This week we wanted to see want kind of shades you were while fishing. We liked LORI LASHA’s style! Congrats on the win!!

WHY SUNGLASSES??  A quality pair of sunglasses is one of the most important accessories that any angler can have for two important reasons: eye protection from sun and wind, and improved visibility.

From a medical standpoint, protecting your eyes takes precedence over other concerns. In this regard it is necessary to wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of ultraviolet radiation to reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye damage. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation can occur even when the sun isn’t shining, so it’s good to wear sunglasses even on cloudy days. For maximum protection, sunglasses that offer side shielding are even better, and since they block out light just as if you cupped your hands around the edges of your face, they also improve visibility (so does a hat with a long brim).

Angling Benefits

Improved visibility will positively enhance your fishing. Visibility can be improved in a number of ways by wearing proper sunglasses, the most important of which is reducing glare.

Glare is reflected light that generates from all directions and is present even on cloudy or hazy days. It can be very uncomfortable and fatiguing to the eyes, as well as a reason for diminishing or preventing visibility into or through the water.

Wearing sunglasses also improves visibility by enhancing depth of field so you can see close or distant objects better, distinguishing colors in the environment (a contrast issue), and be able to look into the water to see fish and objects.

Seeing fish is especially important in sight-fishing activities where you must see a fish in order to be able to make a proper presentation to it. It’s also important in other activities, like wading, to see objects that should be avoided, and when fishing in clear offshore waters to spot either gamefish or baitfish that are attracted to your boat. Good sunglasses allow many anglers to see underwater grasses that are important places to fish.

Polarization and Color Are Important

Polarized lenses are a necessity for fishing and boating because they are the most effective means of eliminating glare and preventing light absorption, meaning that they allow your eyes to be more comfortable and more contracted, which means greater distant vision.

Make sure that sunglasses you consider purchasing are polarized, which is a coating applied to the lens. You can check this by taking two pairs of sunglasses that are believed to be polarized and hold them parallel to each other. Rotate one lens 90 degrees; if they are polarized the lenses become dark.

Many different lens colors are available. Dark gray and dark brown lenses are preferred by most anglers, although not all are the same or of equal quality; dark gray lenses are considered best for very bright conditions, although dark brown is generally more versatile. Light brown or nearly amber lenses are also popular and provide very good depth-of-field contrast, and are also helpful at spotting fish. Lenses with a mirror finish may look cool, but are not a benefit for fishing.

READ the entire article here: http://fishing.about.com/od/Accessories/fl/Why-Anglers-Should-Wear-Sunglasses.htm