The Best Lens Colors for Different Fishing Conditions
Whether you’re an angler who fishes recreationally or someone who does it for a living, success on the water is all about preparation and having the right tools for the job. An avid angler doesn’t look at sunglasses as a fashion statement; they see them as a tool in the tackle box that can give them the edge they need when exposed to any fishing conditions. A fisherman’s senses, especially the sense of sight, need to be at their optimal state, and having the right sunglasses can make all the difference.
No one knows the importance of protecting your eyes during long days at sea like a fishing guide. Florida fishing guide Captain Chris Trosset depends on his eyewear to prevent eye fatigue and give him the advantage when fishing so he can make sure his clients catch fish and have a good experience.
“My backyard is sun-drenched year-round, so I never leave the house without a pair of sunglasses,” says Capt. Chris Trosset of Reel Fly Charters. “Over the years of guiding, I’ve learned the importance of finding eyewear with the right technology to protect my eyes and help me see clearly at sea. I spend more days on the water than on land, which takes a toll on my eyes. Investing in a great pair of sunglasses is no different than buying a fishing rod or reel for my business. I pick sunglasses that will hold up in saltwater conditions, fit comfortably and, most importantly, lenses that provide a crisp image and eliminate eye fatigue. Having the right pair can make or break my day.
All-day comfort and eye protection is a high priority when shopping for sunglasses. For anglers looking for that additional edge on the water, selecting the right lens color can make all the difference. When deciding on lens color, it’s important to consider factors such as weather conditions, how much sun protection you need and the type of fishing you will be doing. Many manufacturers have anglers covered with a wide selection of polarized fishing sunglasses with various lens colors and a variety of mirror options. Knowing what to wear for the right conditions helps narrow your decisions. Many makers offer lenses made of glass or polycarbonate and some provide special features, such as channeling sweat from the eyes. “Depending on what’s happening with the weather or where I am fishing will determine what pair of sunglasses I wear” Trosset says.
GREY
WEATHER: Bright/Sunny
LOCATION: Offshore
A grey lens is a neutral and great go-to lens color that works much like dimming the lights. It will protect your eyes on bright and sunny days and help eliminate fatigue from sun exposure. It’s the primary choice by most anglers for offshore fishing.
SILVER
WEATHER: Variable/Overcast
LOCATION: Offshore
A silver mirror is a fashionable as well as functional mirror that slightly darkens the lens, decreasing visible light while reflecting unwanted sunlight and glare. It is a versatile lens color for variable offshore light conditions, whether a sunny day, overcast or low-light. This mirror will enhance your vision when spotting signs of life while searching for your next catch, no matter the time of day.
BLUE
WEATHER: Bright/Sunny
LOCATION: Offshore
A blue mirror is ideal when fishing in full sun offshore or on bright, cloudless days inshore. The heavier mirror reflects light while reducing the glare from the water, making it the ultimate sun protectant. The grey tint enhances the contours around objects and improves depth perception.
COPPER
WEATHER: Overcast
LOCATION: Inshore/sight fishing
The copper lens is the go-to lens color for fishing techniques that require seeing the most minor details and signs of life below the surface of the water. This is the preferred lens by both inshore and freshwater anglers. Copper lens technology provides more color contrast in low-light conditions, brightens your surroundings and makes details more visible.
GREEN
WEATHER: Variable, partly sunny/overcast
LOCATION: Inshore/sight fishing
A green mirror is ideal for sunny and low-light conditions. Its copper base allows for the most color contrast, making details more visible. The green mirror reduces glare and brightens up the shadows. This lens color is optimal for fish-sighting techniques in most coastal weather conditions.
“When I’m out in my backyard, I have a different lens color for fishing in the Atlantic than I do when fishing in the Gulf,” Trosset says. When he’s in the Atlantic, he says he wears glasses with blue mirror lenses because the water is dark and blue, and it’s cleaner and easier to see fish on the surface; they also offer sun protection and clarity. He says he wears green mirror lenses when fishing in the Gulf where the water is dirtier and greener. The green mirror provides more color contrast to help him see the variations and signs in the water.
The ocean can be an unforgiving place, so having the right gear for the day’s conditions makes all the difference to an angler who cares about success on the water.
Source: https://floridasportfishing.com/the-best-lens-colors-for-different-fishing-conditions/
