This guide outlines how to choose the best sunglasses for fishing, according to where you fish.
Sunglasses are everyday fashion accessories that also serve a very important function: protection from harsh sunlight. While sunglasses are essential for daily use, there are certain activities like fishing where sunglasses serve as tools to not only protect eyes from the potentially dangerous rays of the sun but can also prove very useful in enhancing underwater visibility with the right choice of lenses.
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Choosing the best sunglasses for fishing
If you are not too familiar with how sunglasses technology works, choosing the right pair of sunglasses for when you go fishing can be quite challenging, especially with so many options available online and in stores for different frame types, lens colors, extra features like anti-UV treatment, polarization, and more. This decision is made significantly simpler if you have a particular purpose in mind regarding the use of your sunglasses.
For instance, choosing the right pair of sunglasses for fishing in the open sea might look different than choosing one for fishing in freshwater streams or small lakes. Multiple factors like the time of day, amount of sunlight, degree of underwater visibility, among others, weigh in the decision of choosing the perfect sunglasses that will serve you well for years. The guide below will provide a how-to on some of the most important factors that will help you decide what type of sunglasses to get for fishing.
Polarized Lenses
Choosing polarized lenses is one of the best decisions you can make when shopping for fishing sunglasses. Sunlight comprises rays that travel at all possible angles, which is what results in odd reflections and glare when sunlight bounces off surfaces such as water. A polarized lens essentially places a filter in front of your eyes through which only light rays that travel at certain angles can pass. As a result of polarization, you can eliminate most of the glare that would be present with regular sunglasses while you are out on the sea.
Additionally, polarized lenses enhance underwater visibility which makes it easier for fishermen to see the fish lurking under the water. Polarized lenses also offer better color contrast and dramatically decrease the strain on your eyes caused by glare and odd reflections from the water surface. It not only protects your eyesight from the harms of direct sunlight but also makes for a pleasurable viewing experience.
The Right Lens Color
The right choice of lens colors is equally important for fishing in the sun. Copper or Brown lenses are an ideal choice for all-purpose sunglasses that offer excellent underwater visibility and work well for any time of the day. Blue mirrored lenses with a Gray base work best for fishing in harsh sunlight on open water. Polarization is a great way to enhance visibility and ease eye strain and fatigability.
Choosing a Yellow or Amber color works best for dim light situations and is ideal for people who like to fish as the sun goes down. These colors offer high contrast and allow maximum light transmission in low light conditions or on cloudy fishing days. If you are looking for sunglasses that will work for both land and water, Gray might be your color.
The decision of mirrored vs non-mirrored lenses is simple when it comes to shopping for fishing sunglasses. Mirrored lenses are excellent at minimizing the glare that is otherwise seen with non-mirrored sunglasses and put significantly less strain on your intraocular muscles, making fishing more comfortable during bright sunlight. Mirrored lenses are one of the most popular choices for fishing eyewear, particularly for deep-sea fishing, for which blue mirrored lenses work best.
The Perfect Frame
While you might be inclined to believe that the frame shape would not matter much for fishing sunglasses, that is not the case. Choosing the right frame style and size is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding these sunglasses. If you choose an ill-fitting pair, you might be left dealing with light leaking in from the free rims and edges of your sunglasses.
When choosing the style of frame for your sunglasses, fishing or otherwise, your facial shape and size should be the paramount considerations. If you choose a small pair of sunglasses, you will not only make your fishing experience less enjoyable but also less comfortable because you will often have to wear your sunglasses for hours on the water.
The choice of frame style ultimately depends upon the shape of your face. Round or oval-shaped faces might benefit from a square or rectangular frame of sunglasses. On the other hand, a classic style of eyewear like aviators might work well if you have a square, long, or heart-shaped face. This shape works best for people who have well-defined facial contours and complements their facial structure and jawline.
Other Considerations
If you have weak eyesight and wear prescription lenses or glasses routinely, you should consider prescription lenses for your fishing sunglasses. You should add optional UV finishing offered by most eyewear companies. Anti-UV-treated lenses have a coating that protects you from the harms of ultraviolet radiation, something that will benefit you significantly if you spend most of your time on open water under harsh sunlight.
It is also quite important to compare and contrast different brands and rely on the ones that have proven experience when in fishing eyewear manufacturing. Comparing brands will also give you a better idea of what company to choose according to your budget and use case. Reading online reviews is one of the best ways to determine the legitimacy and ascertain the quality of a particular eyewear manufacturer.
Conclusion
While choosing a pair of sunglasses for fishing can be a challenging decision, this guide can help you choose the ideal pair with the best lenses and frame shape. It is essential to choose a pair that fits you well and suits your fishing needs. A pair of good sunglasses is one of the most important fishing tools that can help make the experience more efficient and comfortable for you, whether fishing is your hobby or profession.
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