What is the science/theory on artificial bait color in dark vs. clear water?
Space Coast Florida here. I fish maybe 4-5 times a week and go along with conventional wisdom that in clear water you go bright and white and in stained/muddied/dark water you go blue/black/red/rootbeer. Logically, it seems backwards as you'd think white would stand out in dark water versus dark baits. What's the theory/science?
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by Clodhoppa81
The prevailing theory (in bass fishing, at least) is that darker colored lures are advantageous in lower visibility water because it creates a more defined, and potentially larger, silhouette. So it's easier for the fish to see and pick up on.
That said, they're simply guidelines, and certain variables work against that logic. If the lure rattles or makes any kind of noise, for example, you probably don't need to worry about color quite as much.
I catch a lot of fish on white/shad imitation crankbaits, and damn near all the water I fish is, at best, stained.
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by killyouintheface
In the clearer water you go to the more natural colored baits. most baitfish have silver or whiteish sides that's kind of the logic behind the white or lighter colors and for the dirtier waters the darker colors stand out and are easier for the fish to see. I tend to go more with the greenish shades in clearer water no matter where I fish and seem to get better results. when it's sunny I'll be sure to use the added shades with red or gold flake. just a little something extra.
Darker baits put off more shade and shadow in muddy water and bass can KEY in on them better.
I have been told to use lighter colors and flash in clear water - fish will be sight feeding; and, use vibration (big thumping baits) in stained water.
Color Matters, Now go try to fiqure the rest out. Good Luck
Never leave home without scent makes giant difference using worms or jigs
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