Imagine a bright sunny day, you’re all set with your fishing rod, and the shimmering waters look promising. The beauty of nature is all around you, but the elusive catch remains hidden in the depths. The post “Spotting Fish Easily With Polarized Sunglasses” sheds light on how a simple accessory can make all the difference. It details how polarized sunglasses will not just protect your eyes but also unveil the underwater world tucked below the glinting water surface, making your fishing experience not just successful, but truly captivating. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Let’s take a closer look on how these wonders of modern technology can help you spot fish easily.
Understanding Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are a must-have style accessory, especially during summer. But they’re more than just a fashion statement– they’re an effective tool against harmful UV rays and glare. If you’ve ever squinted aggressively while trying to see something on a sunny day, you’ll appreciate the purpose of polarized sunglasses.
How Polarized Glasses Work
Polarized lenses use a special filter to block intense reflected light, thus reducing glare. This unique filter allows for a quieter, more relaxed view of your surroundings. You might ask, “How is this achieved?” The process is fairly simple– the lenses are coated with a chemical film that contains molecules aligned horizontally. These molecules form a filter that absorbs horizontal light waves, while still allowing vertical waves to pass through. Because glare is typically horizontal light, polarized glasses neutralize this harsh form of light.
Why Use Polarized Sunglasses For Fishing
Fishing might seem like a leisurely activity, but it demands sharp vision. Spotting fish under water can be challenging, especially when the sun’s rays bounce off the water surface, creating a blinding glare. Polarized sunglasses reduce this glare, allowing you to see below the water surface and spot fish easily.
The Impact of Polarized Technology on Vision
When you’re outside, your eyes are exposed to elements that can blur your vision or even damage your eyesight. Glare, especially off water and flat surfaces, can strain or harm your eyes. The polarized technology in sunglasses is designed to reduce glare while enhancing color and contrast, offering clear, comfortable vision.
Types of Polarized Sunglasses
Not all polarized sunglasses are the same. They come in different colors and coatings, each designed to enhance certain types of outdoor experiences.
Amber/Brown Lenses
Amber or brown lenses are a good choice for fishing, running, or cycling. They improve contrast and depth perception, making it easier for you to spot fish in the water or navigate rocky trails when you’re on your bike.
Gray Lenses
Gray lenses are the most versatile and can be used for any outdoor adventure. They reduce brightness without affecting how colors appear.
Green Lenses
Green lenses enhance contrast without affecting color balance, making them useful for activities like golf where you need to keep an eye on a small, distant ball.
Blue Lenses
Blue lenses are the go-to option for water-related activities. They reduce glare from water and help define contours and colors even in different light conditions.
Mirror Coated Lenses
Mirror coated lenses have a reflective film applied to the outside surfaces of the lenses. This coating further reduces the amount of light entering the eyes, making it a great option for activities in very bright conditions, like snow skiing or water sports.
Benefits of Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
There are numerous benefits to wearing polarized sunglasses during fishing trips.
Enhancing Color Contrast
One of the core advantages is the enhanced color contrast they offer. The polarization filter substantially boosts the colors, thus allowing you to distinguish and separate the colors of the fish, seaweed, rocks, and reflections on the water.
Better Depth Perception
Another noticeable benefit of polarized sunglasses is improved depth perception. This comes in handy when you need to approximate the distance between your fishing line and a fish– with the glare removed, judging depth becomes easy.
Reduced Glare and Eye Strain
The frequency of the annoying glare is significantly reduced, ensuring that your eyes are not strained. Fishing requires a lot of concentration and the last thing you want is your eyes tiring out before the day ends.
Limitations of Polarized Sunglasses
Every good thing has its limitations, even polarized sunglasses.
Challenges In Low Light Conditions
One of the limitations of polarized sunglasses is that they can make things look darker than they actually are. This can be a hindrance when fishing in low-light conditions, like at dawn or dusk.
Not Suitable for All Types of Fish
Another drawback is that these glasses work best for spotting fish near the water surface. If you’re fishing for species that stay deep under water, you’ll find that polarized sunglasses don’t make a lot of difference.
Some Glasses May Distort Vision
Lastly, poor quality polarized lenses can distort vision. This happens when the polarization filter is not properly aligned with the lenses. To avoid this, make sure to always buy from reliable brands.
