Do those Polar sunglasses really let you see under water?

[Fred Allen]

I been watching fishing on TV a lot over the winter and always see them saying that they are glad they had those sun glasses because they can see under the water for trees, rocks etc. I dont know to believe it because they usually are trying to sell the items they show. I would be interested because I fish on the Hudson river from shore and cant see good. See attached picture please. I would like to know in that situation would I be able to see far under the water?

[Mike L]

Don’t think of them as an x ray.
 

Polarized glass eliminates the glare off the water that allows you to see better.
They give greater clarity and definition of what your looking at. 

 

One thing about them tho, some of the cheaper brands don’t give any UV protection. 
 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Hammer 4]

^^^^ This. 

[Bird]

I simply won't fish without a pair of polarized glasses wrapped around my face.....a critical component. 

 

Have you honestly not tried polarized glasses? 

Try some and report back. 

[Michigander]

They aren't magic, but the difference is staggering.

[LxVE Bassin]

Look at them as eye protection too 

[optimator]

FPNI

[Fred Allen]

Thanks everyone. Looks like they are not what I thought they were. I never used sun glasses. Anyone know of a good pair that can fit over my regular glasses that is not too much money? I have an eye doctor appointment in a couple weeks and thinking about getting the glasses that automatically turn to sun glasses by themselves. Are they polarized too?

[MN Fisher]

Just now, Fred Allen said:

Thanks everyone. Looks like they are not what I thought they were. I never used sun glasses. Anyone know of a good pair that can fit over my regular glasses that is not too much money? I have an eye doctor appointment in a couple weeks and thinking about getting the glasses that automatically turn to sun glasses by themselves. Are they polarized too?

I don't know if the self-tinting ones are or aren't. I use clip-ons myself.

https://www.amazon.com/Punasi-Polarized-Plastic-Sunglasses-Outdoor/dp/B01C5GF77M/ref=sr_1_28?crid=3V1YW7TODECTX&dchild=1&keywords=clip+on+sunglasses+over+prescription+glasses&qid=1614818857&sprefix=clip+on+sun%2Caps%2C201&sr=8-28

 

Polarized and UV protection...trust me, you NEED the UV protection more than the polarization - I lost an eye 6 years ago to cancer because I didn't wear UV protection as often as I should have.

[ironbjorn]

They're amazing and I refuse to fish without them. You can see fish, weeds, rocks, wood etc that you wouldn't otherwise see. 

[Fishes in trees]

I have both.    My regular glasses get darker in the sun light.   While they get darker, they ain't polarized.   I also have a pair of polarized prescription sun glasses.   No comparison - the polarized glasses let you see deeper into the water.   If you're into fishing and you wear glasses, IMO you should have a pair of  polarized prescription sun glasses.   You aren't doing yourself any favors if you don't.   As mentioned in prior posts - they also serve as eye protection - I know I've bounced a bait or two off mine - not all the time but you do it once and you'll remember it.  I think the operative phrase here is " pay to play".  You aren't doing yourself any favors by not having them.

[optimator]

My prescription glasses I have now are transition lenses. I'll never get them again. Mine are the 2.0 version that's supposed to change quicker and they're still very slow. They're even slower when it's cold. When I get new glasses this year I'll get regular lenses and a pair of prescription polarized sunglasses. 

 

[Sir Shamsalot]

23 minutes ago, Fred Allen said:

Thanks everyone. Looks like they are not what I thought they were. I never used sun glasses. Anyone know of a good pair that can fit over my regular glasses that is not too much money? I have an eye doctor appointment in a couple weeks and thinking about getting the glasses that automatically turn to sun glasses by themselves. Are they polarized too?

Usually transition lens are not polarized from my experience. BUT... you can get prescription glasses that come with magnetic "clip-ons" that are. I looked into buying a second set of polarized prescription sunglasses but talk about expensive... wow!

 

So what I've done is buy a set of prescription with the clip-ons glasses and contacts. Then I buy Flying Fisherman Buchanan copper lens polarized sunglasses because they are by far the best cheap sunglasses you can buy for fishing ($15.90), and I buy a set of 2X reading glasses and keep them in my tackle bag for knot tying.

 

Another thing you can do too on the cheap is to have your old prescription glasses polarized when you get a new prescription. 

[fishingram24]

Might want to look into Cocoons fit over glasses for around 60$. Never used them myself, had Costa prescription sun glasses, but many people like the Cocoons and for sure a lot cheaper. Don't know how anyone can fish without some type of sun glasses to cut the glare and protect the eyes.

     

[gim]

See what’s out there. -Costa Del Mar

[NHBull]

I have prescription polarized and can't imagine fishing without them.....Oakley 

 

[Fred Allen]

When I go to get my new glasses I will ask them if I can get ones that come with the clip on polarized glasses. That sounds like the best option for me and most reasonable price. 

[optimator]

2 hours ago, Fred Allen said:

When I go to get my new glasses I will ask them if I can get ones that come with the clip on polarized glasses. That sounds like the best option for me and most reasonable price. 

You can also buy aftermarket clip ons. I've gone that route in the past myself. 

[fishwizzard]

I’ve walked a mile back to my car to get my glasses before and I would do it again.  Once you get used to them there is no going back. 

[throttleplate]

I wear my sunglasses at night..............only when i forget my prescription clear lensesed glasses at home.

[ghost123123]

Use Cacoons religiously, low light, bright light, all conditions. I’m getting up in years and use the Amber ones when driving at night, UV protection too.

[Luke Barnes]

My problem has been finding clear or yellow polarized glasses for that last half hour of daylight before it gets dark. My Oakley Deep Water Polarized are amazing but dark so when the sun goes past the horizon they are too dark amd I have to take them off. Anyone have any suggestions?

[Revival]

7 hours ago, Mike L said:

Don’t think of them as an x ray.
 

Polarized glass eliminates the glare off the water that allows you to see better.
They give greater clarity and definition of what your looking at. 

 

One thing about them tho, some of the cheaper brands don’t give any UV protection. 

Mike

I got the 580p X-ray version.  Highly recommend it.

 

On a serious note, I highly recommend a good pair for better clarity and also protection.  Think of your fishing sunglasses as another tool in your arsenal.

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

I’ve walked a mile back to my car to get my glasses before and I would do it again.  Once you get used to them there is no going back. 

Oh yeah? I drove all the way back home to  get mine, lol. Yep, you’re right. There is no going back. I hate it when I truly forget them at home or in the car when I’m already where I wanted to fish. 
 

As mentioned, they aren’t X-ray glasses but when they cut the glare from the water’s surface it’s much easier and better for your eyes. 

[NHBull]

6 hours ago, Luke Barnes said:

My problem has been finding clear or yellow polarized glasses for that last half hour of daylight before it gets dark. My Oakley Deep Water Polarized are amazing but dark so when the sun goes past the horizon they are too dark amd I have to take them off. Anyone have any suggestions?

The shallow waters are a bit lighter but a second pair is a big nut to Crack ?