Choosing the right sunglasses for fishing is essential for anglers who want to protect their eyes, reduce glare, and improve their vision on the water. Lens color plays a crucial role in enhancing your ability to see underwater, spot fish, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays. This guide will explore how to choose the right lens color for different fishing situations and light conditions.
Introduction
Fishing is not only about having the right gear and techniques; it’s also about having the right vision. When it comes to enhancing your vision on the water, choosing the right lens color for your sunglasses is crucial. The color of your lenses can greatly impact your ability to see underwater, spot fish, and protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
While anglers know the best fishing spots and where to cast the line, the most difficult challenge they need to deal with is spotting the fish in the irritating glare of the sun reflecting off the water. No simple task if you aren’t equipped with the appropriate sunglasses.
This guide will explore the importance of lens color for fishing, delve into different lens colors and their benefits, and help you understand how to choose the right lens material for your needs. We’ll also discuss polarized and photochromic sunglasses, top fishing sunglass brands, and the importance of choosing the right lens color for different light conditions and fishing styles.
The Importance of Lens Color for Fishing
One can never overemphasize the importance of the right colors when it comes to fishing sunglasses. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a habitual fisher or an experienced angler, if you want to catch fish fast and effectively, you’ll need an edge. This is why the right pair of sunglasses is considered a must-have accessory for a productive and fun fishing trip.
You need to understand how to choose the right lens color to more easily spot the fish beneath the subsurface of the water, you need to be able to see the surroundings as clearly as possible. The right lens color can help you see through the glare of the sun, identify fish in different water conditions, and even improve your depth perception.
In addition to enhancing your vision, the right lens color can also protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, which can cause eye strain, headaches, and even long-term damage. By understanding the importance of lens color, you can make informed decisions about the sunglasses you choose and improve your overall fishing experience.
Understanding Lens Colors
Different lens colors are designed to filter out specific wavelengths of light, which can affect your perception of color and contrast. Some lens colors are better suited for certain types of fishing, weather conditions, and water clarity. Understanding how different lens colors work can help you choose the best sunglasses for your needs.
For example, grey lenses are often considered an all-around choice as they provide good UV protection and reduce glare without significantly altering color perception. Brown lenses, on the other hand, are excellent for sight fishing as they offer high contrast and help you identify different colors in shallow or flat water.
Green lenses are known for enhancing contrast and minimizing glare, making them ideal for fishing in low light conditions or murky waters. Blue lenses are excellent for fishing on bright sunny days as they can help you see through dense water layers and work well in misty or foggy situations. Yellow, red, and rose lenses are best for low light conditions such as dawn or dusk as they help brighten your surroundings and minimize the effect of blue light.
General All-Purpose and Trout Lens Colors
For anglers who fish in a variety of conditions, a versatile lens color is essential. Grey lenses are a popular choice for all-purpose fishing as they provide good UV protection and reduce glare without significantly altering color perception. They work well in both bright and overcast conditions, making them suitable for a wide range of fishing scenarios.
When targeting trout, which are often found in clear, fast-moving streams, green lenses can be particularly beneficial. These lenses enhance contrast and minimize glare, allowing you to see through the water and spot trout more easily. Green lenses also help you identify subtle changes in water color and depth, which can be crucial for finding trout.
Brown lenses can also be a good option for trout fishing, especially in shallow or murky water. They offer high contrast and help you identify different colors, making it easier to spot trout against the bottom or in heavily vegetated areas.
Fly Fishing and Sight Fishing Lens Colors
Fly fishing and sight fishing often require a keen eye for detail and the ability to spot subtle movements in the water. Blue, green, and yellow lenses are particularly well-suited for these disciplines. Blue lenses excel in bright, sunny conditions, effectively reducing glare and enhancing contrast. They help you see through the water’s surface and spot fish that might be camouflaged against the bottom.
Green lenses, on the other hand, are great for sight fishing in both bright and overcast conditions. They offer a natural color perception, making it easier to distinguish fish from their surroundings. Green lenses also provide excellent UV protection and minimize eye strain, allowing you to fish for extended periods without discomfort.
For low-light conditions, yellow lenses are the go-to choice. They enhance visibility by filtering out blue light, which can make it difficult to see in dim environments. Yellow lenses are particularly useful for early morning or late evening fishing, or when fishing in cloudy or overcast conditions.
Lens Colors for Different Light Conditions
The ideal lens color for fishing depends heavily on the prevailing light conditions. In bright, sunny conditions, grey lenses are an excellent choice. They provide excellent UV protection and reduce glare effectively, making it easier to see through the surface of the water. Grey lenses also offer true color perception, ensuring that you see the natural colors of your surroundings without distortion.
