Do you wear eye protection while you fish ??? 2024

Fish Chris reply :

Recently I recieved an e-mail with this title, and right away I thought to myself, "Ahhh geeez ! This is going to be gruesome" ! But it was one of those curiosity things, you know... I had to open it. And yes, it was absolutely hideous. So much so, that I would never post it on a family site such as this one.

I believe a short explanation should suffice;

Basically, this young guy had a large treble hook, with two hooks impaled directly into his eye, one into the inside corner, and one directly down through the top of his eyeball. Their was no text to go along with the photos, but I would think if the guy were VERY lucky, the hook might have been removed and leave him with at least a "little bit" of vision from that eye, if his eye did not have to be completely removed.

Now, I'm certainly not talking about all of this to freak anybody out, or upset their stomachs. But personally speaking, the answer is, "YES ! I do ALWAYS wear eye protection". Polarized fishing glasses to be exact. Now, I don't do much night fishing, but I remember thinking to myself, during a few night trips, "Since I can't see much of anything, anyway, if I go to set the hook, or am in the process of fighting a fish, I'm going to tell myself that that hook is ready to fly back at me, at any second, and just look off completely in the other direction" !

If you night fish a lot, it would probably even be smart to get a pair of those cheap, funky looking safety glasses. Heck, nobodies going to see you anyway.... Just remember to take them off for photos :-)

Anyway, from time to time, we see photos of forum members here, with a hook through the finger, hand, etc. I think we can be sure they didn't intend on this happening. Therefore, that hook could have ended up in somebodies eye, just as easily !

Think ahead ! Be safe out there !

Peace,

Fish

MALTESE FALCON reply :

I WEAR GLASSES SO I ALWAYS HAVE SOME PROTECTION. I ALSO WEAR FIT-OVERS ON BRIGHT SUNNY DAYS. BUT BEFORE I NEEDED GLASSES I ALWAYS WORE SOME TYPE OF EYE PROTECTION ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT. BECAUSE ONE NIGHT MY SONS AND I WERE FISHING AT NIGHT AND ON THE WAY HOME A BUG WENT IN MY EYE AM 40 MPH. AFTER THAT INCIDENT I ALWAYS HAD SUN GLASSES AND A PAIR OF GOGGLES IN THE BOAT.

Raul reply :

Since I 'm as blind as a bat I 've been wearing prescription glasses since I was at kindergarden, some years ago while fishing with a friend of mine and his 8 year old son we had a little "accident", my friend 's son made an underarm cast, the lure flew until the line in his spincaster tangled this caused the lure to stop suddelny and form an arch straight towards me, wihout any time to dodge it the lure smashed on my face, if it weren 't for my glasses the hook would have hooked me in the eyeball instead of hooking me in the eyebrow and cheek, lesson learned, now I have a pair of extra large glasses exclusevely for fishing.

This can happen to you:

Hedious, gruesome, gross.......yep it is, but one image tells more than a thousand words.

FlyRod reply :

I wear prescription glasses as it is, but they are large highrise aviator type so that the top of the frame does not interfere with my line-of-sight when shotgunning. The lenses are of an impact resistant material.

I use clip-on Polaroid sunglasses as well.

Even if I didn't need corrective lenses, I'd assure that I wore eye protection at ALL times, night or day, when fishing, shooting, or when engaged in ANY activity that might present a hazard.

To those who don't require prescription lenses I say: PLEASE, purchase some non-prescription NON-TINTED glasses to wear at all such times so well as some good polarized and UV protectant sunglasses with LARGE-area lenses.

More than once, I've been smacked in the face by a careless caster, a lure I've yanked free or that has pulled free from a fish's mouth. Had I not been wearing glasses (and NOT real glass...EVER!) I'd have lost an eye.

Several times, while zipping down the lake at Mach-whatever, I've been hit by bugs, hailstones, and even huge raindrops that would have done serious damage to my eyes had I not been wearing protective eye-wear.

I've also been popped by birdshot during dove or quail hunts. Somewhere, I still have a pair of shooting glasses with lenses scarred from a close call. (I keep them as a reminder.

Lastly, wear a strap to keep your glasses from blowing off at high speeds or when leaning over the side of the boat. There's little worse than bring unable to see or being blinded by glare when trying to hunt, fish, or just drive a boat or wheeled vehicle. This is especially critical if you wear corrective lenses.

Imagine being on the lake or in a stump-filled river channel, maybe in the dark, and that your glasses are now at the bottom. You've now gone from 20/20 to bat-blind...what WILL you do? If you're alone, or your crew consists of someone who can't drive the boat, you're screwed.

