How To Tell When To Switch Colors

[Preytorien]

I'm planning on really giving a more thorough use of jigs this coming season. I recently got a few Seibert jigs, and they look amazing. There are black/blue variations and natural variations.

 

My question is, how do you tell when to switch colors of jigs?

 

I know black/blue are ideal for stained water, and green/watermelon/pumpkin/natural are good for more clear water, but how do I tell if it's stained enough to warrant one color over the other?

 

I ask because I fish several places, all with varying water clarity, so I'd like to make sure I'm using the best color for the job. I just haven't ever heard something to the effect of say "two feet or less visibilty use black/blue" or something like that.....just stained water = black/blue, clear water = natural....but what's a good rule of thumb to determine what's stained and what's clear?

 

Any ideas?

[aavery2]

Tie one on throw it out, if you catch fish the color is good, if not try something else. Seriously, there is no magic formula for when to change colors, the fact is that they are probably a lot more important to us than they are the fish.

[MIbassin]

I find that if fish are ignoring your lure completely, it most likely isn't color alone, if fish are almost-but not quite committing to your bait…this is where i change colors and most of the time it works.

[ww2farmer]

I'll switch a lot of things before I switch colors. If I am not getting bit on a jig, color has nothing to do with why.

[Mike L]

I'll switch a lot of things before I switch colors. If I am not getting bit on a jig, color has nothing to do with why.

This is what I do also.

I spent too much time thinking I should get bit use a particular bait and/or color to "force feed" them with something I think they should hit.

Sometimes it "can be" just a color change to entice a hit, but more times than not just reading what theyre telling me and adapting to that will give better results.

I give the least amount of thought to making just a color change.

Mike

[Hogsticker]

If you're not getting bit I would focus on the size of your presentation before color. Also, the obvious HOW you're presenting your presentation. Sound and noise is something I would also consider before color. Once dialed in a change in color can be addressed to put it all together. Good luck

[n8cas4]

I'm in the same boat as you with using the right jig color given the water clarity. I'm always unsure if I'm using the right color or not.

To build confidence is to get bit. We all know jig fishing is less bites than normal. And you want to make sure everything is perfect in your presentation of the jig if you're only getting a few bites. Unfortanely, you can't tell as well as reaction baits if a color change is needed with a jig. You can drive yourself crazy changing size, sound, color, trailer - when you have little clue as to why they're not biting your jig because it's not your confidence bait. I think all these uncertainties only add to the troubles of gaining confidence in the jig.

I'm going to try to build more confidence in the jig this year by spending less time switching this or that. I think time is better spent understanding the proper feel of working the bait and learning as much as you can from the few fish caught on the jig. This requires more time and commitment to the jig actually being in the water. Don't get me wrong, I'm going to do my best to throw the best jig given the conditions, but less time contemplating changing this or that.

I'm usually the one asking the questions, but I just thought since I'm in the same boat, I'd throw in my thoughts.

[Zach P]

Color variation and water clarity do matter and it seems like you have the right idea as far as color choices in the circumstance. On the other hand just because the fish aren't biting most of the time it doesn't mean it's the color (especially if you are following your own set guidelines). I fully believe what it comes down to is cadences. A lot of guys will refer to cadences when fishing jerkbaits but it relates to more lures than just jerkbaits. Remember just moving a lure a certain way under the water like a jig will make a huge difference to get the fish to bite. If you are just slowly pulling the jig down a steep bank in the cold and occassionally letting it fall on slack line and they aren't biting try letting it sit against individual pieces of timber or rocks and rocking the jig back and forth. If this doesn't work try changing the jig trailer as it's probably the reason you aren't getting bit. If we are talking about jig color in summer months, and again you are following you color patterns you previously worked out, and you still aren't getting bit vary your retrieves. For instance with football jigs try different hops of the jig if the first doesn't work, also try letting your jig just sit still for a period of time. I've always been told that while movement is important you are more likely to get bit with a jig on the fall when first casted or when it is sitting still and the bass are judging whether or not to eat it. Hope this helps!

[Catt]

Huh! Let me see if I get this!

If I throw a black-n-blue in clear water I will not get bit?

Oh! I get it, its same reason I can't throw a jig on my Spinner bait rod, they get confused!

[Felix77]

Its simply more about presentation than color IMO.

[basscatcher8]

change color when you no longer have confidence in it plain and simple. I agree with these guys its a very small part of the equation and other factors come first but if its hurting your confidence in the bait then change the color.