What’s the Best Lens Color for Fishing Sunglasses?

The longer you spend fishing, the more valuable sunglasses become. As an experienced angler, you know that not all sunglasses are created equal. Choosing the right lens color can make a significant difference in your fishing success. Whether you’re deep-sea fishing, fly fishing in the mountains, or targeting bass on a lake, selecting the proper lens color is crucial.

Grey: Versatile and True to Color

If versatility is what you’re after, grey lenses are the ideal option. They work well on both sunny and partly cloudy days. With a light transmission of around 10 percent, grey lenses allow you to see objects in their truest form without color distortion. They are also great for all-day fishing as they handle changing light conditions without impacting color and contrast.

Bronze: High Contrast Winner

Bronze lenses are perfect for sight fishing or fishing in gin-clear waters. They enhance contrast and allow you to see below the water’s surface, making it easier to spot fish. These lenses are also great for flats fishing and locating fish on beds. However, they might not be the best choice for deep-water fishing due to the intense contrast.

Yellow: Low Light King

Yellow lenses are preferred by anglers fishing in low-light conditions or on overcast days. They reduce blue light and brighten your environment, making it easier to see. Anglers who have tried yellow lenses in challenging light conditions, such as fishing near wildfires, have found them to be extremely helpful in improving visibility.

Blue: Great for Deep Sea Details

Blue lenses are popular among anglers for their ability to show small details and changes in color. They excel at reducing glare, making them ideal for deep-sea fishing. These lenses also provide excellent protection against eye fatigue caused by prolonged exposure to the sun. Misty conditions are not a problem for blue lenses either, as they maintain color and contrast.

Green: Minimizing Distortion

Green lenses are favored by sight fishermen as they minimize distortion and increase contrast. They work well in both sunny and cloudy conditions and are particularly useful when fishing in weedy areas. The enhanced contrast helps anglers identify fish hiding within vegetation, making them a top choice for bass and pike fishing.

Orange: Low Light Versatility

Orange lenses perform well in low-light conditions, such as overcast days, dawn, and dusk. They reduce glare and provide good visibility in challenging light conditions. However, they may cause eye fatigue and discomfort in bright conditions, so they are not as versatile as other lens colors.

Choosing the Right Lens Color

Each lens color performs best in specific light conditions. For anglers who don’t want to invest in multiple pairs of sunglasses, grey, blue, or green lenses offer versatility and perform well in a variety of light conditions. However, if you frequently fish in low light or on overcast days, bronze, yellow, or orange lenses will be the better choice.

Remember, the most important thing is to protect your eyes and enjoy your fishing experience. Choose the lens color that suits your needs and preferences, and don’t forget to thank Smith Optics for their contribution to the article.

Sources and Thanks

• A big thanks to Smith Optics for providing the images. Check out their website for more information on their ChromaPop TM lenses: Smith Optics