Fishing Glasses

[naru70]

What glasses are better for fishing?

[flytyer57]

What glasses are better for fishing?

Polarized.

Amber for wading, gray for fishing from a boat.

Amber helps define images at lower angles than grey.

Grey does not distort color, only darkens it.

[naru70]

What brands might I look for? Mainly fish shallow.

[flytyer57]

What brands might I look for? Mainly fish shallow.

That would all depend on your budget. I've seen glasses go for over $200. I've also seen glasses sell for $20.

Check out BassPro and take your pick.

[T-RockJaws]

I have lost more than one pair while running down the lake. I like to buy the cheaper ones for that reason. It is my experience that tells me the cheaper ones are typically just as good as the name brand and more expensive.

[97procraft]

I used to think the same way, that the expensive ones could not be that much better than the cheaper ones. Then I got my first pair of Oakley polarized glasses. They are head and shoulders above the cheaper ones. I now have 2 pair of oakleys. Look on ebay, you can find them for less than $100. I have had my first pair for 4 years and my second pair is on year 2. I used to go through one cheap pair a season. At $10-$20 each for the cheap ones they are now coming out to be about even. Don't get me wrong the cheaper ones will work, but if you can afford it you will get more for your money.

[T-RockJaws]

Point taken, I have a pair of Oakleys that I have had for at least 8 years and love them. However, I do not dare take them in the boat as I have had too many pair that have been lost at sea! I would be absolutely sick if a pair of $200 glasses flew off at 74 miles per hour.

I think I have seen some of the higher end glasses now that have floating frames, that might be something to check into...

[eric1978]

To me, fishing glasses are one of those "point of diminished returns" kind of deals. The difference between a $20 pair of glasses and a pair of $100 glasses can be night and day, but I haven't found much difference between the $100 glasses and the $200 glasses.

The quality of the lenses DOES make a huge difference. I don't have any high-quality fishing glasses, but I have a cheap-o pair of polarized, and a really nice pair of regular polarized Ray-Bans...not for fishing. I find myself taking the gamble and wearing the Ray-Bans on the river more often than the cheap-o's because the lenses are just so much better...I'm on my second pair because of that, too.

Someone mentioned ebay...you can find some great deals there on glasses, but I'm always afraid of buying them sight unseen because I worry they won't fit my fat head right. Guess I need to find some in the store first, then go to ebay.

I'd go with glass lenses given the option.

[Gavin]

Its all about the quality of the lenses...Glass lenses are a bit sharper than a good set of polycarobonate lenses, but polycarbs are lighter, and shatterproof. There is also a world of difference between the cheapo's and a good pair...buy the best you can afford.

[kre11]

I have done a lot of fishing in saltwater flats type situations, as well as guiding for trout in NW Colorado, and I believe strongly that your glass is the single most important piece of fishing gear in a sight fishing situation. With that in mind, I have come to four conclusions:

1. Spend as much as you can afford. Like so many other things, you simply get what you pay for. I have tried Oakley, Maui Jim, and have finally settled on Costa. They have a new lens that is amazing, I believe it is the 580 series (around $150-200 on ebay). They are a glass lens (vs. poly) and the quality is amazing. I like all three brands, and have also heard really good things about Smith optics. I like to use glass every chance I get, the only time I would not have them on would be when you are running WOT at 70, and anything that hits the lens could shatter them and create a dangerous situation. I would also prefer poly for shooting glasses for similar reasons.

2. Like flytier57 began to dive into, match the color of the lens to your environment and your objectives for the trip. I like amber, it is good in most conditions and will still provide strong protection in bright sunlight. The one color he didn't mention is yellow. Yellow is not commonly used, but in low light situations or overcast skies, can really bring out exceptional contrast. I was turned onto yellow by a bonefish guide in Hawaii, who let me use them on an overcast day where even my 580 ambers were having issues distinguishing fish. The yellow made the "gray tint" of the bonefish really pop against the drab sand and coral bottom.

3. Weight is a VERY important factor when thinking of sunglasses, particularly if you are not used to wearing eyeglasses. Maui Jim is head and shoulders above the competition in this area. You will appreciate even the slightest difference after a long day on the water.

4. Invest in a cord to hang them around your neck, even though they may look goofy, they sure save a lot of heartache as you watch that expensive pair sink through the crystal clear waters of the lakes around here.