Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

Glasses

A good pair of glasses is an essential item in the fly fisher’s equipment/accessory arsenal.

It is important not to "scrimp" (i.e., save some money) on this piece of equipment.  Your glasses must be polarized.  They should be of the highest quality you can afford:  ground glass lenses are better than plastic lenses, (less susceptible to scratching & better acuity) but unless you are going to make significant use of them, the cost differential may not normally be justifiable for most persons.

Polarized lenses/glasses "flatten out" and reduce the glare from the water that is prevalent wherever you fish.  They improve contrast, protect your eyes from water, wind, bugs & even the occasional "fly-in-the-face."  Even on overcast days, polarized lenses improve visibility on and into the water.

If you've ever looked for sunglasses, you know there are several styles available:
1.  "clip-ons" to put over your regular eyeglasses, from inexpensive to more costly (perfectly adequate);
2.  "over glasses" ( a pair of glasses that fit over your regular pair);
3.  specially-designed eyewear made specifically for fishing;
4.  and custom "prescription" lenses made individually for your specific vision needs through an optometrist or eye doctor.

Lens color tint depends on your fishing conditions and sight preferences.   The majority of lenses sold are gray, but brown and amber are equally effective for many people and situations.  Yellow tint is good in low light, low contrast conditions.

Many flyfishers have a strap or "lanyard" that is attached to the bows of their glasses, and around their neck, which allows them to take off glasses temporarily without complete removal; it also serves as a safety valve to prevent loss.

Polarized glasses will allow you to see much better: most important is vastly improving your ability to see the fly, the leader and the fly line you are fishing with; and also to see fish under water, see underwater aquatic structures, etc.   Keep weight in mind when selecting a pair: after a full day's fishing, they can add to fatigue and/or a sore nose.

Don't be without polarized sunglasses.

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Another good accessory for glasses is a pair of removable side shields.  These are very handy in bright, intense  glare situations.

Standard, "prescriptionable" lenses . . .



or, "fitover" types to go over your regular lenses.