Built on Clarity, Guided by Conservation: A Conversation With Al Perkinson and My Time on the Water with Bajio

The Vision Behind Bajío

When I asked Al about the moment he knew he wanted to start Bajío, our conversation naturally led to the meaning behind the name itself. Bajío, Spanish for "shallows," perfectly reflects the brand's connection to sight fishing and the waters where anglers spend countless hours searching for fish.

Al's decision to start the company wasn't just centered on business—it was centered on purpose.

About five to six years ago, after watching the industry evolve and become increasingly corporate, he felt called to build something different. He wanted a company where conservation came first, where quality wasn't compromised, and where the culture reflected meaningful relationships, humility, and responsibility.

That philosophy continues to guide everything Bajío does today.

Sustainability has become a major talking point throughout the outdoor industry, but Al believes it only matters when paired with quality. His team continually looks for opportunities to improve sustainability throughout the supply chain while never sacrificing product performance.

When I asked what kind of legacy he hopes to leave behind, he paused for a moment before answering.

"Conservation."

Not simply as a marketing initiative, but as a way of living. For Al, it means being responsible, staying humble, remaining true to your values, and being the kind of person people will stand behind no matter what. It's a philosophy woven throughout both his personal life and the Bajío brand.

Rapid Fire with Al Perkinson

As our conversation unfolded, it became clear that fishing sits at the center of Al's world. Before we got into the technical side of Bajío, I wanted to take a few minutes to get to know the man behind the brand.

Q: When you're not fishing, what are you doing?

Al: "Probably working on a house project. I like building things and fixing things up. I'd like to think I could give Chip and Joanna Gaines a run for their money."

Q: If you had a theme song playing from the bow while you're looking for fish, what would it be?

Al: "Simple Kind of Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd."

Honestly, after spending time talking with him, the answer seemed perfectly fitting.

Q: Pizza or tacos?

Al: "I'm supreme. I'll take the pizza."

Lens Technology That Matters

Of course, the conversation eventually turned to what Bajío is known for most: its lenses.

When I told Al I would be testing the lenses during tarpon season in the Florida Keys and was particularly interested in the rose and violet low-light lenses, he immediately dove into the technology behind what makes them different.

What separates Bajío from much of the competition isn't just polarization, it's how the lenses manage light.

According to Al, Bajío lenses block 100% UV light and 95% of blue light, making them the most effective blue-light-filtering fishing lenses available today. In his view, competitors simply don't come close to that level of performance. By dramatically reducing blue light, which is responsible for atmospheric haze and visual noise over the water, the lenses create a cleaner, sharper, and more defined image.

Equally impressive is their ability to block 90% of yellow light. Yellow light can contribute to visual washout and reduce contrast, particularly when anglers are trying to distinguish fish from the bottom. By filtering both blue and yellow wavelengths, Bajío lenses help create greater separation between fish, structure, and the surrounding environment.

The result is enhanced contrast, reduced eye fatigue, and a visual experience that feels remarkably crisp throughout the day.

For anglers targeting fish on the flats, the low-light lens options offer additional advantages.

The Rose lens is built on a light copper base, creating a warm, high-contrast view that helps fish stand out against the seafloor. During my own testing, this lens consistently delivered outstanding definition and visibility while maintaining a natural appearance.

The Violet lens, meanwhile, is built on a yellow base. It also provides excellent contrast and fish-finding capability, though I noticed it introduced a slightly warmer, more yellow cast than I personally prefer.

Bajío's polarization technology is another important differentiator. The lenses achieve 99% polarization efficiency, significantly higher than many competitors, helping eliminate surface glare while maintaining exceptional optical clarity beneath the water.

What impressed me most, however, wasn't a single specification. It was how all these technologies worked together. The combination of blue-light reduction, yellow-light filtering, high polarization efficiency, and contrast-enhancing lens bases created a view that felt exceptionally clean and sharp. Fish appeared to separate from the bottom more easily, details became more pronounced, and my eyes felt less fatigued after long days spent scanning the water.

As Al explained, the first thing most anglers notice when they put on a pair of Bajío’s is the crisp clarity. After spending tarpon season with them in the Florida Keys, I completely understand why.

The Standout Performer: The Rigolets Frame 

Bajio Rigolets Rose Frame

For me, one of the biggest challenges with performance fishing sunglasses has always been fit. As a woman with a smaller face, many technical frames simply feel oversized, leaving gaps that allow light to creep in from the sides. And let's be honest, finding a pair that works comfortably with a hat can sometimes feel like an entirely separate challenge.

That's where the Rigolets excelled.

The wrap design provided exceptional coverage, shielding my eyes from incoming sunlight and reducing peripheral glare during long days on the flats. The added protection was immediately noticeable, especially when spending hours scanning the water for fish.

What impressed me most was how naturally they fit. The frame felt secure and comfortable without being bulky or overwhelming on my face. They stayed put throughout the day and paired seamlessly with the hats I typically wear on the water. That hat-and-sunglasses combination is often overlooked, but any angler who spends long days on the water knows just how important it is. The last thing you want is a frame that constantly interferes with your hat or creates pressure points behind your ears. The Rigolets struck that balance exceptionally well.

After testing several Bajío models, I found myself reaching for the Rigolets most often. The combination of coverage, comfort, and fit made them an easy choice, particularly for women or anyone with smaller facial features looking for a technical fishing frame that truly performs.

Final Thoughts

What struck me most after both my conversation with Al and my time wearing Bajío on the water is that the company isn't simply building sunglasses. It's building products designed by anglers who understand the importance of seeing fish clearly while remaining committed to protecting the waters we all depend on.

The lens clarity is exceptional. The Rose lens has earned a permanent place in my tarpon and flats-fishing kit, and the Rigolets delivered some of the best fit and coverage I've found, particularly as an angler with a smaller face.

Beyond the technology, what resonated most with me was the philosophy behind the brand. During our conversation, it became clear that conservation, quality, and humility aren't just talking points for Al—they're principles that influence every aspect of Bajío. From their commitment to sustainability to their focus on building high-quality products manufactured in the USA, the company remains grounded in doing things the right way. That same commitment extends beyond the sale. In an era of automated customer service, Bajío still offers something increasingly rare, a responsive warranty department staffed by real people you can call and talk to. It's a reflection of the kind of company Al set out to build: one that stands behind its products, values its customers, and remains true to the fishing community it serves.

At the end of the day, sight fishing is about recognizing opportunities before they disappear. Whether you're chasing your next personal best, checking a new species off your list, or pursuing that elusive grand slam, every advantage matters.

After a season of putting them to the test in the Florida Keys, I can confidently say Bajío has earned its place on my boat.

Kelley’s top pick -Bajio Rigolets Rose Frame