Today, we’ve got Mike Simboski and Allie Flake from Smith Optics to tell us all about choosing the right glasses for fishing. Hear about the history of Smith Optics, tips for picking the best lenses, and some affordable options.
Plus, we’ll dive into ChromaPop lenses and discover which glasses are the all-time best sellers.
Show Notes with Allie Flake and Michael Simboski on Smith Optics. Hit play below! 👇🏻
Find the show: iTunes | Stitcher | Overcast
(Read the Full Transcript at the bottom of this Blog Post)
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Episode Chapters with Allie Flake and Michael Simboski on Smith Optics
2:46 – Allie has been in the eyewear industry for over 15 years. She worked for various brands like Oliver Peoples, ROKA, and Costa Del Mar. She’s been with Smith as their eyewear category manager for four years.
4:44 – Mike always wanted to work in the outdoor industry. During college, he interned for a sales agency in Utah that repped Smith Optics and other brands. He worked with them for about six years. Smith restructured their sales force two years ago, and Mike got the dream job.
Animal Crackers
Snowmass Tuesday night race series
Awards following
Matt Power Photography
The History of Smith Optics
9:40 – Smith Optics started with Dr. Bob Smith in 1965 in Sun Valley, Idaho. He wanted better ski goggles to stay on the slopes longer., so he used his dentistry tools to create a thermal lens with breathable vent foam.
The idea was inspired by double-paned windows that didn’t fog up. Smith started with snow gear and later expanded to eyewear in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
13:15 – For 2025, they will focus on creating new and exciting styles while staying affordable. They’re adding more budget-friendly water activity options without compromising quality.
Finding the Perfect Glasses
17:32 – Mike explains that you can easily find where to try on Smith Optics glasses by using the dealer locator on their website.
19:00 – Allie explains how to pick the best lenses for your fishing needs. The choice depends on factors like the type of fish, environment, and weather.
Smith Optics also offers polycarbonate lenses for those who prefer lighter options or have different budget needs.
21:42 – Mike suggests matching the lens color to your surroundings, like using brown or green for places with lots of browns and greens. He also notes that blue mirror lenses are great for saltwater fishing.
ChromaPop Technology
25:41 – ChromaPop filters out specific colors to enhance clarity, depth perception, and true color. Allie mentions that by next year, all their lenses will feature ChromaPop. This technology has been around since 2014, and they’re now expanding it to all their products, not just sports gear.
Core Line: Sunglasses Made from Recycled Bottles
35:00 – Smith’s Core Line is a range of sunglasses made from recycled water bottles. Each pair uses about three or four bottles. The lenses are also eco-friendly and made from bio resin nylon.
Tips for Choosing the Right Fishing Sunglasses
40:00 – Mike mentions the importance of choosing the right size of glasses. He also highlights the benefits of using an integrated leash to prevent losing your glasses.
Glass lenses are available in various styles for those looking for the best clarity. Mike and Allie both recommend the Lowdown XL 2 as a versatile, everyday option.
Follow Smith Optics on Instagram: @smithoptics
Check out their website: Smith Optics
Smith Optics Videos Noted in the Show
Related Podcast Episodes
WFS 519 – Bajio Sunglasses with Al Perkinson – Costa, Yvon Chouinard, Jimmy Kimmel
WFS 272 – Costa with Evan Russell – How to Choose Polarized Sunglasses for Fishing
Read the Full Podcast Transcript Below
Conclusion on Smith Optics
I loved today’s conversation, especially about recycled materials and the cool innovations Smith Optics is developing. If you have any questions, check in with Allie, and if you’re in Colorado, Mike’s your go-to person.
Stay tuned for more great stuff with Smith down the line!
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I have been looking for a way to have both my sunglasses and my readers so I can see what I’m doing when tying a new fly or tippet. After listening to show 624 I decided I would order the guide bifocals from Smith Optics this weekend. Hopefully, they are what I’m looking for this fall when the Virginia trout season opens up.
For reference, I have tried the stick-on readers from a couple of different companies and have always found they come off when I need them the most. I am excited to try out the new glasses as soon as they get here.