Even if you somehow make it back to the ramp safely, can you trailer up and drive home without risking your life or someone else's?

Did I mention kill-switches and PFDs?

You may not get a second chance, so heed the warnings now.

FlyRod

The guy who wears a belt AND suspenders.

BucketmouthAngler13 reply :

I just wear $10 sun glasses from CVS.... they seem to work fine.

Gorgebassman reply :

I wear eye protection while fishing all the time polarized sunglasses. I have found yet another good reason to do it now as well. Sun can hurt your eyes just like it can hurt your skin the prolonged exposure to UV rays is not good for them especially reflecting off the water fo 8 to 10 hrs a day.

Captain Cali reply :

During the day yes...at night no. Not yet at least. And I own a few pairs of glasses for shooting which would work perfect. One pair is going in the tackle bag right now! I don't know why I didn't think of that before.

Thanks for the tip Fish Chris.

And thanks for scaring me straight Raul! Those pics are gruesome. Got my eyes all watered up.

basser89 reply :

Thinkin back to the large musky treble hook I had buried in two of my fingers, Chris' post gave me the willies thinkin about that! But Man, when I got to Raul's post, DANG that was nasty!

During the day, I all but always wear sun glasses, but when it turns evening/dark, I'm without. Think I may have to invest in some type of eye wear for those occasions! Better safe than sorry!

Raul reply :

Scaring you guys crapless was my intention. Now get some eyegear and protect you priceless eyes.

basser89 reply :

Mission accomplished!

KU_Bassmaster. reply :

Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have never seen a pic like that befoe, but have heard stories. That's all I needed. That pic just brings home the point.

Rattlinrogue reply :

I think we all pretty much wear sunglasses during sunny days,but after seeing Raul's accident I'm probably going to think hard about some safety glasses for other times.

Top reply :

I usually always wear eye protection... but now after seeing those you can bet I will ALWAYS have some on... even after dark... I have access to some clear safety glasses... I am sure my employer won't mind me using them to protect my peepers... they will fire me if I lose an eye

Captain Cali reply :

Here is my latest addition to the tackle box!

Yup! Smith & Wesson baby! 8-)

bassmasta7 reply :

Def. a good idea. I dont really like wearing sunglasses and the only time i do is doing yard work (edging especially) and fishing. I wear my polarized sunglasses everytime i go out because I am scared of something like what Raul showed would happen. Plus, they help see in the water better. I recently got my friend to wear 'em to. Everytime i get a lure stuck in a tree i pull hard and turn my head. There's two places where I really really dont want to get hooked, one is my eyes and the other i dont really have to worry about getting hooked. That has to do with a whole 'nother kind of protection.

bow3022 reply :

How long have you guys been fishing? I myself have been fishing for 7 years, over half my life(im 16) and i have never had a single incident where I got hurt, or any of my buddies. There was a rare time where a me or a buddy would slip in the water but thats bout it. I've heard some stories but in the 7 years i've been fishing i've never worn eye protection, never will. Its just how i feel bout it.

GeneinTX reply :

quote] How long have you guys been fishing? I myself have been fishing for 7 years, over half my life(im 16) and i have never had a single incident where I got hurt, or any of my buddies.

jomatty reply :

this is something i never really thought about. i wear pol. sunglasses whenever feasible but at night or on rainy muggy days i often find it too much trouble. not anymore. more important than my safety i am very mad at myself for not thinking about this for my son. he is only 3 years old and if anyone of you fish with very young kids you know that no matter how well they listen they just cant help themselves from swinging things around sometimes and those spincast reels will malfunction at any time (just ask raul). he will be wearing his safety glasses that he already has next time we go fishing.

thx chris for starting this thread

Brian_Reeves reply :

After seeing that pic, it makes me want to get some clear lenses for nighttime when I'm not wearing my polarized :-?

Norm reply :

Quote
How long have you guys been fishing? I myself have been fishing for 7 years, over half my life(im 16) and i have never had a single incident where I got hurt, or any of my buddies. There was a rare time where a me or a buddy would slip in the water but thats bout it. I've heard some stories but in the 7 years i've been fishing i've never worn eye protection, never will. Its just how i feel bout it.

I don't mean this the wrong way, but you're young. Wait a few years and you'll probably have a change of heart.

dink reply :

Rain or shine, the shades are on. At night, the yellow lenses get the call. I am one of those guys who can't buy enough sunglasses so in order to justify my purchases, I must wear shades all the time. True, they will protect your peepers from objects flying through the air at high velocities. But, many people do not know just how much the sun's rays can contribute to macular degeneration later in life. I for one would like to keep my "good eyesight" and not struggle to thread a bullet weight years from now.

