There’s no question that today’s sensitive rods, incredible fishing lines and detailed lures — when used properly — will make you a better angler.
But sometimes the difference maker is a simple matter of improving the way you see things in better detail.
And if you’re getting older like me, you may not realize how your eyesight has deteriorated and impacts your ability to perform at a higher level.
I’ve always thought I had pretty good eyes. I had to put on those cheap drugstore reader glasses for up-close work, and as time wore on I noticed things were getting harder to see.
A visit to the eye doctor revealed I had cataracts and cataract surgery was an option.
I was leery at first, but after talking to other people who had the surgery they told me there was nothing to it. And more importantly, they said it could make a big difference in seeing things more clearly again, I decided to find out.
Man, were they right.
The surgery was simple and fast. Within a day or so, I was seeing better and realizing how much I was missing visually before the surgery.
For example, beforehand I had trouble distinguishing the boat wraps of fellow competitors during tournaments. Now I can see clearly who is fishing from afar.
I also found that I became a much better flipper and pitcher into brushpiles. I have fewer bad pitches and am far more efficient when putting my lures in tight places.
I can even hit the eyelet of my drop-shot hook easier when threading on small diameter line, and I tie knots easier than before.
Perhaps the most remarkable change occurred when watching my LiveScope Electronics. I was seeing better separation between fish and/or the bottom. My lure was easier to spot, and I became more proficient at using the new electronics.
I will be honest; I still have to use those drugstore reading glasses to tie knots in low-light conditions. But overall, my vision has improved enough that it actually has helped my fishing efficiency.
Of course, the surgery has enhanced my vision in everyday life outside of fishing.
Cataracts are quite common among the aging population, so my advice to the veteran anglers is to go get your eyes checked.
If you’ve got cataracts and the doctor says he can make you see better, do it.
Most health insurance companies will cover it. It will improve your quality of life and may even make you a better angler.
