Polarized glasses are a great accessory for any angler to have when getting out on the water. A quality pair of polarized sunglasses will allow a fisherman to see through the water clearly and take note of structure, depth, and even fish activity. There are many options on the market today, however, and choosing a pair that suits your needs can be a bit overwhelming at first. Not to worry; today I plan on helping you make the decision by breaking down the applications associated with the different lens colors and frame shapes found in today’s sunglasses, so that the next time you find yourself in need of a new pair, you’ll know just what to look for.
There are a lot of different lens colors to choose from when purchasing a new pair of fishing glasses, and each hue possesses a specific trait for a specific condition. Yellow and orange lenses, for instance, are great for enhancing contrast and available light, and work very well in deep shade or low light conditions, but aren’t suited for actually reducing the intensity of sunlight.
Green and brown lenses also excel at enhancing contrast, and also boast glare reducing properties. Brown lenses are also recommended for anglers with sensitive eyes. Grey lenses are also a shade that reduces glare, but the color doesn’t do much else. For absolutely bright conditions, black is your best bet. However, a black lens does reduce contrast enhancement.
Amber lenses have long been a popular color, due to their ability to effectively enable anglers to locate cover easily. The amber color also makes green objects more vivid, which is great when you find yourself in search of submerged weed beds. They’re also well-suited for low light conditions, like sunrise and sunset. Amber shades are also very versatile, and can easily be worn without difficulty throughout the day.
Choosing the right frame is also a crucial factor in purchasing a pair of sunglasses. You’ll need a pair with a snug fit, but is also not too tight. You’ll also want to make sure that they stay on when you make sudden movements. Frames that feature wrap-around lenses are also a plus, since they further decrease the amount of direct sunlight that can interfere with your fishing.
Brands such as Costa Del Mar, Maui Jim, Oakley, and Solar Bat are known for producing quality, durable glasses and each company offers numerous styles and colors for every need. Be prepared to spend a bit more than you would on an everyday pair of glasses, however, as the material used to make such glasses adds a higher price tag. You’re paying for quality, though, and a good pair of glasses will last for a long time. Just in case, though, be sure to pick up a strap or lanyard to keep that $100 pair from falling into the water.
Polarized sunglasses are an angler’s best friend on the water. Not only do they enable you to see through the waves, and even down to the bottom in some cases, but they also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays that the water’s surface reflects directly at your face. Just be sure to take them off every once in a while; no one wants to walk around with a permanent “raccoon tan!”
