Regardless of the weather, some anglers wear sunglasses for fishing... Although this practice may appear completely unnecessary, wearing such glasses presents numerous advantages for anglers.
In reality, these are not simply sunglasses, but polarized glasses specialized for fishing. Unlike a pair of sun glasses, polarized glasses reduce glare and reflection on the water surface, thus giving you a better view under the water surface.
Today, there are different colors of lenses, different shapes, different frames as well as different types of lenses. This variety of products allows each angler to find the pair that suits them best, but it doesn't always make the choice easier.
What are polarized glasses for fishing used for?
Although sometimes considered a style accessory, polarized glasses have a very real utility. Whether for comfort, sun protection or their anti-glare quality, polarized glasses find their use in fishing, driving and by the water.
They provide protection from the sun
These glasses are equipped with tinted lenses, and even chrome, varying in colors: yellow, brown, blue-green, grey... In addition to their ability to reduce reflections on the water and glare caused by the sun, polarized lenses also provide protection against the sun's rays. Indeed, the sun is getting more and more dangerous. UVA and UVB rays are harmful to the skin, but also to the eyes! Moreover, you can choose your glasses based on their UV protection rating.
Additionally, the style of these glasses has evolved significantly over recent years! In the 80s/90s, we had large, uncomfortable and aesthetically unpleasing glasses. Nowadays, there is a wide range of shapes, designs, frames and chrome for you to incorporate into your everyday wear.
They reduce glare
The main role of polarized glasses is to reduce surface water reflections. By reducing these reflections, you can see fish, weeds and other underwater obstacles better. That's why these glasses are widely used for sight fishing, for trout (fly or lure fishing) chub and black bass.
However, even if you're not sight fishing, they will enable you to see fish following your lure once they've reached your feet better.
They provide eye protection against impacts
There's no need for a polarized pair for this function. However, a lure or a weight can easily hit an eye due to a failed hookset or lure return caught in a branch. Yes, fishing is not a risk-free activity!
Even if you don't wear glasses and prefer to wear contact lenses, a pair of polarized (or not) glasses for fishing is a good option to protect your eyes from projectiles.
Choosing the shape of your polarized glasses
The shape of your pair isn't merely a question of style! Glasses that perfectly fit the shape of your eye will isolate it from the sun's rays which could bother you and hurt your eyes. On the contrary, glasses that are open on the sides will be much more luminous and pleasant to wear when the light is fading. However, this type of frame occasionally lets luminous rays in from the sides which can blind you.
For those who wear prescription glasses, deciding on polarized glasses for fishing is not always the simplest. Despite this, there are still overglasses, but these remain rather uncomfortable and bulky. A visit to the optician for future contact lenses can be a solution.
Nowadays, polarized glasses come in a multitude of shapes, colors, and also materials such as metal, plastic, and even wood, bamboo, or carbon. These different materials bring modernism and lightness to this accessory.
Choosing your lenses and their color
The choice of lens color is very important. This choice will vary depending on your usage, at sea, in fresh water, what time of day and what level of brightness. Indeed, depending on the water color and the amount of light, the tint of the lens will provide you with more or less effective reflection correction with more or less significant visual comfort.
Moreover, some high-end brands offer glasses equipped either with glass lenses or polycarbonate lenses. Polycarbonate lenses are to be commended for being more lightweight, impact and scratch resistant. However, glass provides better correction and its price is higher. So, how to choose your new frame?
Yellow lenses
Yellow lenses are the brightest. They are therefore recommended for fly fishing mainly at times of day when the sun is discreet. This is why trout or black bass fishermen love them!
Indeed, trout and black bass are fish that are very often fished in the morning and evening at the surface. At these times of the day, the brightness is quite low. Yellow being particularly bright, it is therefore a perfect tint for this use! Yellow lenses provide good visibility even in the shade.
The pair of yellow lens glasses that we recommend for river fishing: the Virtual Frame Brown Turtle from Big Fish 1983:
These Big Fish glasses envelop your eye and isolate it from the sun's rays. Yellow in color, this type of lens will be perfectly adapted for river fishing.
Blue lenses
At sea, blue or green lenses are the most popular. These are the ones that filter the most light. This model of glasses is much appreciated for sea fishing, where light and reflection are very strong. Moreover, we recommend chrome lenses which in addition to protecting you from reflections, protect you from the sun.
The pair of blue lens glasses that we recommend for sea fishing: the Precision Vision Clear from Rapala:
The Rapala Precision Vision Gear glasses come in different models with chrome coating and a significant UV protection rating.
Grey lenses
Grey lens models are among the most common along with yellow and amber. Grey is a fairly versatile lens color. Both bright and polarizing, it can be used throughout the day with low or high brightness. Grey is also equipped on many prescription sunglasses. Indeed, they are very practical for driving due to their versatility.
The pair of grey lens glasses that we recommend for versatility: the ATW2 from Leech:
The ATW2 glasses feature grey lenses, with UV400 protection. These are versatile glasses that you can wear daily!
Discover all of our fishing glasses
Choosing your model of polarized glasses is crucial. Nowadays, there are many models, from different brands that offer different prices. Your eyes are precious, protecting them from the sun's rays is therefore very important.
When fishing, by the river, at sea or even in a car, reflections can reduce the quality of your vision. Choose the color of your lenses based on your favorite fishing mode and according to the light level to get a clear vision with little glare while maintaining maximum comfort.