Bill Graves: New gear hits the deck, improves fishing trips
By Bill Graves
Saturday, May 24, 2008 - Bangor Daily News
My patient, much put-upon wife finds it somewhat odd that month after month, year after year, there are untold numbers of new, or at least upgraded or improved, outdoor products on the market. More to the point, she’s incredulous I don’t already own one of every cast- and-blast product available and is very skeptical that I actually need "Another Toy." I patiently explain, once again, that any outdoor item which contributes to success, enjoyment or safety is worth investigating.
My better half glowers at me and nods but doesn’t speak. As a last resort I revert to a golf analogy, hoping a reference to her favorite pastime will sway the argument. I remind my pious partner how that set of new, high-tech Ping irons elevated her performance on fairways and greens. She softens a bit and, while she’s considering, I dance a little sidestep and disappear outside to field test a new product. Oh, the sacrifices I make to keep my faithful readers updated and abreast of new gear. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
Fishgillz float
Quite a few years ago I was sitting second seat in the stern of a salmon canoe on the Restigouche River watching my fishing buddy cast while standing in the bow. All of a sudden on a long cast, a loop of fly line went astray, caught on his sunglasses and snapped them right off his face and into the river. In a split second an expensive set of polarized shades sank out of sight never to be seen again.
Another time, a fishing partner had his sunglasses actually slip off his face and disappear into the depths of a lake while he was leaning far over a boat gunnel trying to net a big fish. Without exaggeration I’ve seen a dozen sets of shades lost in waterways while angling, canoeing or waterfowling, and in most cases there’s no replacement pair at hand.
Aside from their main purpose of protecting the eyes from bright sun, glare on the water and UV rays, sunglasses are essential when flies, lures and shotgun pellets are whizzing through the air. Polarized sunglasses allow the sportsman to actually see fish and spot boating obstacles below the water’s surface, improving fishing success and safety. Also when motoring along at a good clip, my shades keep insects out of my eyes. All of these necessary functions are lost when the glasses go overboard, and while wearing a lanyard or neck cord may help, they are inconvenient and obtrusive.
Fishgillz Sunglass Co. has the answer. They produce a high-quality, stylish line of lightweight, polarized sunglasses that float! A unique polymer blend is used for the frame, producing a light, strong and flexible unit that floats with no straps, cords or bulky pads. Special Micro-Fiber lenses produced by 3M Corp. offer a multi-layer, distortion-free view through the clearest yet strongest nonglare lens on the market today. The nature of these lenses also aids in flotation.
Thanks to a wraparound design, these models offer superior peripheral vision as well as extra protection from the elements and other foreign objects flying through the area. Polarization in these sunglasses produces increased visual acuity with decreased eyestrain, allowing wearers to see past the water’s surface glare and distortion to spot objects below. Frames are resistant to saltwater and sun fade, and the sunglasses weigh less than an ounce, offering light wearing comfort over long hours outdoors.
Eight varied frame styles and lens colors are available for $49 to $59, and every pair comes with free shipping and a one-year, no-questions-asked, money-back guarantee. All models come with a floating, padded case and a micro-fiber lens-cleaning cloth. Frame styling ensures that the frame will strike the ground before the lens if the sunglasses are dropped, lessening chances of scratching. All models have rubber temple tips to assure a secure fit.
Fishgillz float so you’ll never lose another set of sunglasses in the water. Any sportsman who fishes, waterfowls, canoes, kayaks, water skis or Jetskis will benefit from these unique shades.
Contact info: www.Fishgillz.com; (949) 222-1200 .
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