Fishing with Sunglasses

Fishermen and women alike take great pride in having the proper equipment for fishing the bay system and offshore. Sometimes, the little things will make a difference on the outcome of what we consider a good day’ of fishin’ (catchin’). What items of equipment would you say are the most often overlooked part of your fishing gear? Maybe an extra reel, braided line, sunscreen or even an extra cap? Wrong, it is your sunglasses. I can relate to the obvious benefits of comfort, as well as helping preserve the long-term health of your eyes. Wearing sunglasses will also protect the night vision following a bright day on the water. Studies show that exposure to strong ultra-violet light will slow your eyes’ adaptation to the dark, meaning you might not have normal night vision until several hours after the sun sets. Intense sun bleaches the chemicals out of your retina that you use for night vision. The chemicals do recharge, but it takes time, especially if your eyes have been exposed to strong light over a period of days. Shielding your eyes from ultra-violet (UV) rays can also slow the development of cataracts, essentially a clouding of the lens. Cataracts are caused by a host of factors, including heredity and poor nutrition. Studies indicate long-term exposure to bright sun and glare can make folks already predisposed more susceptible. U V Standards You can hold a sunglass lens up to the sky to see how much visible light it factors out, but you’re dependent on the manufacturers word regarding the most important aspect of sunglass performance: filtration of UV light. Ultra-violet rays are the invisible light rays that cause sunburn and can jump start cancer and cataracts. There are three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC has the potential for causing eye damage. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UV light. UV absorption up to 400 nm, a measure found on some labels, is the same thing as 100 percent UV absorption. A wide variety of coating types and colors can also filter out UV rays. Glasses that don’t seem especially dark can still provide complete or near complete UV protection. Even sunglasses with 100 percent UV blockage can’t seal out all UV light. Moving a pair of standard sunglasses one-quarter of an inch from the forehead increases UV exposure by 4 percent, depending on the design of the glasses. Side panels will prevent light bleeding into your eyes, but depending on the shape of your face, you’re always going to have some bleeding at the top and bottom of the lenses. Polarization Polarized glasses are famous for letting you see structure just below the water and fish. Polarized lenses contain microscopic mesh to diffuse reflected glare. You get a little less depth of field and contrast because of the way the light is diffused in the lens. A higher price can buy you better optics and more durable frames. Fashionable colors and frames may also boost the price of a pair of shades, as do special features like polarization. A quick test of lens distortion is to look through the glasses at a straight horizontal line, and then turn your head from side-to-side. If the lines seem to wobble and stretch, the lens quality is poor. Good quality sunglasses tend to have lenses made either of glass or a plastic called CR-39 or polycarbonate. In general, glass in the most scratch resistant; plastic are lighter and more shatter resistant. CR-39 is naturally more scratch resistant than polycarbonate, which wins in the impact resistant category. Both CR-39 and polycarbonate lenses can be molded and polished to achieve a superior optical surface, neither is cheap and the CR-39 lenses tend to be expensive. For those who still insist on tossing their glasses into the tackle box with the car keys, manufacturers have mixed up special ultra hard coatings. Always Ask about scratch resistant coatings when you purchase that pair of sunglasses. Remember, you have spent lots of dollars for fishing equipment. Don’t leave out one of the most important pieces of equipment the next time you go fishing. A good pair of quality sunglasses is essential and should be part of your basic tackle. Memories are made each day. Protect your vision and wear the best available lens………………………….. As always, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. See you’ll on Galveston Bay. Capt. Paul Marcaccio U.S.C.G. & T.P.& W. license