Protect Your Eyes When Fishing
Polarized Fishing Sunglasses for Water Clarity and Safety
If you are new to the sport of fishing you might wonder why anglers are constantly wearing those dark shades. No, it's not to look cool. In fact, it turns out to be just the opposite as we often have to suffer with the dreadful "raccoon-eyes" that plague us during the high summer months as sunburn and tanlines take their toll. What wearing those sunglasses does provide is valuable protection and when using polarized lenses, unparalleled water clarity.
Think Safety First!
If nothing else, wearing sunglasses will provide a basic level of protection against sun glare and UV rays which are intensified by a reflective water surface. Depending on the brand you purchase, some lenses offer up to 100% UV protection.
More than that, a solid pair of sunglasses provide a protective barrier between your soft eyes and thrown hooks or a snag that suddenly comes loose. This may be their most important role: safety goggles.
How many old timers do you see hanging around the bait shop with one eye that's just not right? This is why I go oversized with side shields – Jimmy Houston style.
Since I rediscovered fishing nearly four seasons ago and a few thousand casts later, I've been smacked in my face with failed hook sets twice. Once is more than enough for me to justify the purchase. Trust me, your eyesight is not worth the risk.
Polarized Lenses
If you've never used polarized fishing lenses, just remember to thank us for the tip! Polarized lenses instantly open up the water like you've never seen before. Not only do the shades provide protection for your eyes, but they'll allow you to look deeper and clearer into the water than you ever have before.
Polarized lenses make the brights brighter and the darks darker. In fishing terms this means that when looking into water, what were once blurry shadows, suddenly become clearly suspended bass.
What to buy?
There are a variety of shades on the market with a wide range of retail prices. The most important thing is that the glasses provide protection and you are comfortable fishing in them. Several polarized lens colors are available for specialized conditions, but remember side shields matter! Admittedly can get hot during a humid Saturday morning, but they eliminate side glare and also provide additional protection.
My personal favorite? Bass Pro Shops sells the XPS by Fisherman Eyewear Grander Polarized Sunglasses which give me protection and polarized lenses at a cheap price - just $25 MSRP! Whatever shades you choose, just remember a lanyard isn't a bad idea - especially if you fish from a boat!