Fish Chris reply :

I concur ! I've only had a cheap set of those, just to try them.... and they were great ! They were polarized, and so they removed ALL of the glare, but yet did not remove any of the brightness. Great for early morning, late evening, or cloudy days sight fishing. I guess one could use them at night too.

In any case, I need to get a pair of high quality yellow lens glasses now....

Peace,

Fish

ejtaylor822 reply :

Excellent post Fish Chris. Nice work by yourself and Raul.

I typically wear my "working" OSHA glasses that I use when I mow or work outside. But, as someone else mentioned, I typically take them off at night/dusk. I have some clear ones that I use as well for outside. Need to keep them handy for low light fishing - those pictures make me think a lot! Another place to get good glasses are the local bicycle shops. I am not talking about the $100 Bollee's but you can usually find some pretty cheap knock off's for around $20. That's where my clear glasses come from.

Also, to help if an accident should occur (and to make catch and release easier) I debarb all my hooks - even the treble hooks. Hooked myself good last summer in the thumb with a fly. Lack of a barb made it very easy to get out and save a trip to the Dr.

Eddie

Matt Fly reply :

Only my polarized shades. Which is most of the time on the water.

SHORTY reply :

BOW 3022. Don't mean to be offensive. No! Yes I do!!! YOUTH DOESN'T JUSTIFY STUPIDITY

OR ARROGANCE !!!!!!

Raul reply :

Quote
How long have you guys been fishing? I myself have been fishing for 7 years, over half my life(im 16) and i have never had a single incident where I got hurt, or any of my buddies. There was a rare time where a me or a buddy would slip in the water but thats bout it. I've heard some stories but in the 7 years i've been fishing i've never worn eye protection, never will. Its just how i feel bout it.

Bow, I 've been fishing for 33 years, the accident I talked about happened 10 years ago, as I said, I wear glasses because I have to, but wearing glasses that day saved one of my eyeballs, 1 accident in 33 years but CRAP HAPPENS, if there 's one infinitesimal chance that things can go wrong you can bet they will go wrong.

It 's like not wearing a PFD while you are in a boat, specially in a boat in motion. You may be Mark Spitz but you can also drown. One of my uncles drowned in Lake Avandaro and the man swimed like a dolphin, that day the boat turned over and hit him in the head knocking him out, he was not wearing a PFD.

Wanna see more gruesome stuff ? I can send you a mail with a very interesting presentation on what speeding can cause.

paparock reply :

Since I wear prescription glasses, I always either wear eye protection prescription sunglasses or clear for night use. 8-)

Jeff_NHBA reply :

Gotta protect the eyes. I wear prescription glasses with polycarbonate lenses and while fishing I'll either wear my Fit-Overs (grey lens) or Cocoons amber (lens) sunglasses. The amber lens also provides excellent color definition, great for deer season...

Keithscatch reply :

I almost alwasy wear sunglasses during the day. 99% of the time. My eyes are sensitive so I make it a habit.

Since I love to night fish though I do wear cheap shop goggles that are clear while driving. Though only when driving. Wearing sunglasses just makes a dark night even darker. I have been doing this for a long time. At night when I set the hook and the line isn't attached to a fish I always close my eyes and if I have time will turn my head. But it only takes one time to ruin something as precious as vision. I will have to wear those goggles more often at night.

I am pretty safety conscious though. I am usually ducking when I have others in the boat with me when they cast, just to be sure. I have never hooked anyone while in a boat and have yet to be hooked by anyone. But I ALWAYS carry a first aid kit in my boat just in case. I have hooked myself a time or two that it has come in real handy. Since no one else mentioned it I thought I would chime in. Carry a first aid kit with you in your boat. I know several who don't.

Rebbasser reply :

Yep, but just polarized lenses. Been debating getting some clear lenses-not so much for eye protection as keeping my contacts in my eyes while running. Hasn't been a problem latelu, though-Flyrod and I have been fishing an electrics only lake.

guest reply :

For way too many years I wore no eye protection, usually including no sunglasses. They rarely lasted a week, walking off or getting mashed, and I tired of buying the things. I can't remember what they call it, but my eyelids got to where they wouldn't lay on the eyeballs tight due to stretching in wind. I just figured it was normal to see too much eyeball in the mirror after coming home. I'd been boating since 1959 never giving it a thought, just assuming I was getting dry eyes, worsened when I got a bigger faster Ranger in 2002 and doubled my speed. They were dry all right! That bothers still me occasionally even though some surgery partially correct that. Once I needed reading glasses those helped, and I found it easier to just leave them on at night, else they got crushed. They are bifocals, so they wear under polarized ski goggles when underway days. I had a duck hit me across the face at about 55 mph on the job patrolling the river, so the goggles definitely paid off. They didn't help with the sore neck and ringing in the ears for the next 6 months. Speaking of ears, wear protection whenever speeding over the water. A couple of pros are certain their hearing damage is from years of unprotected boating. Probably all of you have heard that roaring while driving home even though it's supposed to be quiet in the truck cab. The rushing wind and loud outboard does damage, no question about it.

