Are Photochromic Sunglasses Good for Fishing?

Very few aspects of fishing are predictable. As anglers, we’re never able to exactly know when the fish are going to bite, what they want to eat, and where they’re located. Another unpredictable aspect of fishing is the light conditions. While the forecast may say one thing, anglers are used to weather quickly changing and becoming more challenging to figure out.

Unpredictable light conditions call for the proper sunglasses. Photochromic glasses are the perfect fit for those challenging days. In simple terms, photochromic lenses adjust to light intensity. Photochromatic lenses will darken with higher light intensity improving your sight on sunny days.

What Are Photochromic Sunglasses for Fishing and How Do they Improve Vision?

Photochromic sunglasses, also known as transition lenses, are a type of eyewear that changes tint depending on the amount of light in the area. These lenses are made with special photochromic dyes that react to ultraviolet (UV) light. When UV light is present, the dyes in the lenses darken, providing more protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

When the UV light is removed, the dyes return to their original, clear state. This means that photochromic sunglasses can automatically adjust to different lighting conditions, making them an ideal choice for a sport like fishing.

Benefits of Photochromic Sunglasses for Fishing

Fishing is an outdoor activity that often takes place in varying light conditions. From early morning to late afternoon, anglers can experience bright sunlight, overcast skies, and even sunset. This makes it important for them to have sunglasses that can adapt to different lighting conditions.

Traditional sunglasses, which have a fixed tint, can be too dark in low light conditions and not dark enough in bright sunlight. This can cause eye strain and make it difficult to see the fish. Photochromic sunglasses, on the other hand, can automatically adjust to the lighting conditions, providing the right amount of protection and visibility.

In addition to providing optimal visibility, photochromic sunglasses offer protection from the sun’s harmful rays. The sun’s UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and even skin cancer around the eyes. Photochromic sunglasses can block out up to 100% of UV rays, providing anglers with the protection they need while they’re out on the water.

Another advantage of photochromic sunglasses for fishing is that they can be worn all day without having to change lenses. Traditional sunglasses often require anglers to switch between different colored lenses depending on the lighting conditions. This can be a hassle and can take away from the fishing experience. With photochromic sunglasses, anglers can simply put them on and let the lenses adjust automatically, without having to stop and change lenses.

Anglers are hoping to spend more money on their fishing equipment and experiences and rarely have the budget to purchase several different types of glasses to fit the type of light they’re experiencing.

Downsides of Photochromic Sunglasses

One of the major downsides of Photochromic lenses is that they can lose their effectiveness over time. These lenses are equipped with UV filters that have organic compounds, so they can drop in their productivity if exposed to harsh conditions on a regular basis.

You’ll start to notice the drop-off in quality when you find yourself in extremely bright conditions. Be aware that when you do start to see your sunglasses unable to perform on extremely bright days, it may be time to replace your glasses or lenses. You don’t want these to fail you when you need them the most. 

Best Options for Photochromic Sunglasses

There are different types of photochromic sunglasses available in the market, some are faster to adapt to lighting conditions than others and some are more durable. It’s important to look for high-quality photochromic sunglasses that withstand the wear and tear of being out on the water. Many brands offer polarized photochromic lenses, which can reduce glare and improve visibility on the water.

• Smith Guide’s Choice Photochromic Glasses- These glasses from Smith are equipped with the ChromPop+ lenses that cut glare and adapt to the levels of light throughout the day. At $200, you can’t go wrong with Smith glasses.
• Oakley Split Shot- The Split Shot glasses from Oakley are also available for purchase with photochromic lenses. For around $250, you’re getting all you would want in a pair of fishing sunglasses. The polarization and photochromic technologies are hard to beat.
• Costa Photochromic Glasses- Costa offers their own version of the photochromic for anglers. You’re also able to add your own prescription into these lenses depending on what you need. For around $200, you’re getting a great pair of fishing sunglasses.

Polarized vs. Photochromic

Polarized lenses are most effective when they’re used in sunlight. Polarized lenses are created to make everything a bit darker on those especially bright days. However, if the weather happens to become cloudy, polarized lenses aren’t always able to adapt to the conditions. Anglers may have to remove the glasses to be able to see exactly what they want.

Photochromic lenses are able to adapt regardless of the light conditions. In bright, sunny conditions, photochromic lenses will darken the light and make conditions more bearable. You’ll still be able to sight fish and make the most of your time out on the water. When the light conditions become lower, photochromic lenses are able to brighten the conditions. This can be especially helpful while you’re out on the water.

Whether you’re sight fishing or fishing on a partly cloudy day, photochromic lenses are perfect for anglers who are a bit more sensitive to light and need some extra assistance to make the most of their time on the water.

Last Cast

Photochromic sunglasses are an excellent choice for fishing. They can automatically adjust to different lighting conditions, provide optimal visibility and protection from the sun’s harmful rays, and can be worn all day without having to change lenses. If you spend a lot of time on the water, you should consider investing in a pair of high-quality photochromic sunglasses. They will not only enhance your fishing experience but also protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.