Video: Costa Del Mar Wingman Sunglasses are terrific fishing shades.
If you fish for sport or just for fun, sunglasses are almost as important as your rod and reel. Fortunately for anglers, there are a few sunglass companies out there that specialize in fishing sunglasses, like Costa Del Mar and Maui Jim. When shopping for the best sunglasses for fishing, here are a few things you should look for.
UV protection of 100%
This is the minimum recommended by the FDA and since you are going to be under the sun all day long (assuming that you are daytime fishing), you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Don’t risk the chance of photokeratitis, cataracts or macular degeneration by exposing your eyes directly to the sunlight.
Polarized Lenses Give You Fishing X-Ray Vision
Polarized sunglasses block the sun’s glare on the water and other reflective properties so you can literally see through the water down to the bottom, given the water is clear enough. This not only enables you to see fish, it’ll help you spot riverweed, moss, tree branches, and other debris so you can avoid getting your line caught on something. Save your lure and spot the fish by purchasing sunglasses with polarized lenses.
Cover All Light Sources
Your best bet on seeing fish and staying alert is blocking any sunlight from hitting your eyes. This way, you won’t be distracted by the sun creeping into your peripheral vision when your line is shaking from a bite. To get the best coverage, buy a pair of sunglasses that have top and side shield lenses. Costa Del Mar, Oakley, Rec Specs, and other brand names have models with these features, which enable the sunglasses to be snug up against your temples and forehead.
Lens Color: Depends on the Weather
There is no “all-in-one” lens color for fishing, simply because lens colors react differently to different weather situations. Many fishermen prefer the amber shades because they offer a tint that is easy on the eyes, but amber is actually best suited for cloudy days on account of it adding color to the monotone gray scenery. For sunny days, gray lenses are the best because they offer a full spectrum of color. The angler pros have different sunglasses for all types of weather conditions, what lens color you decide on should depend on the type of weather that is most frequent in your fishing area.
Costa Del Mar Brine Sunglasses are right at home in a saltwater environment.
Lens Materials, You Have Some Choices
Glass, Plastic, Polycarbonate, or Hi-index? Those are your options. Each one has pros and cons, but for fishing, polycarbonate is your best bet. This lens material has all the benefits a fisherman needs: 100% protection from UV rays, more impact resistant than all other lens materials, and it’s lighter than plastic or glass. The only downsides are that it is not as light or as scratch resistant as the hi-index materials, but its impact resistance exceeds both. Having your sunglasses fall off your face and getting scratched is one thing, having them shatter is quite another.
Anti All the Way
Should you invest in anti-reflective coating for your fishing sunglasses? Absolutely. An AR coating on the back your lenses eliminates the sun’s reflection into your eyes when it is behind your head. Since fishermen are typically looking down at the water, their reel, bait, the tackle box, or the fish they just caught, the sun is frequently behind their head. Get rid of that annoying sun glare by getting an AR coating on the back of your lenses.
Accessories
A few accessories for your fishing sunglasses can add to their lifetime and a productive fishing experience. Safety straps will keep the sunglasses from flying off of your face when you jump out of your seat to grab your reel. For safe measures, get the 16 inch or shorter straps that are small enough to grip the back of your neck, not the kind that lie on your shoulders. The shorter straps will keep your sunglasses on your face, rather than flying around in a whirlwind while you’re reeling in that largemouth bass. Plus, the floating straps will help your sunglasses stay afloat in case they fall into the water. If you have a problem with your sunglasses slipping down your nose, nose pads are another useful feature.
Related – Polarization Advantages in Fishing Sunglasses, Great Summer Sunglasses, Video: Maui Jim Sunglasses, Video: Dr. Cooper on Costa Del Mar Sunglasses, Protective Sports Eyewear, Sunglasses 101 – Outdoor, Tennis & Sports Sunglasses.
Best Sunglasses for Fishing was originally published on Eye Zone.