Sunlight is one of the more significant variables in fishing. Anglers must deal with too much sun and too little, as well as the location of our star in the sky relative to the cover they’re fishing and the amount of heat it adds to their water.
The sun is both friend and foe. It can be a great ally and a roughneck bully, to be harnessed to one’s advantage and managed to avoid its mean streak. Like most tour-level competitors, Ish Monroe takes precautions to make sure the sun is on his side when he’s out on the water.
Sun Protection
Monroe said that with all of the other variables confronting anglers, it’s important to first make sure their eyesight is maximized and their skin is protected from the sun’s damaging rays. For those reasons, he cuts no corners when it comes to sunglasses and sunscreen.
“There are a lot of misconceptions about sunglasses among anglers,” he said. “We need to pay attention to ultraviolet protection and polarization ratings and understand what our glasses are doing for our eyes.”
He said many anglers believe glasses with 100 percent UV protection are also delivering 100 percent polarization. “That’s not necessarily the case,” he said. “You need to check the polarization rating and make sure it’s 100 percent too.”
Monroe said that when Cocoons eyewear recruited him to join its fishing team, the company asked what he wanted from his sunglasses.
“I told them I needed 100 percent polarization and comfortable lenses. Without either, no deal.”
Cocoons inked Monroe and he’s become a knowledgeable spokesman for the value that quality sunglasses deliver for anglers.
“Not many companies provide 100 percent polarization. They may look great, but style doesn’t help your eyes when you’re out on the water for 8 to 10 hours day after day.”
What To Look For
Polarization reduces glare and thus eases eye strain. It also enables anglers to see past the sun-spangled surface of the water. Polarization of 100 percent offers the maximum advantage in many situations, including but not limited to sight fishing. He recalled one particular instance that underscores the value of maximum polarization.
“One time last season I had an amateur in the boat in an FLW tournament where I was sight fishing for spawning bass. He asked me why I was spending so much time on this spot. I said, ‘You don’t see that 7- or 8-pounder there?’ He said he didn’t see anything. I told him to take off his brand X glasses and gave him my Cocoons. He said, ‘Dude, I never saw that fish.’”
Monroe went on to catch the fish and finish 3rd in the tournament. Later, he checked the specs on his partner’s glasses and discovered they had 60 percent polarization.
He said anglers should weigh their sunglasses decisions not only on whether they provide maximum polarization and UV protection, but also how they fit and feel.
“The glasses I wear are light and comfortable and include a lip on the top of the frame to further reduce glare,” he said. “They also have side shields with windows to block the sun from the sides without reducing my peripheral vision.” Monroe wears the Stream Line and Mini Slim models.
Flying Object Protection
Fishing sunglasses also should have polycarbonate lenses that can withstand high-speed impacts with insects and other flying objects.
“Our eyes are at risk not only while driving the boat, but also while we’re fishing,” Monroe said. “How many times have you pulled on a snag and the weight came flying back at you? And we’re flinging crankbaits and spinnerbaits around out there. You get a hook in your cheek, that’s one thing, but you get a hook in your eye and you’re pretty much done.”
He noted that gray lenses work best in bright sunlight. He opts for yellow lenses on cloudy days and on early-morning runs. Amber is best on hazy, in-between days.
Slather The Lotion
For additional sun protection, Monroe will wear Under Armour provided by Cocoons this season, and he’ll also have a bottle of sunscreen within arm’s reach.
“I use SPF 30 to 45 and rub it into my face, arms, legs and neck. I shave my head bald so I apply sunscreen there too, to keep from getting burned when I’m wearing a visor or running without my hat.
“Everybody needs sunscreen out there. The sun doesn’t care about your skin color when it comes to cancer.”
Notable
> Monroe will again fish the Bassmaster Elite Series and FLW Tour. “I’ll be fishing 21 tournaments this year, and hopefully 22 if I make the FLW championship,” he said.
> He’s also excited about the 2006 Bassmaster Classic at Toho. “I’m guessing the 3-day total weight will be over 60 pounds,” he said. “But if we get freakish weather like when (Dean) Rojas won there, you might see 100 pounds. Especially with only 50 guys fishing.”
> He’s competing this year in a Ranger wrapped with Lowrance and Cocoons signage.
