How polarized sunglasses help you become a better angler

It’s not just about the rod, reel, or baits that help you catch fish. Have you thought about the eye wear you take with you to the lake? If you don’t already own a pair of high quality polarized sunglasses, you should consider a pair to add to your collection. There are a lot of benefits that give you the edge on or off the water. Not only do they protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, but it gives you a sense of super power especially when fishing in certain conditions. I have noticed a huge difference when wearing them compared to my normal prescription eyeglasses. Even in cloudy conditions, I prefer to wear my polarized glasses for the effects it has on my vision. Here are the top three reasons you should throw away your old pair of sunglasses and get a nice, name brand, polarized pair:

Reduced glare

Have you ever been to your favorite fishing spot and realized all the reflections coming off the water can become blinding? I’ve been there, it’s not the most enjoyable. Polarized sunglasses help take the glare off of the water’s surface which allows you to look in the direction of the sun and be able to see where your line and bait are going. This will not only reduce the strain on your eyes, but it alleviates potential headaches caused by too much light disruption that your sensory system cannot process. In the instance that you happen to fly fish, polarized glasses are super important.

You are working with a very small bait (fly) and being able to keep track of it on top of the water is crucial. Even in low light conditions, your eyes can sometimes get distracted by shadows cast on the surface. Being able to see the difference between the water and what is under the surface is a major contributor to more fish in the boat. This also goes for any top water bait that may be thrown in the direction of the sun in the evening. The bright yellow, orange, and purple sunset will cause eye squints. Keeping track of where your bait is and not relying on the sound of a break in surface tension during a strike can make or break landing a decent fish.

Avoid hazards on the water

There have been numerous instances where I could see things in the water that I may not have been able to see with normal sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses create a higher separation of contrast between colors depending on what you are trying to improve in the aspects of your sight. For example, where I fish there are a lot of trees in the water. Branches, stumps, limbs, you name it. It used to be a woodland area before it flooded years ago and the local DNR turned it into a reservoir that also helped with flood control. Remnants of trees are still under the water, so it’s great for bass fishing, but terrible for trying to navigate with your trolling motor. Some of these limbs are only inches under the water, but big enough to do some damage if you are not paying attention. Being able to see these in contrast to the water will determine if you’ll be fixing equipment, or staying on the water longer. Make the smart choice!

Increased underwater visibility

Being able to see into the water is also an advantage as fishermen. Polarized sunglasses can help you sight fish. If you’re aiming to target bass on beds, find a school of sunfish or crappie, or try to see where you’re tossing your bait if it’s in ‘tight quarters’ these are for you. I have been on a lake nearby just drifting over some shallow pockets and I was able to spot a pike sitting in about 2 feet of water. I watched it quickly swim away towards structure and I was able to follow it and try to cast a few times before I lost sight of it. If you fish rivers, dams, ponds, or any body of water that tends to be on the shallow side, you will be able to see top to bottom of everything in a close vicinity. It almost becomes x-ray vision which you didn’t have before!

Do you currently own a pair? If not, have you considered purchasing a decent pair? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to check out our other informational blogs!