Custom Fishing Sunglasses - Features, Lens Options, and Ordering Your Custom Shades

An Introduction to Custom Fishing Sunglasses

Fishing is a popular outdoor activity that allows people to get out on the water and enjoy nature. However, the sun's bright glare off the water can make it difficult to spot fish and effectively cast your line. This is where a good pair of polarized fishing sunglasses comes in handy.

Polarized sunglasses use a special filter to block intense reflected light that bounces off surfaces like water, roads, snow, and glass. By filtering out glare, polarized lenses improve visibility and reduce eye strain. That makes them ideal for fishing, allowing anglers to see more clearly into the water and better track activity below the surface.

Benefits of Polarized Fishing Sunglasses

Here are some key benefits polarized sunglasses provide for fishing:

• Reduce glare off the water - Glare reduction results in improved vision to detect activity under the water's surface.
• Enhance contrast - Increased contrast helps distinguish irregularities in the water and improves depth perception.
• Improve safety - Reduced eye fatigue and improved visibility minimize risk when boating and casting.
• Protect eyes - Guard against UV rays and prevent conditions like photokeratitis and cataracts.

Features of Good Fishing Sunglasses

To get the most out of your fishing eyewear, look for sunglasses designed specifically for fishing. Quality fishing sunglasses typically have these features:

• Polarized lenses - Polarization is essential for glare reduction and improved vision.
• UV protection - At minimum, lenses should block 99-100% of UVA/UVB rays.
• Color enhancement - Certain lens colors enhance contrast better for specific conditions.
• Durability - Durable frames and scratch-resistant lenses stand up to fishing wear and tear.
• Comfort - A lightweight, non-slip fit reduces distractions and eye strain during long days fishing.

Custom Fishing Sunglasses

Beyond standard off-the-shelf models, some companies offer custom fishing sunglasses. With custom options, you can select specialized features tailored for your specific needs and fishing environment.

Lens Colors and Treatments

Most quality fishing sunglasses come in an array of lens colors and treatments. Each option has its advantages for enhancing contrast and visibility in different light and water conditions:

• Gray - Gray reduces brightness and glare in all conditions.
• Brown - Brown lenses filter blue light and increase contrast in low light and overcast days.
• Green - Green lenses enhance contrast in medium to bright light.
• Copper - Copper lenses improve depth perception in extremely bright conditions.
• Yellow - Yellow lenses increase contrast in low light like overcast or fog.
• Blue mirror - Blue mirror coating reflects glare off the water and cuts haze.
• Flash mirror - Flash mirror boosts glare reduction on extremely bright days.

Lens Technology

Specialized lens technology in fishing sunglasses includes features like:

• Polarization - Polarized lenses eliminate reflected glare for improved visibility.
• Photochromic - Photochromic lenses darken and lighten automatically to suit changing light levels.
• Gradient - Gradient lenses transition from dark at the top to lighter at the bottom to cut overhead glare.
• Double gradient - Double gradient combines gradient fading in both directions to further reduce glare.

Specialized Lens Shapes

The shape of lens can expand range of vision for spotting activity above and in the water:

• Wraparound - Wraparound lenses widen peripheral vision and protect from side glare.
• Oversized - Oversized lenses maximize visibility in all directions.
• Bi-focal - Bifocal lenses have separate zones for distance vision and close-up focus.

Frame Design

Frame design attributes to look for include:

• Coverage - Wide frames and side shields prevent stray light from entering peripherally.
• Grip - Rubber nose pads and tips at the temple keep sunglasses securely in place.
• Float - Floating frames allow glasses to remain on the surface instead of sinking if dropped overboard.
• Ventilation - Ventilated frames combat fogging in humid conditions.

Ordering Custom Fishing Sunglasses

Select sunglass companies allow you to fully customize your fishing eyewear to your exact needs and style preferences. Here's an overview of the customization process:

Pick Your Lenses

Start by selecting lens color, polarized or not, and any specialized treatments like photochromic or gradient tinting. Pick the lenses optimized for the lighting and water conditions you typically fish in.

Choose Frame Style

Next, pick your frame style and materials. Consider coverage, shape, grip, and extras like ventilation and floating.

Add Optional Upgrades

Custom upgrades may include blue light blocking, prescription lenses, leather cases, and lifestyle lens colors for wearing your shades beyond fishing.

Personalized Touches

For full personalization, some brands allow custom etching on lenses, custom graphics on frames, and options to mix and match frame colors and textures.

Once you dial in all your custom selections, the sunglasses will be made to order specially for you. Expect a 2-4 week turnaround time to produce your one-of-a-kind fishing shades.

Caring for Your Custom Sunglasses

A high quality pair of polarized fishing sunglasses represents a solid investment. Follow these tips to get the most durability and longevity out of your shades:

• Store in a hard case when not in use.
• Avoid dropping or scratching lenses on hard or abrasive surfaces.
• Rinse with freshwater after saltwater use to prevent corrosion.
• Use microfiber cloth to gently clean lenses.
• Avoid harsh chemicals/cleaners that can damage lenses.
• Don't leave in direct sunlight when not worn.

With proper care, a custom pair of fishing sunglasses can provide many seasons of improved vision and protection out on the water. Adjustable custom options allow anglers to spec the perfect sunglasses for their needs and style.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of polarized fishing sunglasses?

Polarized fishing sunglasses reduce glare, enhance contrast, improve safety, and protect eyes from UV rays.

What lens color is best for low light fishing conditions?

Yellow, brown, and green lenses improve contrast in low light conditions like overcast or fog.

Can prescription lenses be incorporated into custom fishing sunglasses?

Yes, some custom fishing sunglass companies offer the option to add prescription lenses to your custom shades.

What custom add-ons help keep sunglasses securely in place?

Rubber nose pads and tips at the temples grip sunglasses in place during active fishing use.

How can I extend the life of my fishing sunglasses?

Use a hard case for storage, clean lenses gently with microfiber, rinse after saltwater use, and avoid scratching lenses.