Ask Pete Ponds the most critical factor in successful bed fishing for bass and he is quick with the answer: “Being able to see the fish.”
To be able to see the bass and watch their reaction to the lures invading their spawning beds, it is important to have a high-quality pair of sunglasses with UV coating and polarized lenses.
“If you can’t see the fish, you are not going to be successful,” said Ponds. “Sight is probably the most critical factor in bedding fish. Remember, you are not trying to entice them into biting a lure for the purpose of eating it. You are trying to aggravate them into removing it from their spawning area.
“In that respect, when they pick it up, they will only hold it long enough to spit it out, or blow it out, of the nest. Not only do you have to see that, you have to always be watching the fish’s reaction to the lure. You have to read its body language to gauge his or her aggravation. They will tell you their mood.”
Ponds suggests carrying varied lens colors.
“In low light or shady conditions, you need amber or even yellow lenses to see more,” he said. “On the opposite end, smoky gray or brown lenses are better in bright conditions.”
Many fishing companies now include sunglasses in their accessory lines, but some have taken it to a new and better level. Ponds has found one that he recommends. His line sponsor, Vicious, has introduced its Vicious Vision line of sunglasses.
“Best I have found, especially if you need a prescription lens,” Ponds said. “They have a lens with a significant increase in contrast. You can look them up online and read about it, but I will say you won’t be disappointed. I can see underwater so much better now.”
As for the increased expense, Ponds just laughs.
“You have thousands in a boat, thousands in rods and reels and all the other tackle,” he said. “Why would you not spend a few hundred more to have good sunglasses to increase your production and protect your eyes?”
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