FF foundations - Polarized Sunglasses

by Ken Collins - January 29, 2026

Sunglasses are more than an apparel purchase. Glasses require careful consideration because our eyes are key in enjoying this wonderful world of fly fishing!

Yes, a simple pair of safety glasses offers ample protection from sharp, pointy hook points flying to and fro in a typical casting action. These same poly-carbonate lenses,  whether clear or tinted,  also offer adequate UV harmful ray protection. However, a midday bright sun reflecting off all surrounding flat surfaces (especially water)  causes these lenses to fail!  

This process of normally vertical travelling light rays bouncing horizontally off flat surfaces has been named glare. Glare causes unprotected eyes to squint and work harder, which results in eye fatigue. 

An important filter for glare is available. Polarization filters are a microscopic vertical line lamination that is built into your sunglass lens. This microscopic curtain, acts a lot like a vertical blind you may have on your windows at home. It significantly reduces glare. 

To test if glasses have this special feature, take two polarized sunglasses and rotate the lenses. At some point (usually 90 degrees your ability to see through both lenses will be blocked - No light is getting through. This is the way I check clients' glasses right on the water. 

It would surprise you just how many times it is discovered that lenses of “good” sun glasses are not polarized. Polarized is often confused with Polaroid and they are NOT the same. 

Although one good pair of polarized glasses would do. It is common for anglers to own multiple pairs. Mainly,  because of the different light conditions that occur at times of day and whether the sky is clear blue or full of clouds. Typically, the low light times and day and cloudy days are best with copper or brown lenses. Where the bright sunny time of days is handled best with gray lenses. Other features like mirror coatings are also very helpful, blue is best for open water heavy glare situations and green mirror is helpful in fresh water. 

No matter the quality or colour of lens, if the glasses don't fit properly, they will only do half the job they were intended to do. The frame should sit right against your face. The temples of the glasses should be thick or preferably wrap construction. Any light that gets behind the lens at these areas is harmful to your eyes and will reduce your ability to see.