Ask any angler what their favorite tool for fishing is, and they are likely to name lines or hooks as being key pieces in their arsenal – yet sunglasses remain one of the most essential tools of fishing gear!
Finding a pair of sunglasses designed specifically to cut glare and allow underwater vision is critical, but not all are equal.
Yellow & Amber Lenses
Yellow and amber lenses are excellent lenses to use in low light conditions such as fog, haze, and cloudy days, while they also excel when exposed to partial shade, such as beneath docks or coves where there may be both sun and shade. Their lens tints offer tremendous contrast for finding fish in fresh and saltwater environments.
If you plan to fish with yellow lenses, your sunglasses must be tailored specifically for fishing and fit comfortably on your face. In particular, large surface area filters with light-colored frames (ideally white or light-colored frames) to filter as many sun rays out as possible while remaining non-burning on hot days; slightly oversized frames will help stop them from sliding off your face quickly and should also offer UV protection at least around the nose bridge area.
Although having one pair of lenses that perform in all conditions would be ideal, most anglers do not possess that luxury. Therefore, gray lenses offer the most versatility as they help reduce glare and can be enhanced further with mirror coating to increase performance.
Green lenses are another versatile and all-round lens tint, ideal for most conditions and conditions. While not as effective at increasing contrast as amber or yellow lenses, green-tinted lenses will still function effectively for most anglers. Furthermore, their subdued green hue makes them suitable for different lighting levels than grey or amber lenses.
If you plan on spending much time on the open ocean, gray lenses with blue mirrors could be helpful for offshore fishing. They will reduce glare from reflective surfaces on the water while increasing contrast for spotting fish and boats in the distance.
Blue Mirror Lenses
Polarized sunglasses are often the optimal choice when fishing. Their lenses filter out light that reflects off water surfaces and reduce eye strain and fatigue by filtering out direct light sources. Polarized lenses provide UV radiation protection and improve contrast and clarity – making it easier to spot fish or indicators like weed beds or drop-offs where they congregate. But not all polarized sunglasses are created equal! Some models are made specifically for fashion, with glossy, mirrored lenses that look good but fail to cut glare effectively. Other models feature more muted finishes that suit most situations – gray lenses that work great for fly fishing on cloudy days and ocean fishing during bright sunlight are an example.
Lighter colors work better in low-light conditions, while darker tints perform well in brighter ones. When selecting sunglasses for fishing, the primary considerations should be your target species and weather conditions.
Gray lenses are an ideal choice when fishing the flats or river for spotted bass; they don’t block out too much light while improving contrast without noticeable color distortion. Gray lenses have also proven highly useful when fishing ice fishing since they offer protection in cold, dark conditions.
Suppose you’re fishing offshore for cobia and other aquatic species congregating near deep-water rigs. In that case, blue mirror lenses will simplify the fishing experience by eliminating sun glare from both surfaces – making it easier to locate bait while sight fishing! These lenses also eliminate glare caused by sunlight hitting water surfaces to help with sight fishing.
Fishing sunglasses featuring striking blue lenses can be found across a range of high-end fishing sunglasses on the market, popular among charter captains and inshore saltwater guides, hardcore fishermen who spend considerable time out on the water, as well as fashion sunglasses that feature this technology on an affordable budget. Polarized blue mirror lenses have become even more affordable; some fashion sunglasses now provide this feature!
Brown Lenses
Numerous fishing sunglasses feature various lens colors to accommodate multiple fishing environments. When faced with bright sun on open water or while looking through weed beds, having the appropriate pair of polarized sunglasses can make all the difference in visibility – eliminating glare from reflection off the surface of the water and making it easier to spot fish, weed beds, drop-offs and other features under the water surface.
Blue mirrored lenses are often the first choice of anglers fishing in sunny, bright conditions, while gray lenses work just as well in overcast or cloudy weather conditions. Amber or copper-colored lenses provide increased color perception and enhanced contrast for sight fishing in murky water environments; amber or copper-hued lenses work exceptionally well with ice fishing sunglasses because of low light conditions.
Finding the appropriate pair of sunglasses can make a profound impact on how you fish, but finding a pair that meets all your specific fishing needs requires taking more than just picking a style off a shelf and heading off to your local shop. Polarization and lens color should both be carefully considered to find one suitable.
Most fishermen know that sunglasses should be polarized, yet many do not consider how lens color could impact their ability to see water’s surface and identify potentially dangerous indicators such as weed beds, drop-offs, or logs. Even high-end designer sunglasses costing a month’s salary rarely come equipped with polarized lenses as they’re often not designed with fishing (or other outdoor activities) in mind. However, manufacturers specializing in fishing sunglasses offer several reliable polarized models that will serve most anglers well. These sunglasses typically use polycarbonate or polyurethane material that’s lighter and less susceptible to scratches than glass lenses for optimal clarity while remaining scratch-proof.
Polarized Lenses
Polarized lenses are essential for anglers as they help reduce eye fatigue caused by sunlight reflecting off the water’s surface and allow you to view underwater structures and baitfish. When selecting sunglasses with polarized lenses for fishing environments such as blue water, muddy backwaters, or high overhead sun conditions, consider tint selection and frame styles before purchasing your pair of shades with these features.
While polarized lenses typically reduce glare, some go beyond this and boost contrast levels. Costa sunglasses’ 580 lens technology is an example of such innovation as it filters out harsh blue light while amplifying greens, reds, and blues for an improved underwater viewing experience. Now, it’s possible to perceive what lies below with unparalleled clarity!
Polarized sunglasses come in various tints that can help increase visibility in multiple situations. Grey lenses, for instance, are best suited to bright and sunny conditions as they maintain actual color while reducing glare effectively. Amber and copper lenses can be found in fishing-specific glasses and offer an optimal combination of reduced glare reduction and enhanced contrast that works in diverse lighting conditions – perfect for fishing-specific drinks if that’s what you’re after! They may even enhance natural hues and colors so it becomes easier for you to spot fish!
Polarized lenses offer many benefits when fishing at dusk and dawn, such as increasing contrast in even clear conditions. Polarized lenses filter out horizontal lightwaves responsible for glare while simultaneously enabling your eyes to absorb visual light – something essential when trying to catch fish at dusk and dawn.
Plenty of sunglasses have polarized lenses, but not all are designed specifically with fishing (or other performance water sports) in mind. That is why bass pros such as Mike Iaconelli often opt for Costa polarized shades – although these don’t boast as much weight and durability as more premium models, they do the job sufficiently for novice anglers on a budget.