Jim

tennsopher reply :

One of my best investmehts this past year was a pair of Native Eyewear sunglasses.They come with four sets of interchangeable lenses.They are the Nano2 style,with polarized brown,orange ,yellow,and clear crystal.Two of the colors really brighten light during dark or overcast conditions and the polarized are great.I always wear them when fishing as I have set the hook and missed,hitting my partner in the eye with the epitome of a bullet weight.Great advice Fish.

wheezo reply :

Oh man... I've been wearing polarized sunglasses lately but only to lessen the glare. This is a great post, I was always afraid that I'd get hooked somewhere. But never did it cross my mind that the eye was a possibility. I would never want that to happen to myself or my friends. It would be much worst if you hooked your friend in the eye. -.- Great post... you guys may have just saved a few eyes. =)

jomatty reply :

lesson was driven home to me just this morning. i was at the pond before sun up with my son. i had just had a talk with him and my wife saying we were gonna go shopping and get some clear protective glasses for when we are fishing and it is too dark for sunglasses. i told him he had to wear some goggles he had at home that were not that clear. well he couldnt see out of these so i let him take them off. we actually had a talk about this being the last time we were going to do this. then i hook into a bass and as im trying to maintain pressure on it he comes to the surface and shakes his head. the 1/4 oz bullet weight (pegged to the 4/0 hook) shoots like a rocket and drills my son right in the center of the forehead. thank goodness im not posting a picture of an imbedded hook. he cried for awhile (he is not yet 4) but was basically unhurt. just goes to show how easily something can happen. i think the bass gods were saying "ok we let you off easy since you didnt know any better. now you know, so quit be stupid. here is a little whack on the head to send you on the way".

ok, got it, lesson learned,

matt

GAMEOVER reply :

I wear glasses as it is. The lenses are scrach resistant and shatter proof so I have no worries about my eyes while fishing.

OSU_Fisherman reply :

I can only remember one time in my life that I have had a hook fly anywhere near my when I tried to set it. It was a jig that I was fishing about 3-5" below the surface and at strike, I guess it hit the bass' lip which popped it out of the water in time for my set. Anyway, the jig hit me square on the left lens of my sunglasses hard enough to nearly shatter the lens. :-/

The very next day I purchased a very nice pair of Polarized fishing sunglasses that are shatter proof. They'll always be in the tacklebox. ;D

BASS fisherman reply :

Nice pics! I don't technically wear eye protection so to speak. I wear perscription lenses. EEWWWW....freaky

Bream Master reply :

I've been told, though never tried, that fishing sunglasses can actually help you see the fish in the water more. Is that true?

bow3022 reply :

Yes polarized glasses do help see bassin the water since it ruduces glare. Now, i see alot of people saying im stupid blah blah blah etc etc. Eye protection isn't for me, its uncofortable, i cant stand it. But i mean what i say, i've never had a single accident where i had a hook in my skin, or something like that. I don't know bout you guys but, i don't set the hook at random and have the hook flying out or something.

Pa Angler reply :

I do. Get yourself a good pair of Sunglasses the $10 specials don't give you the UV protection you need Polarizing doesn't give UV protection it's a glare reducer/eliminator. I use the Solar Bats with the foam around the backside of the frames that seals out disturbing light.

ScroGG ToGG reply :

Polarized glasses are a must for day fishing anyways, so if your not wearing them already, your at another disadvantage besides eye protection. I say, kill two birds with a pair of polarized shades. 8-)

Nate D reply :

I do now 3 months ago i didn't unfortunately a bass exploded on my cousin's torpedo, he set the hook and to make a long story short the torpedo came flying out of the water and hooked me in my left eye where the white of the eye meets the color. Thank God the hook popped out as fast as it penetrated or more damage would have been done. The doctor says he is amazed that i am not completely blind in my left eye. However i do have permanent damage, 20/30 vision to be exact, which really bothers me at night when i get hit with headlights as it puts a strange haze on any kind of light. Do yourself a favor and buy yourself a pair of sunglasses or safety glasses and wear them. Fishing is fun and enjoyable but it is unpredictable and can have it's fair share of hazards. I had to learn the hard way and there is no price on something as precious as vision.

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Do you wear eye protection while you fish ??? 2024

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