There are actually several fishing-specific models of glasses out there. Generally speaking, you want a brown base tint for the glasses, as that color does the best job of helping you see around water. And a polarized lens will of course cut glare.
One good choice: the Riptide glasses from Action Optics ($140) with what Action Optics calls “Clearwater Copper” lenses. Their contrast-enhancing brown tint and polarized glass will cut through surface glare to reveal that previously invisible lunker brookie. But these fishing-friendly glasses are also at home on the road or on the trail. One quibble I had, though, when I tried a pair last year: The frames grip the head nicely but lack nose pads, so they get slippery when the sweat starts to flow. To counteract this, you can use any one of several add-on straps that keep the glasses snug on your head or around your neck if you’re not using them. The eyewear retainers from Croakies work very well ($6; www.croakies.com).
For a bit less dough, H2Optix Laguna sunglasses ($79; www.h2optix.com) are specifically designed for water activities, available with gray or brown lenses, both polarized. Not quite as stylish as the Riptides, but still nice glasses. Or, if you have a birthday coming up, ask for a pair of Serengeti Argosy glasses ($199; www.serengeti-eyewear.com) with Serengeti’s fantastic Strata lenses. These are great glasses.