How many fly rods do you own?

How many of those rods are within one line-weight designation of another?

It is very normal to own an 8-, 9-, and 10-weight. Many trout anglers have multiple 5-weight rods; each with a different length or flex profile, each giving him or her an advantage as the situation demands. Dry fly vs. nymph rig. Weighted streamer vs. topwater slider. The same spot on the water can call for two different tools based upon the conditions. Having a quiver of fly rods is normal.

Floating and sinking lines. Lightweight and heavy jackets. More boxes of flies than you can count. When we depend upon gear to get us to the fish, we’re willing to have exactly what we need.

A pair of quality lenses in a lightweight, durable, comfortable frame will often be an angler’s go-to sunglasses. They’re always on the brim of his hat and secure on a retainer around her neck. Sunglasses help you see fish. This matters when you’re sight fishing, when you’re watching for the take, and when you’re in a fight. Sunglasses also help you see the stream bottom. Structure, cover, and topography all matter. These are keys to finding fish. Maybe more importantly, they’re key to keeping you upright and safe.

There are some popular lens colors, such as amber or grey, that will work in virtually every circumstance. But virtually every isn’t the same as every. As the sun moves behind the trees, you might find yourself sliding your favorite glasses down your nose to look over them. Back and forth. They’re helpful for blocking out the glare. But late and early in the day they’re too dark to see those necessary details in the water.

A dynamic angling situation might cause you to dig a new spool of line from your backpack or even send you off the water to your car for a more appropriate rod. Why shouldn’t a significant shift in lighting conditions cause you to switch sunglasses? Even high-end sunglasses are less expensive than budget-level fly rods. And truth be told, it doesn’t matter how nice your fly rod or your cast or your fly is if you can’t see what you’re doing.

There are plenty of fly fishers who carry two pairs of sunglasses: a darker pair for bright sun and midday, and a lighter pair for low light conditions. Some of the best fishing happens first thing in the morning, right before dusk, and in objectively bad weather. Greys and ambers are serviceable in those scenarios, but a pale yellow lens will work for you.

The right light-colored, polarized lenses will cut surface glare – which can be brutal in low light. Flies, strike indicators, line and currents won’t get lost. Everything below, from boulders to big trout, will become visible. Again, this is as much about safety as it is about catching fish. Speaking of safety: having a pair of sunglasses on will keep your eyes safe from errant casts and harmful UV rays. With a yellow lens you won’t have a reason to expose your eyes.

A second pair of sunglasses is an investment. But in the grand scheme of things, it isn’t a lot. It isn’t about fashion. The right lenses open doors. Days start earlier and end later. You can take better advantage of the most vibrant angling opportunities. The right lenses allow you to utilize your quiver of rods and your flotilla of flies more efficiently and effectively. With the right lenses, you don’t have to compromise. You just get to fish.

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My morning, evening, and overcast lenses of choice are the Costa Del Mar Sunrise Silver Mirror. Technically speaking, they let over twice as much light through than all their other lenses. This means I still get high contrast and glare reduction without losing any visibility. Plus, Costa’s 580 lenses are incredibly clear, durable, and lightweight.

Before I started using the Sunrise Silver Mirror lenses, I was already fishing with a pair of Fantails with Green Mirror lenses. This made the choice for my next pair simple: I already knew what frames fit my face.

I’ve been fly fishing (and conventional fishing, and hiking, and driving…) with Costa Del Mar sunglasses for years. I’m convinced they’re the best performance lenses and frames out there. Head to their website or a local dealer to try a pair on yourself.