Bright ideas with sunnies

Just as a golfer may need a different club for every stroke, so too an angler may need different sunglasses to suit different light conditions. It is very common for weather conditions to change during a day of fishing. There is the light disparity from dusk until dawn and living and fishing around Melbourne can deliver four seasons in one day.

Whatever brand of sunnies you prefer, make sure you check out the different models in the range to see what suits you and your most common fishing conditions.

If you are fishing in the middle of the day in bright sunshine, a mirrored lens is a must. The idea behind the mirror is that it actually reflects the sunlight, reducing the amount of glare reaching your eyes. It will also darken colours slightly, making it easier on your eyes and reducing your squinting.

When the sky is overcast or low in light, it is time for a change of sunnies or lenses. In these conditions, a photochromic or photochromatic lens works well. This lens eliminates glare and gives added brightness and better depth perception in low-light conditions.

Photochromic glasses are perfect when fishing streams and flicking lures because quite often there are overhanging trees, or the sun just can’t get into the valley. They will give that extra bit of light to help spot the fish, particularly when the sun starts to go down. They also provide more than adequate protection for eyes from wayward lures, reefed from tree branches when they don’t hit their mark.

When fishing, particularly in salt water, and salt is deposited on the lens, simply splash a bit of fresh water on the lens and wipe the salt straight off with your t-shirt. Glass lenses don’t scratch as easily, giving longevity and value for money compared to polycarbonate models.

So, remember, pick a pair of polarised glasses that will suit the conditions you are going to fish and keep a couple of pairs on you if you can. That way you will be able to see to fish, no matter what the day throws at you.

Right now, for what it’s worth, I am a Spotters man and my favourite model is the Cristo because it suits my head shape. I also love my Spotters because they are tough.

Yours in fishing,

Paul Worsteling.