temples and nose pads to prevent slippage and ensure a secure fit.
Costa's Commitment to Quality and Performance
At Costa, our dedication to quality and performance is unwavering, especially for those who live to fish. Our sunglasses are designed to meet the rigorous demands of hardcore fishing and serious angling. Whether you’re on the hunt for the best bass fishing sunglasses or the top shades for fly fishing in a stream, you can count on Costas for their superior functionality and durability.
Our lineup includes many favorites among Costa bass fishing pros, including:
Top picks among Costa’s fly fishing pros include:
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a dedicated novice, Costa fishing glasses offer the performance, durability and protection you need for a successful day on the water. Explore our collections today and See What’s Out There.
Sources:
- The sun, UV light and your eyes. EyeSmart. American Academy of Ophthalmology. May 2024.
- What are polarized lenses for? EyeSmart. American Academy of Ophthalmology. June 2024.
*Blue-violet light is between 400 and 455nm as stated by ISO TR20772-2018. (ISO: International Standards Organization – “Ophthalmic optics – Spectacles lenses – Short Wavelength visible solar radiation and the eye, FD ISO/TR 20772”)
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