Have you ever stood waist-deep in a sparkling river, casting your line, only to have the sun glare off the water blind you right when a fish swims by? That frustrating moment is something every fly fisher knows too well. The water hides secrets—the dark shapes of trout, the subtle riffles signaling a feeding spot—and without the right gear, those secrets stay hidden.
Choosing the perfect pair of fly fishing glasses feels like navigating a confusing stream. Should you pick amber lenses for cloudy days or gray for bright sun? Polarization sounds important, but what does it really do? These choices seriously affect your success and comfort on the water. Getting it wrong means missing fish and dealing with eye strain.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what you need to know about lens colors, frame styles, and the magic of polarization. By the end, you will know exactly which glasses will turn blinding glare into crystal-clear underwater views.
Let’s dive in and find the eyewear that will finally unlock the river’s secrets for you.
Top Fly Fishing Glasses Recommendations
- SIZE RANGE: Small to Medium (S-M). All CliC glasses have temples that can be adjusted to fit a range of sizes. See our size chart for specific measurements.
- STOP MISPLACING YOUR GLASSES. With CliC’s exclusive front magnet connection and permanent rigid headband, taking them off is quick and easy. Enjoy the built-in convenience as they lay comfortably around your neck when not in use.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPLES. This feature can be found on all CliC frames. Simply pull to adjust the length for a perfect fit!
- UNMATCHED DURABILITY. Your CliC glasses come with high-impact acrylic lenses, strong neodymium magnets, unique 180-degree hinges which allows each lens to fold up and down, and a durable TR90 wrap-around rigid headband to wear for years to come.
- THE ORIGINAL FRAME is also available in Long (M-L) and Expandable (M-XL) sizes for a larger fit.
- SEE THE LINE.
- ALWAYS WITHIN ARM’S REACH
- SINGLE HAND USE
- CLIP-ON NOSE
- WORKS WITH ALL KIND OF FISHING
- POLARIZED TRIACETATE LENSES. Flying Fisherman Action Angler Series Sunglasses with polarized triacetate lenses enhance contrast, block glare, and improve visual acuity for any outdoor activity. They’re impact and scratch resistant, and provide 100% protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
- STRONG ENOUGH TO KEEP UP. Grilamid and Polycarbonate frames are lightweight and durable in any condition, and many styles come with non-slip, rubber nose and temple pads for added comfort and a stay-put fit.
- ACUTINT POLARIZED LENS SYSTEM. Flying Fisherman’s AcuTint Lens System enhances color contrast, sharpens visual clarity, and blocks 100% of harmful UV rays. The polarizing filter eliminates reflected glare and enables you to see beneath the water’s surface to spot fish and underwater structure – a must for fishing or boating.
- DEVELOPED IN THE FLORIDA KEYS. Maximize your outdoor experience with sunglasses developed and field tested by professional fishing guides in the Florida Keys, the sport fishing capital of the world. They offer uncompromising performance and value for any outdoor sport or activity.
- AFFORDABLE QUALITY SINCE 1985, Flying Fisherman provides quality, affordable polarized sunglasses that are stylish, fully functional and offer exceptional polarized protection on or off the water, and backed by our one-year warranty.
- SIZE RANGE: Small to X-Large (S-XL). All CliC glasses have temples that can be adjusted to fit a range of sizes. See our size chart for specific measurements.
- ALWAYS AROUND YOU. With CliC’s exclusive front magnet connection and permanent soft headband, taking them off is quick and easy. Enjoy the built-in convenience as they lay comfortably around your neck when not in use.
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPLES. This feature can be found on all CliC frames. Simply pull to adjust the length for a perfect fit! The soft headband style is made with a flexible, elastometric material which can be folded into a case. Its pliability hugs the back of your head and allows you to comfortably position yourself against a pillow or headrest without resistance.
- DEPENDABLE AND DURABLE. Your glasses are equipped with high-impact acrylic lenses, 4,800 Gauss-rated magnets providing a strong front magnetic connection, and a durable wrap-around soft foldable headband strap.
- EYEWEAR SPECS. Frame Width: 139mm, Lens Height: 30mm, Lens Width: 56mm, Bridge Width: 17mm, Adjustable Temple Length: 185mm - 210mm
- Rapid Fly Changes: Effortlessly swap flies in seconds, maximizing your fishing opportunities and catch success.
- Universal Magnetic Nose Fit: Magnetic system offers a secure, comfortable fit on all noses, especially beneficial in active river conditions.
- Precision Magnification: Optimal clarity for tying the smallest flies quickly and accurately—even in challenging environments.
- Fast Single-Handed Use: Magnetic attachment ensures instant use, leaving your other hand free to focus entirely on fishing.
- Slim, Lightweight Optics: Designed specifically for prolonged comfort during long river sessions and outdoor adventures.
- Gloss Black frame and Blue Mirror lens with Fishoholic Logo on both sides
- Free Hard Case and Lens Cleaning Pouch
- UV400 means 100% UV Protection for your eyes
- Made lightweight to be worn all day and have wide sides to reduce side glare
- We've tested in morning, noon and evening and the polarization reduces the glare on water surfaces
- OUTDOOR-INSPIRED DESIGN: Each glass is diamond-wheel engraved with a fly fishing motif, adding character and detail to your drinkware.
- DURABLE AND FUNCTIONAL: The thick base and clean shape provide lasting stability and a satisfying weight in the hand.
- CRAFTED IN AMERICA: These glasses are proudly engraved in Pennsylvania using lead-free glass sourced for clarity and quality.
