My earliest fishing memory (and the one that is most responsible for getting me hooked) took place about 15 years ago off a seawall in my neighborhood. I took the advice of local fishing guru, Larry Mastry, and purchased a red and white Zara Spook and a pair of polarized shades, and was told to check under and around the docks. Well, lets just say that first topwater explosion was all it took. I became instantly obsessed, with regard to fishing in general, but especially stalking inshore game. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind, when it comes to hunting the shallows, that the most important weapon in my arsenal is a quality pair of polarized sunglasses. You can break the bank on tackle, but if you can't spot the fish, you might as well go buy lottery tickets. As a matter of fact, I’d rather sit on the couch and watch bowling (no offesnse to bowlers out there) than hit the water without my trusty friend.

A few years back, Costa Del Mar came out with something that revolutionized my fishing world - the 580 lenses. For those of you who are not familiar, let me drop some knowledge. The 580's are engineered to cut down on yellow light, or glare. Their patented technology not only significantly reduces this unwanted glare, but it also enhances contrast which is crucial for determining whether or not that shape you’ve spotted from 100 feet away is a slow moving fish or a patch of weed.

Last year, Costa unveiled the much anticipated Zane Grey sunglasses (ICAST 2009 Best in Show winner) which were named after the infamous Zane Grey reef located in Pinas Bay, Panema. Zane Grey, the author and angler, discovered the reef in the 1920’s. The Zane Grey reef is actually a seamount, and is home to some of the finest fishing grounds in the western hemisphere. While the shades haven’t been around for quite as long as the reef, they do live up to their name by offering anglers around the world with a productive, stylish, durable, and extremely comfortable solution. Being a native Floridian, I became an instant fan of the co-molded hydrolite temples, which are designed to hold tighter the more you sweat. This feature is a must for our ridiculous summers!

After you're all finished buying presents for loved ones this holiday season, you should take a minute to check out the Zane Grey 580's.