How to choose polarised glasses for fishing?

pecheur avec lunettes polarisantes

Whatever the weather, some fishermen wear fishing sunglasses... Although this practice may seem totally unnecessary, wearing this type of eyewear has a number of advantages for anglers.

In fact, they're not just sunglasses, they're actually glasses specialised polarisers for fishing. Unlike a pair of sunglasses, a pair of polarised glasses helps to reduce reflections and reverberation on the surface of the water, so you can see better under the film of water.

Today, there are various glass colours, the range includes a wide variety of glasses, different shapes, different frames and different types of lenses. This diversity of products means that every angler can find the pair that suits him best, but it doesn't always make the choice easy.

What are polarised glasses for fishing ?

Although they are sometimes regarded as a accessory style, the glasses polarizing have very real uses. Whether for comfort, safety sun protection or their quality anti-glare, polarised sunglasses can be used for fishing, in the car and at the water's edge.

They provide protection from the sun

These glasses are equipped with tinted lenses, even chrome-plated, , in different colours: yellow, brown, blue, green, grey... As well as reducing reflection off water and glare from the sun, polarised lenses also help to protect you from the sun's rays sun. The sun is becoming increasingly dangerous. Visit UVA and UVB are dangerous not only for the skin, but also for the eyes! You can also choose your glasses according to their UV protection index.

What's more, the style of these glasses has changed a lot in recent years! In the 80s and 90s, we were treated to very large, uncomfortable and unattractive glasses. Nowadays, there's a wide choice, from forms, design frames and chrome, so you can wear your glasses every day.

They reduce glare

The main role of polarised glasses is toreduce reflections on the surface of the water. By reducing these reflections, you can better see fish, sea grass and other obstacles underwater. That's why these goggles are so popular for fishing sight fishing, these include trout (fly or lure), chub and black bass.

But even if you're not sight fishing, they'll give you a better idea of which fish are following your lure once it reaches your feet.

They protect against impact

You don't need a polarised pair for this purpose. However, a lure or a weight can quickly get in the eye through a botched strike or a lure caught on a branch. Yes, fishing is not a safe activity !

Even if you don't wear glasses or prefer to wear contacts, a pair of polarised (or non-polarised) fishing glasses is a good option for protect your eyes from projectiles.

Choosing the shape of your polarised glasses

lunettes de soleil polarisantes

The shape of your pair is not just a question of style! Glasses that fit perfectly around your eyes will isolate them from the sun's rays, which can bother you and hurt your eyes. On the other hand, glasses that are open at the sides will be much brighter and more comfortable to wear when the light is getting dimmer. However, this type of rig sometimes lets in rays of light from the sides that can dazzle you.

For spectacle wearers, deciding on polarised lenses for fishing is not the easiest thing to do. However, there are overglasses, but they remain rather uncomfortable and imposing. An appointment with an optician for future contact lenses may be a solution.

These days, polarised glasses come in a multitude of shapes, colours and materials, including metal, plastic, but also wood, bamboo or carbon. These different materials add a modern, light touch to this accessory.

Choosing lenses and colours

The choice of lens colour is very important. This choice will vary according to your use, by sea, in fresh water, at what time of day and on what day brightness level. Depending on the colour of the water and the amount of light, the tint of the glass will correct reflections to a greater or lesser extent, providing greater or lesser visual comfort.

In addition, some top-of-the-range brands offer glasses with either glass or plastic lenses polycarbonate. The advantage of polycarbonate lenses is that they are more durable light, , impact and scratch resistant. However, the lens provides better correction and is more expensive. So how do you choose your new rig ? ?

Yellow glasses

The yellow glasses are the brightest. They are therefore ideal for fly fishing, especially at times of the day when the sun is not shining. That's why trout and black bass anglers love them !

In fact, trout and black bass are the fish most often caught on the surface in the morning and evening. At these times of day, the brightness is quite low. Yellow is particularly bright, so it's the perfect shade for this purpose! They provide good visibility even in the shade.

The pair of yellow glasses we recommend for river fishing: the Savage 2 Polarized from Savage Gear :

These glasses Savage Gear Savage 2 Polarized encompass your eye and isolate it from the sun's rays. In brown or yellow, this type of lens is perfectly suited to river fishing.

Blue lenses

At sea blue lenses or green are the most common. They filter the most light. This model of glasses is very popular for the sea fishing, where light and reverberation are very strong. We also recommend the chromed glass which not only protect you from reflections, but also from the sun.

The pair of blue glasses we recommend for sea fishing: the Precision Vision Clear from Rapala: 

The glasses Rapala Precision Vision Gear are available in a range of models with chrome and silver finishes high UV protection index.

Grey lenses

Models with grey glasses are among the most common, along with yellows and amber. Grey is a fairly versatile glass colour. Both bright and polarising, it can be used all day long with low or high clarity. Grey is also used in many prescription sunglasses. Their versatility makes them very practical for driving.

The pair of grey glasses we recommend for all-round wear: theX2fromLeech: 

The glasses Leech x2 the lenses are grey, with UV400 protection multi-purpose glasses that you can wear every day !


See all our fishing sunglasses


Choosing the right model polarised glasses is essential. These days, there are many different models, brands and prices to choose from. Your eyes are precious, so protecting them from the sun's rays is very important.

When you're fishing, by the river, at sea or even in the car, reflections can reduce the quality of your vision. Choose the colour of your lenses according to your favourite fishing mode and light level to get the best possible vision clear vision with little reverberation, while retaining a maximum amount of light comfort.