It's probably time

[Big T]

I have been blessed with good sight thus far but age has crept up on me and I need to start considering some help. I finally went to the eye doctor, and while I could use some help its still optional. Most of the solutions have some drawback so for now I think I just want to go with something to help me tie tiny stuff on.

Are the flip down cheaters my best option?

[3-wt]

Big T, I have an issue with this also, mainly where it's shady. In decent sunlight I can generally hold the hook eye up to the light and make do. I use the Flying Fisherman amber lense glasses you've recommended before, so I'll often just flip those down and out of the way. To your question, though, I'm not aware yet of another solution other than the flippers, and I've been told AO sells them. MM

[splatek16]

Recently, after a fishing outing, I arrived home to a GF that asked "do you want to go to Bass pro shops?" I am used to her just having my beer ready, but this was a new twist. At any rate, after browsing around overpriced hooks, beads and god knows what else, I saw these sunglasses that had the magnifiers in them; like bifocals, but magnifiers. I tried them on and at first they seem to be distracting, but then I started to think about it: If I position my camera JUST RIGHT, the tiny little fish I catch could be made to look like the ones all those bucknasty chasers catch... Alas, I did not purchase them, but I think this, too, could be an added benefit to the flip-n-cheaters....

#GettinOldAintForSissys

[RScott]

Old and degrading

[ferrulewax]

My dad really likes the bifocal sunglasses. Luckily, I don't yet face this problem, but I'm sure I will soon enough.

He prefers the Smith Optics Bifocal magnifiers for trout fishing, where one has to tie many more knots, as the magnifiers take up a bigger area of the lens space. This makes the magnifiers easier to use. For stripers, bass, and saltwater, he likes the costa version because the magnifiers are smaller and more out of the way for general use.

[Prowler]

I have two pair of the flip downs and ended up just going with high powered cheap readers that I keep in the side pocket of my vest. I like them better. Ideally I would like my costas to be prescription but I'm gonna have to wait on that until I have deep pockets like T!!

[ferrulewax]

You may also check out the magnetic magnifiers. I know some guys that keep these looped around their necks and use them all the time.

Not sure if this is the original brand:
http://www.clicmagneticglasses.com

[NetBoy]

I love my flippers. But I had to duct tape them to my hat so I look stupid.

[Dave375]

If you are not at the needing prescription glasses stage yet then I also found the sunglasses with magnifiers to work well. Recommend also having a cheap pair of readers with you because they will work regardless of light conditions.
Draw backs to the readers are it takes a little more time to fish them out of your pocket and often need to defog them at each use. Draw backs to the sunglasses with magnifiers are if you go with the small bifocal section you need to position your hands just so to see to tie the knots. If you go with the larger bifocal you're vision can be distorted when looking straight down for the next place to put your foot while wading, going down stairs, etc. The flippers work well for a lot of people, I could never get used to them.

[Big T]

Thanks guys, confirmed what I feared which is a drawback to each solution. I will start with the cheap experiment options before I go prescription sunglasses.

[groundpounder]

I've started experiencing the same thing T. I've gotten a pair of readers for occasional use but am still trying to be in denial for needing them. I haven't taken them fishing yet because I'm still able to make the knots for now (but getting more difficult).
But I'm also tying with a lot larger line and hook that's easier to see than what you are using.

[fishmonger]

Step by step process:

1. Admit you need them (Skibum, this one is for YOU!)
2. Go to Walgreen's, buy 3 packs of $15/3 pairs of readers
3. Sprinkle reading glasses everywhere you might need them, ie, in the truck, on the coffee table, in your vest, etc.
4. Be thankful you don't need glasses all the time (Skibum, this one is NOT for you!)

FM

[retiredmp]

I have prescription trifocal sunglasses. I still need a pair of the magnetic readers that Ferrulewax referenced.

[Big T]

I will summarize what I have found out for those who might be in the same boat.

I could get (most expensive) progressive lensed sunglasses that correct your long range vision up top then transition into mid range correction then close up on the lower end. It is a smooth transition unlike bifocals. However, it will create a blur in your peripheral vision. The more expensive the lens the less blurry area, but still more than I think I want fishing.

Then there are less expensive bifocals, which either you have to work to find the sweet spot for magnification to see the close up stuff or have a large magnification area down low that would most likely drive me nuts when I am not using it.

Since my long range vision is still good except for driving at night I am getting a pair of glasses to help with that and stick in the vehicle. I will see if readers or the flip downs work best for my knot tying.

[Swimmer]

I will summarize what I have found out for those who might be in the same boat.

I could get (most expensive) progressive lensed sunglasses that correct your long range vision up top then transition into mid range correction then close up on the lower end. It is a smooth transition unlike bifocals. However, it will create a blur in your peripheral vision. The more expensive the lens the less blurry area, but still more than I think I want fishing.

Then there are less expensive bifocals, which either you have to work to find the sweet spot for magnification to see the close up stuff or have a large magnification area down low that would most likely drive me nuts when I am not using it.

Since my long range vision is still good except for driving at night I am getting a pair of glasses to help with that and stick in the vehicle. I will see if readers or the flip downs work best for my knot tying.

On the really little stuff, I tie a length of tippet on the fly at home and then just double surgeon's knot the thing onto the leader at the river. And... you're not old. You're younger than my boys. ,😁

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