Fishing Lure: The Color Matters

Most anglers would choose to neglect the color of the fishing lures, as they usually focus on the fishing rod and the reel. In most cases, the color of the fishing lure is not the most important factor in attracting fish. But the size, shape and swimming posture are important characters of the bait, which will trigger the fish to chase it. However, the color of the fishing lure can be quite important under some circumstances. Let’s see why.

1. The importance of the lure’s color

So, why the color of the bait can be so important? Firstly, the color of the bait helps to attract and entice fish; secondly, the color of the fishing lure helps to emphasize the size, shape and style of the bait; and thirdly, the color of the bait can match the bait fish or food that a predator fish usually chase or eat.

2. The flash effect of spinner baits with metal flake

The fishing lures that with metallic texture are very helpful to catch fish, because they are similar to bait fish that flash. The spinner baits with metal flake represent a group of small fish. The biggest advantage of the metal flake spinner baits is that they can attract the fish from a long distance by flashing. Metal flask spinner baits and spoon baits work great, especially in sunny days.

When choosing metal lures, keep in mind that most lures the come in chrome color are nickel plated. Although the nickel color looks shiny, it is actually quite low in reflectivity. If you take a picture of a nickel colored lure, you will see a tiny dark black reflection. Comparing the nickel to a real silver plated lure and you will find that the silver lure reflects more light, it actually has a white tint or glare.

This is not to say that silver plated lure is better than nickel plated lure. Silver plated lures can attract fish from a distance, but the bait is usually too big and may scare away some fish. While nickel plated lures will attract fish from a relatively shorter distance, and they are less likely to scare away fish.

In bright sunlight, when the water is shallow and clear, nickel plated lures are usually a better choice than silver plated ones. Because fish are more likely to be startled then. In addition, fish do not like bright sunlight, and they are especially timid at this time, as nickel plated or chrome plated lures are not very bright, and fish tend to be more aggressive towards it.

Gold is a great color for the reason that it has a high reflectivity similar to silver, but with a warmer tone. This means it can flash and evoke fish from a long distance, as this is a warm shade. Gold is a decent compromise.

3. The main colors of lures

There are many colors of the lures on the market. What can be usually seen are, white, fluorescent, yellow, pink, black, red and white, metallic and transparent. Which color among these do you usually use?

4. Four necessary lure colors

If you can only choose four lure colors, these colors are must have, white, black, fluorescent, and metallic. They provide the perfect solution in all conditions, no matter what weather, day or night.

White is the most visible and reflective color, and it can be used in most light conditions including darkness. The effects of black lures are about the same in any lighting conditions, and fluorescent lures are more professional as they work best in low light, cloudy days, and low water clarity. On sunny days with abundant sunlight and clear water, fluorescent lures cannot be used normally and metallic lures have the best performance. Metallic lures can work very well under full moons and cloudless nights.

5. DIY the lure color

It is very feasible to use ink to repair plastic lures and increase their visibility in certain lighting conditions. Use blue or black to create unique scale patterns or realistic dark light contrast. Red is a good choice for adding a nice gill pattern. Yellow and black can be used to create a pair of fish-like eyes. We can usually keep these paints in our fishing box. 

6. Why do you need a variety of colors?

When a fish is in an active predatory state, it is possible to cast the same lure over and over again, this can always catch a fish. Then, after the fish know they are fooled by a certain color, they become immune to that color and will not bite. There are many times when a lure catches a fish and then becomes ineffective, this is when you need to change a spot or a different fishing lure.