My new favourite fishing sunglasses | Smith Hookset review

When it comes to fishing, there are certain items of tackle or accessories that, regardless of your skill level, really can help you catch more fish. Ask any top angler, from any discipline, what their top five essentials are, and I can almost guarantee that a pair of polarising sunglasses will be on the list.

About ten years ago, I began hearing of anglers using them while fishing, but I was dubious about how much difference they could really make, until a friend I was fishing with told me he could see fish that I couldn’t. Naturally, I tried to call his bluff by putting on the glasses, and it completely opened up an underwater world I had never seen before. Needless to say, I went straight to the shop and bought a pair.

Like many anglers, I’ve been guilty of thinking that a cheaper pair of polaroids would do the job, and while budget versions are adept at helping you see what is going on, as with most things, you get what you pay for.

The Smith brand is recognised worldwide for its quality and whatever outdoor pursuit you’re passionate about, they have a pair of glasses to suit your needs. I’ll admit, when I first saw the price tag, I wondered how any pair could possibly be worth it, that was indeed before I tried them on.

Comfort and design

Before anything else, it’s worth mentioning that the Hookset glasses are exceptionally comfortable, an important factor because if you can’t wear them all day, they’re useless for fishing. The rubber arms and nose bridge keep the glasses secure, while the wraparound design prevents them from slipping off when you’re peering into the water (something we’ve all experienced when a pair ends up in the lake). I found the coverage spot on too, not so big that they overwhelm your face, and not so small that they let in light, thus reducing the effectiveness of the polarising lens.

The clever spring-lock hinges self-adjust to your head, a feature I hadn’t seen before, which also eliminates the arms digging in on hot days when your face can swell slightly. There’s also a leash retainer that attaches to the frame for extra peace of mind, though I personally don’t use it.

As with all fishing gear, durability is key. I’m as guilty as any angler when it comes to being rough on my kit, but after months of wear, I’ve yet to put a scratch on the lenses. They’re also 100% UV resistant, so not only do they look great and help you see more, but they also provide unbeatable protection for your most important fishing edge...your eyes!

Functionality

All polaroids work well in bright conditions, but on days when the light isn’t ideal - or when you need maximum clarity - the Smith Hookset really stands out from the crowd. It’s like comparing a standard TV to a high-definition one, in that you don’t realise how poor the standard is until you experience the upgrade.

The ChromaPop lenses are exceptional. They do exactly what they promise by helping to sharpen clarity and boost definition the peering into the water. They also significantly reduce eye strain, which is vital when you’re spending hours chasing fish around a lake. We’ve all had those days where we return to the swim with sore eyes, unmotivated, when that is often the time we should be fishing at our best.

I prefer a darker lens when I am fishing, as I feel it gives me the best contrast when looking into the water, but even on overcast days the Chromapop lenses really help you see further into the water. I like to categorise myself as an all-rounder, one week I'll be chasing carp on a syndicate, the next down the river after cautious chub and barbel, all while heading to the beach in between. Since I first started using these glasses, I can honestly say, they haven't left my head.

One thing I have noticed too, when using the Smith Optics Hookset over my standard glasses, is that you notice more subtle signs as they seem to enhance your peripheral vision. How often do you walk along the riverbank or around you local lake and have your head turned thinking you had seen something, well I found that to be happening a lot more wearing these. This is a massive advantage when you aren't putting 100% in and are casually walking around a lake, as it will create more opportunities which in turn, will put more fish in your net!

They would also be particularly advantageous to match anglers, particularly when mugging plays a big part at your venue. Not only will you be able to see carp that are sat deeper down in the water, you will see them on days others struggle.

Cons

The only real major flaw I could find with the Hookset glasses had to do with the leash retainer, which obviously can be mitigated by not using it, but if you are an angler that does like to, there are a couple of things I noticed to be aware of.

The stiff design is great for those who don't like a traditional lanyard rubbing on their neck as this one sits off the glasses and your body. This does however bring about its own complications. If you like to walk about when fishing and are often found in the undergrowth or navigating through trees and branches, it won't take long before the leash snags on something and pulls the glasses into your face.

The strength and the way the leash attaches to the Hookset glasses is strong and easy, but it also attaches to the weakest part of the glasses. It can be difficult to remove when you first start to use it, and if you're are particularly heavy handed, I can see someone breaking them, especially with wet or sticky hands. What I will say is, if you want to use the leash, I can't see any possibility of the glasses detaching which is great.

Apart from this, again my personal preference is to use the glasses without the leash, I have found them to become my go-to glasses now and I wouldn't be without them. While I understand they aren't in everyone's budget, if you can stretch to a pair of Smith Hookset glasses, you won't be disappointed.

Author Aidan Bordiuk is an enthusiastic angler who enjoys all fishing disciplines from match fishing to beach casting. He is currently occupying the position of Digital Editor at Angling Times.