FISHING SUNGLASSES

FISHING SUNGLASSES
"Sunglasses are among the most
important tools for fishing," says Chris O'Leary, an
avid angler who fishes Tampa Bay flats at least once a week. "
Various frame styles,
lens types and colors offer a wide selection to suit all tastes, but one
firm rule applies
when choosing sunglasses for fishing: Lenses must be polarized. Polarized
lenses
contain filters that reduce glare from reflected light. Non-polarized
sunglasses only reduce
the amount of light entering the eye without solving glare problems.
Eliminating surface
glare allows an angler's vision to penetrate the water and distinguish
otherwise hidden
objects such as fish. But don't get the wrong idea. Polarized glasses do
not give the user
Superman's X-ray-vision powers: Fish and structure will remain unseen in
cloudy water no
matter what type of glasses you wear.
Fisherman who complain
of eye fatigue and
headaches after a long day in the bright sun are most likely feeling the
effects of excessive
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light.
The same UV rays that
cause sunburn can also inflict
damage on the human eye.
High-quality, polarized
optics offer more than mere respite for
squinting eyes; they also provide protection from invisible hazards by
blocking UV light.
The rainbow of available lens tints includes offshore blue, 24-k gold,
vermilion, sunrise,
amber, clear-water copper and backwater green.
All these options do much more than
help fashion-conscious fishermen wear color-coordinated combinations of
hats, shirts and
shades. "Sunglasses must deliver performance as well as protection." Lens
tint holds
one key to performance. Flats fishing calls for yellow tones, including
amber, copper and
yellow-green, which enhance overall contrast and make it easier to
discern fish or bottom
details in shallow water. These tints also perform well during low-light
conditions in the
morning, evening or on hazy days.
Offshore anglers routinely spend long
hours in brutal
sunlight watching lines and lures running near the surface. Enhanced
visual contrast - a
valuable asset in shallow-water sight-casting - becomes less critical
because fish usually
show themselves when attacking baits. Dark gray polarized lenses deliver
the best results
in bluewater fishing by cutting glare and guarding against eye fatigue.
Recognizing that
certain tints offer distinct advantages, some anglers carry two pairs of
sunglasses in
different colors: yellow for morning and evening hours, dark gray for
bright midday sun.
Don't treat sunglasses as an afterthought or a simple fashion accessory.
Polarized
glasses keep your eyes comfortable during a day on the water, allowing
you to
concentrate on finding fish. These valuable tools must perform as well as
your best rod
and reel. Remember, what you see is what you catch.
Polarized Yellow
 |
Provides
excellent depth perception and dramatic contrast
low light conditions such as first and last
light or heavily
overcast days. Improves contrast and gives
a sensation of
heightened visual acuity in low light
conditions. Excellent
stream fishing glasses. It is like turning
a color TV into
a Black & White television. |
Polarized Copper
 |
A general
purpose tint that heightens depth perception
and object definition. It is a very high
contrast lens that is
soothing to the eyes. It absorbs blue
light, heightening
visual acuity and boosting contrast. |
Polarized Amber
 |
Increases contrast, providing greater depth
perception in situations where visual acuity over
long distances is required, like tennis, golf,
shooting, or any other outdoor sports activities
that are subject to varying light conditions.
Polarized Amber polarized lenses are
ideal for lower light situations, like fishing in
the late afternoon or early morning. |
Polarized Gray
 |
Maintains True color definition regardless of
varying light. Transmitting all colors equally,
Polarized Gray lenses are ideal for
driving or any general purpose outdoor activity
where annoying glare is present. Polarized
Gray polarized lenses are ideal for those who are
light sensitive or migraine sufferers. |

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