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Sunny days on the water, with big fish? Yes, please. As much as I love those early summer bluebird days, I love having a great pair of sunglasses to make the experience even better. This spring, my outings have included the new Smith Outrigger sunglasses.
For many years, Smith eyewear has been a staple in my fishing gear. Founded in 1965 by an innovative orthodontist with a passion for skiing, Smith has built a strong reputation in the outdoor industry. Since those early days, Dr. Bob Smith and his company have continued to expand their lineup, now offering sunglasses, helmets, apparel, and a full range of accessories.
As an avid fisherman, I’ve always appreciated Smith’s fishing-specific sunglasses. They’ve consistently performed well, so when I heard about the new Outrigger model, I jumped at the chance to try a pair.
About the Smith Outrigger Sunglasses
The Smith Outrigger sunglasses are designed for long, sun-filled days on the water. These frames feature a medium-large fit with generous coverage. They offer a modest curvature and include slim side shields to help block out stray light. The frames are made from a sustainable, yet durable, bio-based material. The temples are also compatible with a leash for added security.
Fit
For comfort, the temples and nose pads are made with Megol grip material, which helps keep the sunglasses in place even during active use. The temples also feature spring hinges that provide a snug and comfortable fit against the face.
Lenses
Smith is well known for producing high-quality lenses, and the Outrigger sunglasses are no exception. They are available with several lens options and materials. At the $209 price point, the Outriggers come with Chromapop polycarbonate lenses. These lenses are polarized and available in Black, Opal, Green Mirror, and Grey. Each color and its corresponding base tint is designed to enhance visibility in specific fishing conditions.
For a slightly higher price, the Outriggers are also available with Chromapop glass lenses. These come polarized as well and are offered in both Brown and Blue Mirror options.
Thoughts on the Smith Outrigger Sunglasses
The Smith Outrigger sunglasses are a fun and well-rounded pair of fishing sunglasses that are perfect for a variety of conditions.
Smith Outrigger Sunglasses Fit
The Outriggers have been nearly perfect for me. Starting with the sizing, the medium-large frame fits exceptionally well. I often prefer to size up in frames to maximize coverage, as larger frames usually come with larger lenses. However, the Outriggers break that trend by offering large lenses in a medium-large frame. That combination gave me a great fit with excellent coverage.
In addition to the size, the spring-loaded temples are a nice touch. They keep the glasses snug without causing discomfort, even after long days on the water. After getting used to spring hinges, it would be hard to go back to standard ones. The Megol grips also perform well. They are comfortable and do a great job keeping the glasses in place. While I’ve only had this pair for about a month, I’ve had good long-term results with Megol grips on previous Smith sunglasses.
I also appreciate that these frames are made from alternative materials. I really like seeing outdoor gear companies take sustainability seriously. While the world of bioplastics isn’t perfect, I think it’s a valuable investment and reflects a company’s values.
Lenses
It’s hard to go wrong with lenses from the Chromapop lineup. These are high-performance lenses, and I’ve enjoyed using both the polycarbonate and glass versions in the past. The toughest decision is whether to trade off some scratch resistance for the lightweight feel of polycarbonate. Personally, scratch resistance wins for me every time, and I have a strong preference for glass lenses.
I chose the polarized Chromapop glass lenses in brown. I love this color because it performs well in both freshwater and near-shore saltwater environments. Since the vast majority of my fishing takes place in these settings, the brown tint has been a perfect match.
Scanning for Trout
This spring, these lenses have been fantastic for spotting trout just after ice-off in local lakes. The brown tint really enhances fish visibility and brings out subtle underwater colors. Chromapop technology helps separate and define overlapping tones, which gives me excellent visual clarity. Combined with polarization, which reduces glare and surface reflection, these lenses allow me to see trout that would normally be invisible.
Whether I’m scanning a lake for cruising fish or trying to spot the feeding seam in a fast-moving river, having quality lenses is absolutely essential. Chromapop lenses deliver, and I believe any option in the lineup would serve most anglers well. Still, I highly recommend checking out Smith’s lens chart to match the right lens to your specific fishing conditions.
Belize Inshore
Gripe
While I called these sunglasses nearly perfect, there is one area I think could use improvement—the accessories. More specifically, the lack of them. At a $259 price point, I believe the Outriggers should include a good set of leashes. Since these are clearly designed with water sports in mind, it makes sense to include something as practical and inexpensive as a retention leash with the sunglasses.
Specs on the Smith Outrigger Sunglasses Taken Directly From Smith
- MSRP $259
- VisionChromaPop™ lenses enhance contrast and natural color to make the details pop
- ChromaPop™ polarized lenses cut glare and enhance color and contrast
- ChromaPop™ Glass polarized lenses cut glare and enhance color and contrast, and are highly scratch-resistant
- Smudge and moisture-resistant coatings for easy cleaning and clear optics
Fit / IntegrationMedium to large fit, large coverage - 6-Base lens curvature
- Modest wraparound fit
- Megol temple and nose pads provide non-slip grip so glasses stay put
- Spring hinges self-adjust to your face for a snug, comfortable fit
- FrameEvolve™ bio-based frame material is lightweight and durable
- Strategic, low-profile frame details minimize moisture buildup
- Subtle, integrated side shields for peripheral light protection and backside glare reduction
- Leash-compatible temples
Final Thoughts
The Smith Outrigger sunglasses have quickly become a standout in my fishing gear. With an ideal fit, durable and sustainable frame materials, and exceptional lens clarity, they check nearly every box for what I look for in performance eyewear on the water. Whether I’m chasing trout in alpine lakes or working the currents of a river, the Outriggers help me see more and fish better. While I do think the addition of basic accessories like leashes would make the overall package feel more complete, the performance of the sunglasses themselves more than justifies the investment. For anglers who value comfort, clarity, and sustainability, the Smith Outrigger is an easy recommendation. For more info or to check out a pair for yourself, visit smithoptics.com or amazon.com.