Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
Costa Del Mar Fantail Polarized Sunglasses
Premium clarity for all-day water anglers
- Costa 580 lens tech filters harsh yellow and high-energy blue light for sharper contrast on water
- Co-molded TR-90 nylon frame with no-slip Hydrolite lining stays put through sweat and spray
- Choice of 580G glass or 580P polycarbonate lenses to balance clarity against weight
- 100% UV protection and full polarization to cut reflected glare off the surface
Reading water is the core skill in fishing, and the sunglasses on your face either help or hurt that. The Costa Del Mar Fantail leans hard into helping, built around Costa’s well-known 580 lens platform that selectively filters harsh yellow and high-energy blue light. In practice that translates to more contrast and definition, which is what lets you distinguish fish, structure and bottom composition through glare that flattens cheaper lenses.
You get a meaningful choice at purchase. The 580G glass lens is Costa’s clarity flagship, thinner and lighter than typical polarized glass and notably scratch resistant, which suits anglers who wear shades eight to ten hours a day. The 580P polycarbonate option trades a little clarity for reduced weight and better impact resistance, a sensible pick if you value all-day comfort or safety around casting hardware.
The frame is co-molded TR-90 nylon with a no-slip Hydrolite lining running the interior, plus grippy temples that keep the glasses planted when you sweat or lean over the gunwale. Sweat channels and eyewire drains on the Pro version help keep your field of view clear, and side hooding cuts stray light from the edges. It is a design clearly shaped by people who fish rather than a fashion house adapting a street frame.
Coatings matter more than most buyers expect. The C-Wall treatment adds scratch resistance and repels water, oil and sweat, so a quick wipe restores clarity instead of smearing salt across the lens. Combined with 100% UV protection and full polarization, the Fantail handles the punishing reflective glare of open water about as well as anything on the market.
The honest catch is price. This is a premium product, and the glass lens option adds weight that some anglers dislike. If you fish a few times a season, the value equation tilts toward cheaper options that still do the job. The Fantail earns its keep when you are on the water constantly and depend on your eyes to find fish.
Bottom line: The Fantail is the benchmark for serious anglers who want the clearest, most fish-finding optics available and will pay for build quality and coatings that last.
Specifications
| Type | Wraparound sport/fishing sunglasses |
| Lens Material | 580G glass or 580P polycarbonate |
| Polarization | 100% polarized (Costa 580 tech) |
| Frame | Co-molded TR-90 nylon with Hydrolite |
| UV Protection | 100% UVA/UVB |
| Best For | All-day sight fishing on open water |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 580G and 580P lenses?
580G is polarized glass, offering the best scratch resistance and optical clarity but more weight. 580P is polycarbonate, lighter and more impact resistant, at a slightly lower clarity ceiling. Heavy all-day users often prefer glass; anglers who prioritize weight or impact safety lean polycarbonate.
Are the Fantail lenses good for spotting fish?
Yes. Costa's 580 technology filters yellow and high-energy blue light to boost contrast and definition, which is exactly what helps you pick out fish, structure and color changes below the surface.
Will they stay on my face in rough conditions?
The co-molded frame uses no-slip Hydrolite lining and grippy temples specifically so the glasses hold when you sweat, run, or lean over the side of the boat.
Do they block UV rays?
All Costa lenses provide 100% UV protection to shield your eyes across long days on reflective water.
Is the Fantail worth the higher price?
For anglers who wear sunglasses many hours a day, the optical quality, durability and coatings make it a strong long-term value. Casual users may not need this tier.