For overcast or cloudy days, amber or copper lenses are a better option. These lenses enhance contrast and visibility in low-light conditions, making it easier to spot fish and navigate your surroundings. They also filter out blue light, which can make it difficult to see in dim environments.
If you’re fishing in bright, sunny conditions but need to see through deeper water, blue lenses can be a good choice. They provide excellent glare reduction and enhance contrast, allowing you to see through the water’s surface and spot fish that might be camouflaged against the bottom. However, blue lenses can distort colors slightly, so they may not be ideal for all fishing situations.
Choosing the Right Lens Material
When selecting fishing sunglasses, you have a choice between glass and plastic lenses, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Glass lenses are known for their superior optical clarity, providing sharper vision and truer color perception. They are also more scratch-resistant than plastic lenses, making them a good choice for anglers who are rough on their gear. However, glass lenses are heavier and more fragile than plastic lenses, meaning they are more susceptible to breakage if dropped.
Plastic lenses, on the other hand, are more lightweight and durable than glass lenses. They are also more affordable, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious anglers. Plastic lenses are available in a wide range of colors and tints, providing anglers with greater flexibility in choosing the right lens for their needs. However, plastic lenses are not as optically clear as glass lenses and are more prone to scratches.
Ultimately, the best lens material for you will depend on your personal preferences and fishing style. If you prioritize optical clarity and scratch resistance, glass lenses are the better option. If you value lightweight durability and affordability, plastic lenses are a good choice.
Top Fishing Sunglass Brands and Lens Color Options
Several top fishing sunglass brands offer a wide range of lens colors to suit various fishing conditions and preferences. Costa Del Mar is renowned for its high-quality polarized lenses and stylish frames. They offer a vast selection of lens colors, including Copper 580, Grey 580, and Blue Mirror 580, each designed to enhance visibility and reduce glare in specific light conditions. Oakley, another leading brand, features its proprietary Prizm lens technology, which optimizes color perception and contrast for enhanced clarity on the water. Popular Oakley lens colors for fishing include Prizm Black, Prizm Sapphire, and Prizm Ruby.
Smith Optics is another top contender, known for its innovative ChromaPop lens technology, which filters out specific wavelengths of light to enhance color and clarity. Smith offers a variety of lens colors, including ChromaPop Bronze Mirror, ChromaPop Green Mirror, and ChromaPop Blue Mirror, each designed to improve visibility and reduce glare in different lighting scenarios. When choosing a brand, consider factors like lens technology, frame style, and fit to find the perfect pair of fishing sunglasses for your needs.
Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
Polarized sunglasses are an essential tool for any serious angler. They work by filtering out horizontally polarized light, which is the type of light that is reflected off of flat surfaces like water. This filtering action significantly reduces glare, allowing you to see through the surface of the water and spot fish more easily. Polarized lenses also help to reduce eye strain and fatigue, making them ideal for long days on the water.
The lens color of your polarized fishing sunglasses can further enhance your visibility. For example, grey lenses are a popular choice for all-around use, while brown lenses can help to enhance depth perception and make it easier to see fish in murky water. Green lenses are excellent for reducing glare and enhancing contrast, making them ideal for sight fishing in bright conditions. When selecting polarized fishing sunglasses, choose a reputable brand known for its quality and durability, and select a lens color that suits your fishing style and the conditions you typically fish in.
Photochromic Sunglasses for Fishing
Photochromic sunglasses, also known as transition lenses, are a great option for anglers who fish in varying light conditions. These lenses darken automatically when exposed to UV light, providing optimal protection from glare and harmful UV rays. As the light intensity changes, the lenses adjust accordingly, offering a comfortable and convenient solution for fishing throughout the day.
Photochromic sunglasses are particularly beneficial for anglers who fish in environments with fluctuating light, such as on cloudy days that occasionally break into sunshine or when fishing in areas with varying levels of shade. These lenses offer a seamless transition between light and dark conditions, ensuring clear vision and optimal eye protection regardless of the weather. When choosing photochromic sunglasses for fishing, look for lenses that darken effectively, offer excellent UV protection, and are compatible with polarized technology for enhanced glare reduction.
Choosing the right lens color for your fishing sunglasses is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your fishing experience. By understanding the benefits of different lens colors and their applications in various fishing situations and light conditions, you can select the optimal lenses for enhanced vision, glare reduction, and eye protection. Whether you prefer all-purpose grey lenses for versatility, brown lenses for sight fishing, or green lenses for low-light conditions, the right lens color can give you an edge on the water.
Remember to consider factors such as the type of fishing you do, the time of day, and the weather conditions when making your selection. Invest in high-quality sunglasses with polarized and photochromic lenses for optimal performance and comfort. With the right sunglasses, you’ll be able to see the fish better, protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, and enjoy a more productive and enjoyable fishing experience.