I put catching more bass in the title of this blog because I know that’ll get everyone’s attention. The truth is, though, that there are other reasons that are more important — like protecting your vision.
Those reasons fall into three groups. The first, and most important in my mind, is to protect your eyes when you’re fishing. Running down the lake at high speed can be problematic for your eyeballs. Even a small bug can become a dangerous projectile at 70 mph. And what about the lure snapping back towards you when it gets caught in a tree and you jerk it loose? I know of at least one guy who lost an eye that way.
The second is to protect your eyes from the sun. The sun is harsh on our bodies. Sunburn and dark tans are no longer cool. And so it is with our eyes. Just because we can’t see them burn, or they don’t turn red, doesn’t mean we aren’t damaging them when we squint in the sun all day. If you expect to be fully protected, you should have lenses that protect against all the different kinds of light that comes from the sun.
The third is so that you can see under the water better. The only real way to do that is with polarized lenses. Anything less won’t cut through the glare, and will ultimately end up being a waste of money as far as I’m concerned.
EYE OJO has developed a couple of different models of sunglasses that are designed for anglers. They’ll protect your eyes and, at the same time, help you catch more bass. The least expensive model is called the RENEGADE Pro.
They’re polarized, protect against both kinds of UV light and are super strong and tough. They come in different sizes with different lens colors and two styles, rimless and full rim. And, at less than $20 they’re a real bargain.
Their NINE models are a little bit more upscale. They have all the features that the RENEGADE Pro models have, and more. They protect against infrared radiation and they have two lens options, glass and polycarbonate. Naturally, they come in a bunch of different lens colors, styles and sizes. Those with polycarbonate lens cost $89. With glass lenses they weigh in at $159.
EYE OJO is one of the serious companies in the sunglasses market. They make good stuff that holds up over time. I strongly suggest you give them a careful look before you buy any other brand.
There’s something else I want you to know about them. They make a ton of different kinds of glasses besides fishing sunglasses — motorcycle glasses, clear prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, kids glasses, snow goggles, and safety glasses. If you need it, they probably have it or can make it.
Their clear safety glasses are especially interesting if you fish at night. They aren’t the big, clunky things of old. They look good. And remember, your eyes need protection from injury after dark just as much as they do during the day.
The last thing I want to mention is lens color. My preferences are as follows: Gray in bright sunlight, amber when it’s cloudy and overcast, yellow when you want to see under the water.
Don’t take chances with your eyes. Get a good pair of glasses before you go fishing again. Obviously, my choice is EYE ONO. If you want something different, so be it. But, please buy a good pair and wear them. Don’t put it off. That could turn out to be something you’ll regret for the rest of your life.
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