Fortis Sunglasses: The Ultimate Angler's Guide to Seeing More Fish

We’ve all been there. Squinting at the water, that surface glare hiding everything below. It makes you wonder: is that pricey pair of polarised sunglasses really any better than the ten-quid ones from the petrol station? And what’s the deal with all the different lens colours? It’s enough to give anyone a headache. The truth is, the right pair of glasses is one of the most important tools in your tackle box, and a quality set of Fortis sunglasses can genuinely be the difference between a blank and a personal best.

Forget the confusion. In this guide, we're going to cut through the glare and show you exactly why Fortis is a game-changer for anglers. We’ll help you understand what makes a great polarised lens, how to choose the perfect lens colour for UK waters, and find a frame that stays put, even when you’re leaning over for the net. By the end, you’ll feel confident that you’re making a smart investment to protect your eyes and, most importantly, see a lot more fish.

Why Polarised Sunglasses Are a Non-Negotiable for Anglers

Every angler knows the frustration. You're at the bank, the sun is out, and the water’s surface is a sheet of blinding white light. This surface glare acts like a mirror, completely hiding the underwater world. You can't see the fish, the weed beds, or the subtle features on the lakebed that could be key to a successful session. This is precisely why a quality pair of polarised sunglasses isn't a luxury item; it's a fundamental piece of your tackle.

To see exactly what a difference they make, this video provides a great on-the-bank perspective:

How Polarisation Works: Cutting Through the Glare

Think of surface glare as horizontal light waves bouncing into your eyes. A polarised lens works like a microscopic Venetian blind, with vertical filters that block this intense horizontal light. The science behind how polarized lenses reduce glare allows them to eliminate the reflective sheen without simply making everything dark. Unlike standard sunglasses that only dim your view, a good pair of fortis sunglasses will reveal incredible detail, depth, and movement beneath the surface.

The Tactical Advantage: Spotting Fish and Features

With the glare gone, your watercraft skyrockets. Suddenly, you can spot a dark shape cruising the margins, identify a predator holding station near a snag, or see the flash of a flank as a carp feeds over a baited area. It’s not just about seeing the fish themselves. You can pinpoint those all-important features: clear gravel spots in a weedy lake, the edge of a sub-surface weed bed, or a subtle drop-off. Seeing these details is the difference between a speculative cast and a confident one, leading directly to more bites.

Beyond Spotting Fish: Essential Eye Protection

Your eyes are your most important asset on the bank, and protecting them is crucial. A quality pair of polarised sunglasses offers three key layers of safety:

• UV Protection: Water reflects and intensifies the sun's harmful UV rays, increasing your risk of eye damage. Good lenses block these rays completely.
• Physical Safety: They act as a physical shield against stray hooks from a miscast, a rebounding lead, or a low-hanging branch when you're in a tight swim.
• Reduced Eye Strain: Staring at shimmering water for hours causes eye fatigue and can lead to headaches. By cutting the glare, you reduce strain and can stay focused for longer.

Introducing Fortis: The Angler's Choice for Eyewear

When you're on the bank, your eyewear isn't a fashion accessory; it's a critical piece of tackle. That's the core philosophy behind Fortis Eyewear. This is a brand built from the ground up by passionate anglers who understand that seeing into the water is the difference between a good day and a great one. Unlike generic high-street brands, every pair of fortis sunglasses is designed with a singular purpose: to help you locate and catch more fish.

From the optical quality of the lenses to the durability of the frames, every detail is informed by countless hours spent at the water's edge. They offer a fantastic range of styles and price points, ensuring every angler can find a pair that fits their needs and budget without compromising on performance.

What Sets Fortis Apart from a Standard Pair?

The difference is in the details. Fortis invests heavily in lens technology and protective coatings that are specifically chosen for angling environments. While fashion brands focus on looks, Fortis focuses on function. Their frame materials are selected for their strength-to-weight ratio, and the designs are tested in real-world fishing scenarios to guarantee they stand up to the demands of the sport. It's this dedication that makes them a trusted name in the angling community.

The Science Behind the Lenses

The real magic of Fortis lies in their advanced polarised lenses, which are engineered to cut through surface glare and dramatically improve your underwater vision. Key technologies and features include:

• Advanced Coatings: Many lenses feature scratch-resistant layers to handle the inevitable bumps and scrapes of bankside life, plus a hydrophobic coating that causes water to bead and roll off, keeping your vision clear in rain or from splashes.
• Superior Polarisation: The high-quality polarising filter is the key to spotting fish, identifying features, and finding clear spots in the weed.
• UV400 Protection: Every pair offers maximum protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding your eyes during long sessions under the sun.

