Choosing The Best Sunglasses for Fishing
Any angler knows that nothing beats the feeling of standing in a boat in calm waters, casting their lines as they anticipated for the big catch. Although fishing is an activity that is often synonymous with relaxation, there are two things that can sometimes hamper an angler’s day: difficulty in visibility and eye fatigue. These are some of the most common issues that anglers experience when they go fishing, especially since light conditions play a big factor in the overall angling experience.
This is the reason why having a good pair of sunglasses is essential. Along with sunscreen and fishing gear, that is. If you’re just getting started discovering the wonders of angling, knowing and choosing the best fishing sunglasses are not only something that you should give a thought about but are a must.
What Sunglasses to Use For Fishing
Whether you like fishing in the open water under the bright sunlight or you prefer the dimly-lit dawn, seasoned and beginner anglers alike can agree on one thing: glare makes it nearly impossible to see water, especially if you’re looking to see beneath the surface.
Polarized sunglasses are the best fishing sunglasses if you’re looking to reduce the nuances of glare dramatically. They work by blocking out horizontal light waves that bounce off smooth and highly reflective surfaces such as metal, glass, snow, and water. Imagine putting a miniblind on your window. You’ll notice that it makes your room a bit darker but you can still see the light that’s passing through the gaps. That’s how polarized sunglasses work.
With polarized sunglasses, you will also see that the details are clearer and the contrast sharper. This is also a huge plus for sight fishers, as the improved visibility allows you to see the fish darting below the surface.
What to Look For in Fishing Sunglasses
Sure, it doesn’t hurt to look good when casting the lines. But that’s not the only thing that you should consider when shopping for polarized fishing sunglasses. Frame type and lens type are also two things that you need to look out for when choosing the best pair for your angling activities.
Frame Type
Ideally, you would want to look for frame types that are snug and comfortable when worn in addition to being lightweight and durable. Angling might be a calm and relaxing activity, but you’ll never know when the action happens. Determining the best fit of the frame on your face also matters. The frame of your sunglasses should be close to your eyes and contour the shape of your face. This helps prevent exposure to UV rays from all sides.
Some of the polarized sunglasses in our collection are made of Kryptonite Frames. We created these frames to be lightweight while being virtually indestructible so you won’t have to worry about accidentally dropping them. Our bioplastic frames, on the other hand, are ideal if you prefer something that focuses on sustainability while having the similar features as our kryptonite frames.
Kroop's High Output Polarized Sunglasses
Besides making sure that lenses in your sunglasses are polarized, they should also be treated with scratch-resistant coating. Although it’s easy to claim that the lenses are resistant against scratches, it’s always better to buy from a reputable brand to make sure that you’re getting your money’s worth. It is also recommended to look for lenses that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays.
Lens Color
Polarized sunglasses, like any regular sunglasses, can come in different lens colors. While it’s easy to see the lens color as part of the aesthetics, it also plays an important role in allowing you to see contrast and depth better.
When choosing the lens color, always know the answers to these questions: where will you typically fish? What will be the light conditions in these areas? The answers may vary. In such cases, you can choose to purchase several pairs of sunglasses with a different lens color.
For starters, use this guide below the find the most appropriate lens color for your needs:
- Light-tinted lenses: Best for snowy environments and low-level light conditions. Yellow-tinted lenses can also come in handy if you are fishing very early in the morning and the evening. However, these are not ideal for bright and overcast days.
- Mirrored lenses: Shades like brown, gray, and deep green protect your eyes from glare under moderate and bright light. It’s also the perfect choice for deep-sea fishing. Blue-mirrored lenses, on the other hand, make the best option if you’re planning to fish in open waters under extremely bright or intense light conditions. These lenses reduce the harsh glare that’s reflecting off the water. Pick green-mirrored lenses when you want to see what’s below the waterline. Your eyes will stay comfortable in bright lighting while enhancing contrast when you’re fishing inshore.
- Amber, copper, and brown: Choose lenses that come in amber, copper, or brown hues when fishing on overcast days and in different weather conditions. These are the most versatile lens colors and the most ideal choices for sight fishing and fly fishing.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to the best fishing sunglasses, there is no better choice than going polarized. They don’t only filter out light that diminishes glare, but they also give you the ability to see through the water below.
As they are also available in a variety of lens colors, you’ll find that there is never a shortage of options that will best fit your requirements. If you’re the type who prefers to go fishing at certain times of the day, there will always be a pair of polarized sunglasses for you.