Al Perkinson’s Top Bajío Picks for Every Situation
All photos courtesy of Bajío Sunglasses.
Since being introduced to Bajío Sunglasses a few years ago, we’ve become huge fans of the brand, their products and everything they stand for. Hanna and I both have multiple pairs, and they’re consistently on the top of the pile when it comes time to pick – stylish, comfortable, with exceptional lenses.
We’ve already interviewed two of the women behind the brand – Marguerite Meyer and Melinda Mize – about their favorite shades. Now we’re going to co-founder Al Perkinson, a legendary figure in the world of polarized sunglasses, for his picks.
First, here’s his view on the genre:
The right sunglasses are essential equipment for fishing, for sure. We make ours with that in mind. Lens technology can change the game and good frame fit can make long days on the water much more enjoyable and hassle free.
But one of the coolest aspects of sunglasses is that they are transformational. You can see this if you ever watch people try them on. They put on a pair of sunglasses, turn to their friend and do a little arms-out “heeeyyy…. They instantly are transformed from a normal person into a rock star, a movie star, an elite athlete, or a badass gang banger.
If you want to elevate your appeal or reveal your true identity shades can make it happen. Pretty funny.
Next, here are some of his favorites from the Bajío lineup and the stories behind them:
Named after the coolest guide in Mexico, Mr. Sandflea of Holbox, Vega is my favorite fishing frame. It has wide temples, a full wrap and a large fit. It gives me that cocoon feel with ultimate protection in full sun.
The blue mirror glass lens is dark, with 10% light transmission. The grey base is low contrast and optimal for spotting billfish and mahi offshore.
Bright sun, big fish!
In low-light conditions, the rose mirror lens in glass does the trick with 16% light transmission.
And I like the blue and green water pattern frames. They look totally at home on any boat.
Stiltsville is an extra-large, full wrap frame with thinner temples. The larger eye shape opens things up and accentuates the incredible colors of the flats. Named after the stilt homes and speakeasies off the south Florida coast, they’re my go to flats style.
The green lens with high contrast amber base is perfect for fish spotting in turtle grass, rock, or moss. And the 12% light transmission is dark enough for bright sunny days.
At dawn, dusk, and cloudy days, the violet lens rocks. It’s super high contrast red base and 22% light transmission are electrifying!
The green stripe and gray tort frames conjure flats bottom and turtle grass.
We asked our design team to make a metal frame that was a cross between Porsche Carrera and Elvis. They came through for us and developed Clink.
It’s not really a frame for catching fish, but what the hell, we can’t always be on the water.
My favorite color is gunmetal grey. The silver mirror is the choice when I’m trying to feel more badass and rose when I’m feeling kind of happy!
12-South was named for one of my favorite stretches of beach in the world, the two-lane ocean road in the Outer Banks of NC. We used to go there when I was a kid. Both the fishing and the waves are world class, while the vibe is super chill. The remoteness is what I need to escape and relax.
The whisky fade with blue mirror is probably my favorite color combo, but the black with silver mirror has some cool attitude when that is needed.
He’s also very proud of the Bajío hats we’ve raved about here and here. There’s a story behind them, too:
Our friend and resident tattoo artist, Casey Anderson, does the artwork and Marguerite turns them into cool hats and other things. I like the tarpon trucker, the permit grandpa and the corduroy bonefish the best.
I also love the rooster, He comes from the side of a building in Xcalak, Mexico and has helped us raise money to clean up the beaches there. There’s a legendary figure in Xcalak whose name is Rooster because he has red hair. He gave us permission to use it and we’ve used it for good.