Built for the Bankside: Durability and Comfort

A long day's fishing requires comfortable gear, and your eyewear is no exception. Fortis uses lightweight yet incredibly robust frame materials, so you can wear them from dawn until dusk without discomfort. The fit is designed to be secure but not tight, staying put whether you're casting, stalking, or landing a fish. Plus, every pair of fortis sunglasses comes with a protective case and a microfibre cleaning cloth, so you can keep your most important fish-spotting tool in top condition.

Ready to see the difference for yourself? Check out our Fortis range!

Decoding Fortis Lens Colours: Which Lens for Which Conditions?

When you're choosing a pair of fortis sunglasses, the lens colour is far more than a fashion statement. It's a crucial tactical decision. Each colour is engineered to filter light differently, enhancing your vision in specific weather and water conditions. Picking the right lens for the day can be the difference between spotting a cruising carp and staring at an empty swim. Here’s a simple guide to help you make the right choice.

Brown (247) Lenses: The Ultimate All-Rounder

If you need one pair of glasses to cover most situations you'll face on the bank, the brown 247 lens is your answer. Perfect for the variable light of a typical British day, it offers superb contrast and depth perception. This makes it much easier to spot dark shapes moving over gravel or silt. For the angler who wants a reliable, do-it-all performer, the brown lens is the undisputed champion.

Amber (AM/PM) Lenses: For Low Light Dominance

Amber lenses are your secret weapon for those productive dawn and dusk periods. Designed to excel in low light, they noticeably brighten your view and ramp up the contrast on overcast, gloomy days. This makes them absolutely ideal for stalking fish in the margins during the early morning or as the light fades in the evening. When the sun is low, amber lenses give you a critical edge.

Green Lenses: For Natural Waters and Bright Sun

When the sun is high and bright, a green lens is the perfect tool for the job. It cuts through harsh glare without distorting colours, providing a natural, comfortable view. This lens truly shines on waters with a green tint or heavy weed growth, as it helps to define underwater features and make fish stand out against the background. It’s the go-to choice for classic summer fishing conditions.

Switch Technology: One Pair for All Conditions

For the ultimate in convenience, Fortis offers its advanced 'Switch' technology. These are photochromic lenses that automatically adapt to changing light. They darken when you step into bright sunlight and lighten when you move into the shade or as clouds roll over. This means you get the perfect level of tint all day long without ever needing to change your glasses. It’s a premium option for the serious angler who demands performance in all conditions.

Choosing Your Perfect Fortis Frame: A Model Breakdown

Picking the right lens is only half the battle. A great frame does two crucial jobs: it sits comfortably on your head for hours, and it blocks out the pesky peripheral light that causes glare and eye strain. The right fit ensures:

• All-day comfort (no pinching or slipping down your nose)
• Maximum light blockage for a clearer, more focused view into the water
• A secure fit that stays put when you're leaning over to net a fish

Think of us as your personal shoppers. We've helped countless anglers find their perfect pair of fortis sunglasses, so let's break down the most popular models to find the right one for you. If you're ever unsure, check out our full range online or pop into the shop for a proper try-on.

The Wraps & Bays: Maximum Coverage

If you're all about performance, these are your go-to. Models like the Fortis Wraps and Bays are designed to hug the contours of your face. This 'wrap-around' style is brilliant because it stops light from sneaking in from the sides, top, and bottom. For the dedicated carp or predator angler who prioritises a crystal-clear, uninterrupted view of the water above all else, these frames are an essential bit of kit.

The Aviators & Vistas: Classic Style Meets Performance

Who says you can't look good on the bank? The Fortis Aviators and Vistas offer a timeless, classic style that works just as well down the pub as it does by the lake. But don't let the good looks fool you; these are serious angling tools. Their larger lenses provide a massive field of view, perfect for scanning the margins or watching a float at distance. A top choice for the angler wanting one quality pair of glasses for all occasions.

The OverWraps: For Prescription Glasses Wearers

For years, anglers who wear prescription glasses have had to compromise. Well, not anymore. The Fortis OverWraps are a game-changer, designed specifically to fit comfortably and securely over your existing spectacles. They are lightweight and cleverly shaped to avoid feeling bulky, providing a simple and effective solution. Now everyone can get the fish-spotting benefits of high-quality polarised vision without any fuss or the high cost of prescription sunnies.

Caring For Your Fortis Sunglasses & Getting The Most Value

A good pair of polarised sunglasses is one of the most important tools in an angler's arsenal. You've invested in quality to see more fish and protect your eyes, so it makes sense to look after them. With a few simple habits, you can keep your fortis sunglasses in top condition for years to come, ensuring you get the absolute most value from your purchase.

Proper Cleaning and Storage

Your t-shirt might seem handy, but it's the worst thing for cleaning your lenses. It's full of tiny abrasive fibres that cause micro-scratches over time. Always use the microfibre cloth that comes with your glasses. If there's mud or grit on the lenses, give them a quick rinse under a tap first to wash it away, then gently wipe them dry. When you're not wearing them, they should be in their protective case – not on your car dashboard or rattling around in your tackle bag.

