bigdryfly.com: Shady Rays Capitan Elite: Clear Vision on the Water

A successful day on the stream starts with good vision. Quality fishing glasses aren’t just about comfort or style—they’re a critical safety tool, protecting your eyes while also helping you spot fish that would otherwise disappear into glare and shadow. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to fish behind polarized lenses from some of the most respected brands in the industry.

Recently, after misplacing my longtime “daily driver” sunglasses, I stopped into a local Shady Rays store looking for a replacement. I ended up trying on a pair of avatar-style Huron XLs and immediately noticed the solid fit, clean look, and—refreshingly—an accessible price point.

While chatting with the store’s staff, I mentioned fly fishing, only to find out they’re anglers themselves. They pointed me toward the Capitan Elite, a model designed specifically with fishing in mind. The feature set caught my attention right away: floating frames (always a win near water), ventilation ports to reduce fogging, and Shady Rays’ Colorush lens enhancement layered onto their polarized lenses.

They happened to be running a sale, and at that point the decision was easy.

Not long after, I put the Capitan Elites to the test on one of my favorite rivers. On the water, the fit was excellent. The real standout, though, was the Colorush lens technology. Colors popped with noticeable clarity, contrast was enhanced, and most importantly, it helped in spotting subtle shapes and movement beneath the surface. Elusive trout were easier to pick out, even in tricky light conditions.

I’ve never been dissatisfied with the premium brands I’ve worn in the past, but the Colorush lenses were a noticeable upgrade. Combine that with a thoughtful fishing-specific design and a price point that’s hard to beat, and the Capitan Elite quickly earned my appreciation.. Shady Rays often runs promotions, but even at full retail, these glasses represent a great value.