The first fly casting clinic I hosted at American Angling in 1992 was taught by Lefty Kreh. Prior to presenting his seminar, one of his primary stipulations was that each student must wear a pair of sunglasses. At the very beginning of his seminar, he went into detail about the importance of wearing eye protection and especially, polarized sunglasses when fly fishing.

First, the glasses do provide protection from the real possibility of a back-cast carrying the fly into the eye. Secondly, polarized sunglasses greatly reduce surface glare from the surface of water thereby allowing the angler to see into the water. This is an important factor when wading and or sight fishing a stream or a salt flat. And lastly, polarized sunglasses are essential when operating a boat, and especially in shallow water flats or along a rocky shoreline. They help provide definition of submerged hazards, structure and fish. Too put things in perspective, any serious angler or boater should not “leave home” without at least one pair of polarized sunglasses.

There are many manufacturers of quality polarized sunglasses out there today. Here is a short list; Smith Optical, Costa Del Mar, H2O Optics, Spotters, Hobie, Maui Jim and many others. Each of these manufacturers has their own specific nomenclature to describe lens color, however, the basic lens colors are; neutral gray, rose tint, bronze/brown. And for low light, cloudy conditions some manufacturers offer “clear lens” polarized glasses that allow more than 70% light transmission.

I personally prefer the bronze/brown lens color for my needs. Some colors work better for different water conditions. You should try the different offerings to suit your specific needs. Most often the better manufactures also include UV light protection as well. Full UV (especially UV-B rays) protection is essential in reducing long term adverse effects from exposure. Many folks today, as they get older, suffer from macular degeneration which may be linked to UV exposure; Note-there is no conclusive proof as to what causes macular degeneration, however, some scientists believe heredity may play a part, as may UV light exposure and malnutrition. For more info, checkout this link; All About Vision It should be fairly obvious that even if there exists only a remote chance that by not wearing eye protection you could ultimately affect your eyesight should be reason enough to make it a priority to wear quality sunglasses.

Over the past few years, I have become a fan and wearer of the Maui Jim line of sunglasses. My reasons for my choice are :
1. The Maui Jim product line is varied enough to satisfy both men, women, young or old with a wide range of frame styles and lens colors.
2. Over the past 10 years, they have improved theirs products substantially and have become the “standard” of top line, high quality sunglasses. Their latest Polarized Plus 2 lens virtually eliminates reflective glare by as much as 99.9% and maximizes the amount of usable light that the eyes require to enhance the quality of color that one sees.
3. The quality of the frames is exceptional. After 10 years of use, I have not needed to have them repaired or adjusted.
4. With proper care and storage a pair should last more than 10 years.

My wife recently had cataract surgery and for the first time in many years she can now see a full and vibrant spectrum of color. Don’t take for granted how important good vision is and do everything you can to protect yours eyes from damage. You only get one pair of eyes!

For more information on Maui Jim eyewear visit their web site at: Maui Jim or check them out at a local shop.

Capt. Dave Beshara