Using Lanyards and Retainers to Prevent Loss

We’ve all had that heart-stopping moment, leaning over the water and feeling our glasses slip. A simple lanyard or retainer is the best bit of insurance you can buy. For just a few quid, a floatable retainer will save your expensive sunglasses from a watery grave. Lanyards also keep them securely around your neck, ready for action, preventing you from putting them down and forgetting them on the bank. It's a small add-on that protects a valuable asset.

Why Investing in Quality Eyewear Pays Off

When you buy a pair of Fortis sunglasses, you're not just buying another pair of shades. You're investing in a critical piece of fishing equipment. The benefits are clear:

• See More Fish: Superior polarisation cuts through glare, revealing what’s beneath the surface.
• Protect Your Eyes: Full UV400 protection shields your eyes from harmful rays during long sessions.
• All-Day Comfort: Lightweight, well-designed frames mean you'll forget you're even wearing them.

Unlike cheap pairs from the petrol station that snap or scratch after a few trips, Fortis eyewear is built to last. They are an essential tool that will help you fish more effectively and comfortably season after season. For any serious angler, they represent fantastic value and a genuine edge on the bank.

Your Clear Advantage on the Bank

As we've seen, a quality pair of polarised sunglasses is far more than just bankside fashion – it's a fundamental piece of kit for any serious angler. By cutting through surface glare, you unlock a hidden world beneath the water, allowing you to spot cruising fish, identify underwater features, and present your bait with much greater precision. It truly is the difference between guessing and knowing what's in front of you.

Choosing the right lens colour and frame for the conditions is key, and that's where this brand truly excels. As the go-to choice for serious anglers in Hertfordshire, we confidently recommend fortis sunglasses because they are a true bankside essential, designed by anglers, for anglers. They don't just protect your eyes; they give you a genuine edge that can lead to more fish on the bank.

Ready to see what you've been missing? The team here at Stevenage Bait and Tackle is ready to help you find the perfect pair for your fishing. Browse our full range of Fortis Sunglasses and see more on your next trip!

Frequently Asked Questions About Fortis Sunglasses

Are expensive fishing sunglasses like Fortis really worth the money?

Absolutely. Think of them as an investment, not just for spotting fish but for protecting your eyes. Cheaper pairs often distort your vision and offer poor UV protection. With Fortis, you're paying for premium polarised lenses that cut glare without affecting clarity, meaning you see deeper into the water. They’re also built to last on the bank, so you won't be buying a new pair every season. In our experience, they genuinely help you catch more fish.

What is the best Fortis model for carp fishing?

For dedicated carp anglers, it's hard to look past the Fortis Vistas. Their larger frame gives you an incredible field of view, which is perfect for scanning the margins and watching for signs of activity across the lake. Many models also feature their Switch technology, allowing the lens to adapt to changing light. This means you get a crystal-clear view at dawn, in bright midday sun, and as the light fades in the evening, all with one pair.

Can I wear Fortis sunglasses if I already wear prescription glasses?

Yes, you certainly can. Fortis has designed the 'Over-Wraps' model specifically for this purpose. They are cleverly shaped to fit comfortably and securely over your existing prescription glasses. This means you don't have to compromise on your vision or spend a fortune on prescription sunglasses. It’s a practical and popular solution for many anglers who need corrective lenses but still want the benefits of high-quality polarised fishing glasses while on the bank.

How can I tell if my sunglasses are properly polarised?

Here’s a simple trick we use in the shop. Find a digital screen, like your smartphone or a petrol pump display. Look at the screen through your sunglasses and then slowly tilt your head to the side. If the lenses are properly polarised, you'll notice the screen goes significantly darker or even completely black at a certain angle. If nothing changes, the lenses aren't polarised, and you're missing out on that fish-spotting advantage.

What's the main difference between the Fortis Wraps and the Vistas?

The key differences are in the fit, coverage, and features. The Vistas have a much larger frame, offering maximum lens coverage and a wider peripheral view, which is ideal for scanning broad areas of water. The Wraps have a more traditional, close-fitting design that’s brilliant at blocking light from the sides. While both are excellent fortis sunglasses, the Vistas are often seen as the premium option, whereas the Wraps offer fantastic performance and value for a wide range of anglers.

Which Fortis lens is best for winter fishing in the UK?

For those grey, overcast days typical of a UK winter, you need a lens that boosts contrast and brightens your view. We always recommend the Fortis AM/PM Amber lens. This colour excels in low-light conditions, making it much easier to spot subtle movements or dark shapes beneath the surface when the sun is weak. A dark grey or brown lens would make things too dark, but the amber lens really helps to make everything 'pop' on an otherwise gloomy day.