Choosing the Right Polarized Sunglasses
When it comes to choosing the perfect pair of polarized sunglasses, you need to consider a few crucial elements.
Considering Lens Color
Choosing the right lens color depends on your fishing conditions. Brown and copper lenses are generally good for inshore and freshwater fishing, while blue and green lenses are preferred for offshore fishing in deep sea.
Taking Into Account the Fishing Environment
It’s also important to consider the fishing environment. If you often fish in bright sunny conditions, then you should opt for darker lenses, such as gray. For frequently changing light conditions, like during cloudy days or in the early morning, amber or yellow lenses work best.
Understanding Sunglass Frame Styles and Sizes
When choosing your sunglasses, remember that a larger frame will offer more coverage which can help increase your vision and provide extra protection from the sun and wind. Frames should also be comfortable to wear for long periods, and preferably lightweight.
Best Practices for Using Polarized Sunglasses
Having a pair of polarized sunglasses is great, but it’s also important to use them correctly.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Proper care includes cleaning your lenses regularly with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner, and always storing your sunglasses in a protective case when you’re not wearing them.
When to Wear and When to Avoid
Ideally, you should wear your polarized sunglasses anytime you’re in a high glare environment. However, they may not be the best choice for early morning or late evening fishing, when light is low.
Best Angles for Viewing Underwater
For best results, try to view the water at a 30 to 45 degree angle. This is the sweet spot where polarized glasses usually block the most glare.
Popular Brands of Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
When it comes to fishing, there are several brands that make stand-out polarized sunglasses.
Costa Del Mar
Costa Del Mar is a well-loved brand in the fishing community, known for their superior lens technology and comfortable frames.
Oakley
Oakley is another industry leader, offering a wide variety of styles and lens options. They’re popular for their durable and high-quality sunglasses.
Ray-Ban
Ray-Ban may be known for their classic aviators and wayfarers, but they also have an impressive lineup of polarized sunglasses that fishers and outdoor enthusiasts swear by.
Maui Jim
Maui Jim ranks high in terms of optical quality and glare protection. Their lenses are perfect for all-around use.
Smith Optics
Smith Optics, while not as well-known as the other brands, is frequently praised for their performance eyewear, particularly with their polarized lenses that offer color enhancement and eye comfort.
How Do Polarized Sunglasses Compare to Normal Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses and normal sunglasses serve different purposes and thus have different benefits.
Price Differences
Polarized glasses are often more expensive than regular sunglasses due to the added technical components in the lenses. However, the additional cost is usually justified by the superior levels of comfort and clarity they offer.
Performance Comparison
Regular sunglasses mainly protect the eyes from ultraviolet rays while polarized sunglasses are designed to reduce the glare reflected off of surfaces like water or pavement. If your regular outdoor activities involve environments where glare is a concern, polarized sunglasses clearly outperform regular ones.
Comfort & Fit
In terms of comfort and fit, both types are designed to be comfortable and can be adjusted to fit your face and head size. You can find lightweight versions in both types to ensure comfort over long periods of wear.
Testimonials from Professional Fishers
Professional fishers who have used polarized sunglasses have reported significant improvements in their fishing experiences.
Experience of Using Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
Many professionals testify to the clarity that polarized sunglasses provide– everything under water becomes more visible and colors are more vibrant.
Impact on Fishing Success Rates
Others notice an increase in their catch rates after starting to use polarized sunglasses, since they are able to spot and track fish much more effectively.
Favorite Brands and Models
Costa Del Mar, Oakley, and Maui Jim are among the most commonly mentioned favorite brands. Their top-tier lens technology and the comfort and style of their frames are frequently applauded.
FAQs About Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
Finally, let’s have a look at some frequently asked questions about polarized sunglasses for fishing.
Common Misconceptions
One common misconception is that more expensive sunglasses offer better protection. This is not always the case. The effectiveness of a pair of polarized sunglasses depends on the quality of the lenses, not the price tag.
How to Verify Polarization
You can check if your glasses are polarized by looking at a reflective surface and rotating the glasses. The glare should decrease as you rotate the glasses 60 to 90 degrees.
Maintenance and Lens Replacement Questions
Lenses can get scratched or damaged over time, but this doesn’t necessarily mean you need to get a new pair of glasses. Many brands offer replacement lenses, or you can have a professional replace them for you. Good maintenance like cleaning your lenses regularly and storing your glasses in a case can help extend their lifespan.
