Fishing Tips

Picking the Right Fishing Sunglasses to Save Your Eyes On the Water

Popticals Popgun fishing sunglasses on the water. – kayakfishingfocus.com

Today is National Sunglasses Day and the date not only recognizes the important of looking good in a stylish set of frames, but also of the attention needed to protecting one of the most important assets to a sportsman – the eyes. For a safe and enjoyable summer outdoors, what do you need to look for in a pair of fishing sunglasses?

Not all eyewear is created equal when protecting your eyes from the harsh UV rays from the sun. For kayak fishermen and boat fishermen alike, there are some key consideration in choosing the right pair of fishing sunglasses for a day on the water.

Adequate UV Protection

Spending a lot of time on the lake not only means the sun hitting your eyes from above, but also reflecting off the water all day long. Your fishing sunglasses need to have appropriate UV protection. According to the American Optometric Association, any fishing sunglasses you are considering need to have these factors:

  • Lenses that block out 99 to 100 percent of UV-A and UV-B rays
  • Should screen out at least 75% of light
  • Frames should fit closely to your eyes and the shape of your face
  • Lenses should have a uniform tint, not darker in one area from another.
  • The AOA suggests a gray tint, which is particularly helpful in color recognition.

If eyes go unprotected or are exposed to periods of time without proper UV protection, it can create an effect called photokeratitis, which is also known as the sunburn of the eye. This can cause red eyes, excessive tearing, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Long-term exposure without UV protection can lead to more serious conditions including cataracts, macular degeneration, and cancer in the eye and around the eyelids.  Protect yourself with the right pair of fishing sunglasses!

Fishing Sunglasses Tech
Popticals fishing sunglasses made a difference on the clear water of Beaver Lake – kayakfishingfocus.com

For fishing sunglasses you are not only looking for UV protection but also performance. I’ve written about Popticals sunglasses previously, and how they easily fold into a compact case for easy storage when not in use. Popticals fishing sunglasses are equipped with Ri-Pel anti-smudge technology which completely repel water, oil and dust. This keeps substances such as dust, sweat, sunscreen and other oils from getting in the way and obscuring your vision. Their polarized lenses are phenomenal in seeing down into the water, reducing glare from the surface. Recently I was fishing down by the dam on Beaver Lake in clear water and it was amazing how much of a difference the lenses on my Popticals Popgear shades made. Really helped me spot the bottom structure, including a deep pool from which I lured a 17” largemouth bass with my clear Heddon spook. Wearing the right fishing sunglasses can not only help protect your eyes, but can also improve your performance on the water.

$40 Popticals Discount

As an advocate for eye safety and UV protection, I would encourage you to make sure you have a terrific pair of fishing sunglasses protecting you. Choose any brand that works best for you that meets the safety requirements listed above. If you have an interest in Popticals, contact me using the Contact link and I can give you a discount code to save $40 off of a pair. I suggest checking out the models specifically for fishing sunglasses, but they have all types of sunglasses available.