Sunglasses lens tint/color for PNW fishing, what do you like?

[Josh]

What lens tint/color do you like for all-around PNW fishing? I guess I'm thinking more about the fall/winter/spring timeframe than summer. Our summers are generally so bright and sunny that most any decent tint will work. But what do we all use for the rest of the year?

I currently have two pairs of Suncloud sunglasses that I use. One with a polarized grey lens and one with a polarized green mirror lens. Suncloud claims both are 15% VLT (visible light transmission) but I could swear that the grey are slightly better in lower light, but neither are "low light" lenses. Both of them were chosen for looks/availability/price more than actual performance. My "low light" lenses are an old pair of Smith's with the photochromic lenses that darken when it's bright. But mine stopped doing that a long time ago, so the lenses aren't very dark. Thus, they work well enough for low light lenses I guess? I am tempted by some of those Smith/Costa lenses that are specifically designed for low light conditions though.

 

[Stonedfish]

I like amber myself for all around use on the wet side.
SF

 

[JackSea]

Amber also, though I just got a pair of yellow which are great for early mornings or rainy days.

 

[Bruce Baker]

I like a bronze tint.

 

[clarkman]

On my Smiths, I have brown/amber base which are fantastic for all around freshwater fishing (mine are on the lighter side, which I really like for all conditions). If I primarily fished offshore, I'd probably spring for something with a gray base color.

 

[Brute]

I like amber myself for all around use on the wet side.
SF

Amber Smith’s…

 

[Snopro]

For fresh water
Smith, bronze mirror.
Costa, green mirror.

 

[Tom Butler]

I'm in with most of the group, amber/brown. Quick guide.
https://www.vsp.com/eyewear-wellnes...sses-lenses/lens-enhancements/sunglass-lenses

 

[Evan B]

Smith Chromapop: Bronze Bronze and Bronze.

Unless I'm offshore for tuna, then I like a gray/blue mirror.

Green gets an honorable mention.

 

[clarkman]

Smith Chromapop: Bronze Bronze and Bronze.

Unless I'm offshore for tuna, then I like a gray/blue mirror.

Green gets an honorable mention.

just checked mine and they are indeed the bronze chromapops....freakin' love them.

 

[Porter2]

Amber for fishing and my Smith Optics are my favorites.

Out and about every day/work use I a couple pairs of Sunclouds, one in blue and other in grey, and as backups for those times I forget or temporarily misplace my Smith's.

 

[troutstalker]

I use amber Smith's as well.

 

[Josh]

Anyone use the Smith "ignitor" or Costa "sunrise silver mirror" (both ~30% VLT) or even the Smith "low light amber" (~60% VLT)?

 

[Brian Miller]

Obviously polarized is a must.
I had some Smith (prescription) sunglasses with photochromic lenses that IIRC were kind of a rose color in low light, darkening to copper. They were OK.
My current sunglasses are amber to copper to brown photochromic. Very versatile; good in low light to bright sunlight, have protected my eyes from UV, and work well for me.
BTW, here is an article for fishing sunglasses

What's the Best Lens Color for Fishing?

Not sure which is the best lens color for fishing? Find out which factors to consider when choosing your fishing sunglass lenses!

www.sportrx.com

However, if you're fishing forested streams, you might want to look for "hiking" sunglasses.

What is the Best Lens Color for Hiking Sunglasses?

No pair of hiking sunglasses is complete without its lenses, so read SportRx's guide to which lenses work for hiking.

www.sportrx.com

Amber, copper, & brown tints seem to do well in both categories - for inshore fishing, and sunny-to-shady hikes; enhancing contrast yet are still dark enough to protect the eyes from the brightness of the sun.

BTW they also work well to remove what is a surprising amount of glare on cloudy days from raindrops on a windshield.

 

[Zak]

Amber. It makes the world look better.

 

[cedarslug]

Just follow 311's lead:

 

[Tom Butler]

Amber. It makes the world look better.

I got a rose pair of Oakley's I really liked when I raced bikes. I get that feeling when I put them on, looking at the world through rose tinted glasses. Mom also gave me a pair of those yellow clip-ons made for night driving, they work well but are a PITA for me. Both pair work in low light conditions for fishing.

 

[clarkman]

Anyone use the Smith "ignitor" or Costa "sunrise silver mirror" (both ~30% VLT) or even the Smith "low light amber" (~60% VLT)?

My original rx Smith's are ignitors (rubber on the frames came off, which Smith replaced...but had to go with my current bronze). Bottom line though, I absolutely LOVE the ignitors for most conditions minus super bright days. Sadly, they weren't available with my current frames.

 

[DimeBrite]

Anyone use the Smith "ignitor" or Costa "sunrise silver mirror" (both ~30% VLT) or even the Smith "low light amber" (~60% VLT)?

Buy the Costa sunrise silver mirrors, they are great. I own 2 pairs now. I use the Smith low light amber for very early morning salmon fishing, but they are nothing special.

 

[Lue Taylor]

I am not upgrading until I hear from Swimmy for style and purpose