Louisville, KY (August 14, 2025) — Shady Rays, one of America’s fastest-growing lifestyle and adventure eyewear brands, is diving into new waters with the launch of its Elite S|R Fish Collection—a high-performance line of sunglasses engineered specifically for inland freshwater anglers.

Purpose-built for those who spend their time chasing bass in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, the Elite Fishing line fills a long-overlooked need in the eyewear space with precision optics, floatable frames, and water-tested durability.

“Our customers told us they wanted eyewear that could keep up with them on the water—especially for freshwater fishing,” said Shady Rays Founder Chris Ratterman. “So, we listened. Working closely with expert anglers, we’ve designed frames and lenses that bring clarity, comfort, and confidence to every cast. With this launch, we have their back—on and off the water.”

Frames That Float. Features That Fish
The collection introduces two new styles—Cayman Elite and Capitan Elite—each tailored for serious anglers and weekend adventurers alike. Both frames float in water, feature increased side coverage for maximum sun protection, and include upgraded no-slip nose pads and ventilation for comfort in any conditions.

  • Cayman Elite: A fishing-focused upgrade of the versatile Cayman frame, featuring a matte black finish, enhanced side shields, and rugged design for durability on the water.
  • Capitan Elite: A top-selling wrap-around frame reimagined for anglers, offering full-coverage protection, lightweight construction, and floatable functionality.

Lenses That Spot the Difference
This line was developed and tested in collaboration with professional bass angler John Hunter, a Major League Fishing standout with 14 top-10 finishes, and the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The three brand-new lenses provide unmatched clarity and performance when it matters most—spotting fish—and are available in the following colorways:

  • Black Royal: A first-of-its-kind polarized royal mirror lens with a bronze tint and 10 percent VLT. Shatter-resistant and coated with hydrophobic and oleophobic tech.
  • Black Emerald: Polarized emerald mirror with 10 percent VLT, built for glare-cutting clarity and water-repelling performance.
  • Black Slate: Designed for low-light conditions, this 15 percent VLT slate mirror lens enhances color and contrast from dawn patrol to dusk casts.

Backed by Shady Rays’ Industry-Leading Guarantee
Like every pair of Shady Rays, the Elite Fishing collection is backed by the brand’s exclusive Lost & Broken Protection Program—offering up to two replacements within two years.

“I launched Shady Rays because I was tired of losing or breaking expensive sunglasses. That’s still our promise today,” said Ratterman. “If your shades fall off the dock or get crushed in the tackle box, we’ve got you covered.”