Fishing Sunglasses
Polarised fishing sunglasses that cut the glare off the water so you can spot fish, structure and weed lines, from offshore boats to shallow-water flats and rivers. Our range features Costa, Oakley, Shimano and Smith, with deep-water and shallow-water lens options in glass and polycarbonate.
Choose blue or grey mirror lenses for bright offshore days, green or copper lenses for inshore water, estuaries and sight fishing in shallows, and amber or rose tints for low light and early starts. Keep them safe on the boat with a floating retainer, and keep your catch fresh in an insulated fish bag.
Compare lens colours side by side at our Grey Lynn concept store, or order online for fast, tracked delivery across New Zealand.
Frequently asked questions about fishing sunglasses
Which lens colour is best for fishing?
It depends on where you fish. Blue mirror lenses suit bright offshore and deep-water fishing, cutting intense glare. Green mirror lenses suit inshore, coastal and estuary fishing, where the water has more colour. Copper, amber and rose lenses boost contrast for sight fishing in shallows, rivers and low light. Grey is a good all-rounder. Many anglers keep two pairs for bright and low-light conditions.
What is the difference between deep-water and shallow-water lenses?
Deep-water lenses are designed for open water, where the sun reflects harshly off the surface and there is little to see below, so they focus on cutting glare and brightness, often with a blue mirror. Shallow-water lenses boost contrast so you can see fish, sand, weed and structure beneath the surface, which helps on flats, rivers and harbours. Choose based on where you spend most of your time fishing.
Why do polarised sunglasses help you see fish?
Sunlight reflecting off the water's surface becomes polarised, creating the bright glare that hides what is underneath. Polarised lenses block that reflected light, so you can see through the surface to spot fish, weed beds, drop-offs and structure. That is why polarised sunglasses are considered essential for sight fishing, fly fishing and reading water, as well as reducing eye fatigue on long days.
What does 580 mean on Costa sunglasses?
Costa's 580 lenses are designed to filter harsh yellow light around the 580 nanometre part of the spectrum while enhancing reds, blues and greens, which sharpens contrast and colour on the water. A G after the number means glass lenses, which give the clearest optics and best scratch resistance, while a P means polycarbonate, which is lighter and more impact resistant. Both are polarised.
Should fishing sunglasses have wraparound frames?
Wraparound or larger frames block light from the sides and top, which cuts the glare that sneaks in around the lenses and makes it easier to see into the water. They also protect your eyes from wind, spray and flying hooks or sinkers. Side shields and a close fit are especially useful on bright days on the boat. For casual fishing, a medium frame with good coverage is enough.
Do I need a floating retainer for fishing sunglasses?
If you fish from a boat, kayak or wharf, a floating retainer is cheap insurance. It keeps your sunglasses around your neck when you take them off and, if they fall in the water, the foam floats them so you can scoop them up. Given the cost of quality polarised sunglasses, it is one of the most worthwhile accessories you can buy. Retainers also stop sunglasses blowing off in the wind.
Are glass lenses better for fishing?
Many anglers prefer glass lenses because they offer the clearest optics and resist scratches from salt spray, sand and constant cleaning on the boat. That clarity helps when you are spotting fish for hours. The trade-off is weight and the risk of breaking if dropped on a hard surface. Polycarbonate lenses are lighter and tougher, which suits active fishing, kayaking and long days in the sun.
How do I look after fishing sunglasses on the boat?
Rinse your sunglasses with fresh water after each trip to remove salt, which dries into crystals that scratch lenses and corrode hinges. Dry them with a microfibre cloth, never your shirt, and store them in a hard case away from the dashboard and direct sun. Avoid leaving them face down on the deck. A retainer and a dedicated spot on the boat help stop them being dropped or sat on.