- IDEAL FOR WHISKEY ENTHUSIASTS: With a 13oz capacity, these glasses are perfect for bourbon, scotch, and whiskey on the rocks.
- A PERFECT GIFT FOR ANGLERS: This set of 2 glasses makes an excellent gift for fishermen, outdoorsmen, or anyone who enjoys a touch of wilderness in their glassware.
- HD POLARIZED LENS：Offering UV400 Protection,eliminate reflected light and scattered light,cut glare and protect eyes perfectly.
- ULTRALIGHT,STYLISH,DURABLE：Lightweight design is ideal for usage by motorcycle and cycling,driving,running,fishing,climbing,trekking or other outdoor activities enthusiasts.stylish design,with rich color combinations of frames and lens.
- Best Customer Service：Any questions about our products,please contact us.We will provide the best service until our customers are satisfied.
The Angler’s Essential: A Comprehensive Buying Guide for Fly Fishing Glasses
Fly fishing glasses are more than just sunglasses. They are a crucial tool that helps you see fish, protect your eyes, and enjoy your time on the water. Choosing the right pair makes a huge difference in your success and comfort. This guide breaks down what you need to know before you buy.
Key Features to Look For
The best fly fishing glasses offer specific features that improve your vision in bright, watery conditions.
- Polarization: This is the most important feature. Polarization cuts glare bouncing off the water’s surface. This lets you see *into* the water instead of just seeing the reflection.
- Lens Tint: Different tints work best in different light. Gray tints are good for bright, sunny days because they offer true color perception. Brown or amber tints enhance contrast, making it easier to spot fish in murky or low-light conditions.
- Frame Fit and Coverage: Good glasses wrap around your face slightly. This blocks light and wind from entering from the sides, which improves vision and keeps debris out of your eyes.
- Interchangeable Lenses: If you fish in all kinds of weather, glasses with easily swapped lenses let you adapt quickly from bright sun to overcast skies.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in lenses and frames greatly affect durability and optical clarity.
Lens Materials
You usually choose between two main lens materials:
- Glass Lenses: Glass offers the best optical clarity. It resists scratches well. However, glass is heavier and can shatter if impacted hard.
- Polycarbonate Lenses: Polycarbonate is very tough and impact-resistant. It is lighter than glass, making it a popular choice for active sports. Modern polycarbonate lenses offer excellent clarity too.
Frame Materials
Frames need to be light, strong, and comfortable to wear all day. Look for frames made from high-quality materials like:
- Nylon or Grilamid: These plastics are lightweight, flexible, and resist corrosion from water.
- Titanium: This metal is extremely durable and corrosion-proof, though it costs more.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality is directly related to how well the glasses perform when you need them most.
What Improves Quality?
Higher quality glasses usually feature advanced lens coatings. Look for lenses treated with anti-reflective coatings to reduce internal glare. Hydrophobic coatings repel water, so droplets bead up and roll off easily. A strong scratch-resistant layer also extends the life of your investment.
What Reduces Quality?
Cheaply made glasses often use lower-grade plastic for polarization filters. This can cause visual distortion or a “rainbow effect” when you look at digital screens (like your phone). Frames that fit poorly allow too much light leakage, defeating the purpose of the polarized lenses.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use your glasses influences your final choice.
If you wade in fast rivers, frame security is vital. Frames with rubberized nose pads and temple tips keep the glasses from slipping when you sweat or get splashed. If you often hike to remote spots, a lighter frame with good ventilation prevents fogging. Remember, the primary use case—seeing fish—demands superior glare reduction. Always test how well you can see submerged rocks or submerged logs while wearing the glasses.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Fly Fishing Glasses
Q: Do I really need polarized glasses for fly fishing?
A: Yes, absolutely. Polarization is essential because it removes the bright surface glare, allowing you to see beneath the water where the fish hide.
Q: What is the best lens color for sunny days?
A: Gray lenses are usually best for bright, sunny conditions. They reduce overall brightness without changing the colors you see.
Q: Which lens color helps me see better in cloudy weather?
A: Brown or amber lenses are excellent for overcast days. They increase contrast, making shadows and fish shapes stand out more clearly.
Q: Are prescription inserts a good option?
A: Many brands offer prescription lens options. If you wear contacts, standard glasses work fine. If you need glasses to see, integrated prescription lenses are often better than clip-ons.
Q: How do I clean my fly fishing lenses safely?
A: Always rinse them first with fresh water to remove grit. Then, use a microfiber cloth or lens cleaning solution. Never wipe them on your shirt, as this can scratch the coatings.
Q: Can I use my regular sunglasses for fishing?
A: You can, but regular sunglasses usually lack the specific polarization and color tuning needed to perform well on the water.
Q: What is the difference between glass and polycarbonate lenses?
A: Glass offers better clarity but is heavier and less impact-resistant. Polycarbonate is lighter and much tougher against accidental drops or hits.
Q: How important is frame fit?
A: Frame fit is very important. A snug, comfortable fit prevents the glasses from falling off and blocks unwanted light from reaching your eyes from the sides.
Q: Do I need a retainer strap for my glasses?
A: Yes. A retainer strap (or “croakie”) is highly recommended. It keeps your expensive glasses secure around your neck when you aren’t wearing them, preventing loss in the river.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on good fishing glasses?
A: While basic polarized glasses are inexpensive, expect to spend between $100 and $250 for high-quality frames and lenses with excellent optical clarity and durable coatings.