I'm a big fan of Smith Action Optics. When they go on sale in Sacramento my brother (no prescription needed) loads up. Last week he bought 3 pairs for from $30 to $60 (vs. $80-$120 retail). Already owned a pair from last year and has ditched his Vuarnets and Oakleys. However, let it be said that my brother golfs and hangs out -- he doesn't fish -- so his vote doesn't really count.

Some years Cabela's and/ or Bass Pro carry Smith's and some models are in their catalogs for $70 or so (non-prescription).

I find the Smith website at www.actionoptics.com to be user friendly with plenty of frames, lens colors and lens materials to choose from. But their non-prescription prices are probably more expensive than retail. However, I wear prescription lenses and paid around $200 for my latest pair (Lochsa frames, photochromic glass lenses in amber). One Internet retailer I corresponded with wanted $260 for the same pair, so maybe Smith is cheaper if you go direct for RX glasses.

I also have a pair of Otis frames in plastic CR44 copper as my all-rounders and they are superb. The two pairs of Smiths are so good I don't even use my Bausch & Lomb aviator semi-mirrors (Ray Bans)for driving any more unless it's a super bright day.

I agree that $200 is a ridiculous amount to pay for sunglasses . . . unless you've spent the last couple of years saying 'I don't see the fish' when the guide or your buddy is pointing them out to you. This past trip I was doing the spotting and as a result we fished a lot of otherwise marginal-looking water that turned out to be productive. One hole was 50 x 50 feet and held at least seven fish (we hooked 'em) including an ugly brute around 40" who didn't stick around for the photo opp.

If you do spring for the dough to buy the expensive shades, be certain to add them to your household insurance list under 'global all risks' (you'll pay a little more for the extra cover). That means if you drop them while hiking up a forest trail (like I did)and later can't find them you can get your money back.