Why do you need Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing?

When you spend all day on the water, having the right sunglasses can be a huge factor in having a good or bad day out there. In this blog post, I’ve put together some go-to information and suggestions for finding the right sunglasses to fish with.

My #1 tip, go POLARIZED.

WHAT IS POLARIZED?

The sun’s rays reflect light in every direction, so when a ray hits a flat surface, the reflected light shines back at your eye and is magnified, causing glare. Glare is a real buzzkill. It reduces your depth perception, distorts your view and color perception, and can even temporarily blind you. Not cool. Regular sunglasses are designed to only reduce the amount of light that is transmitted through the lens. Polarized lenses are coated with a special chemical film that helps reduce glare caused by the sun’s reflection off the water. By neutralizing glare, polarized lenses help you spot the fish and sight cast with ease. 

What color lens is best?
Different brands have different names for the same color-type lenses. These help with pairing which lenses you should get, based on how you’ll be using your sunglasses most. If I had to recommend a few for fishing they’d be the amber, copper, brown, and green mirror. These colors help enhance contrast and make it easier to spot fish in the water. See the list below for what makes these my color choice for lenses.

Brown/Amber/Copper/Green Mirror lenses:

• Provide the best contrast in most lighting conditions. Good for everyday uses.

• Provides a warm tint.

•  Benefits include the ability to recognize changes in road surfaces or
  texture as well as improved depth perception. 

• Ideal for varied, everyday conditions.

• Can also be used for lower lighted conditions (IE. rainy days, inshore fishing, driving, etc)

• Appears to brighten up the colors of the objects around

• Blocks high amounts of blue light to heighten contrast and visual acuity.
  Particularly useful to improve contrast on grass and against blue skies

Is style and fit important?

 Make sure the sunglasses fit well and are comfortable to wear for long periods- especially behind the ears and the bridge of the nose. Coverage on the sides of the frame is very important. You want to block as much sun from coming in the side of the lenses as possible. Glasses like the classic Ray-Ban and aviators are poor choices for fishing. Below are a few frames that I have had success with and are always at the top of my list for recommendations.

1. Costa Del Mar Reefton: These sunglasses are polarized, have the option for Green Mirror, and come in a wrap-around style that provides excellent coverage. Check them out here.

2. Smith Optics Guides Choice: These sunglasses have polarized lenses and come in a variety of colors, including brown/copper/green mirror. They also have a comfortable and durable design. Check them out here.

3. Maui Jim Peahi: These sunglasses have polarized lenses and come in a variety of lens colors, including bronze and copper. They also have a wrap-around design that provides excellent coverage. Check them out here.

4. Cordina Eyewear Trawler: With its bigger lens and wrap design, the Trawler fills the void where most people with larger-sized heads have trouble finding the proper fit. Its 5-barrel hinge and hydro grip nose pads will make sure it gives you the coverage and durability you can depend on. Available in RX too. Check them out here:

Ultimately, the best sunglasses for fishing will depend on your personal preference and specific needs. It's important to try on different options and choose a pair that feels comfortable and provides the best visibility. I hope this helps and I look forward to seeing you on the water!

Capt. Ryan Rodgers aka Ghostwatersc

* A special thanks to Shades of Charleston for providing me with the technical information to write this article. If you have any questions or are looking to try some of these sunglass options I’d encourage you to head over to Shades and check them out. 

Smiths Guide Choice Sunglasses Photo by: @ghostwatersc

Costa Del Mar Reefton Sunglasses Photo by : @ghostwatersc