Lure colors and patterns

[moby bass]

I understand the logic behind many of the lure colors and patterns in that they are trying to mimic natural forage and shapes.  What I don't quite understand is why a bass or any fish be attracted to some of the patterns that are available.  For instance would a bass be attracted to a minnow shape in a frog pattern?  And what is the attraction to say some of the splatterback patterns on Norman lures, as well as some of the colors.  Silver Rapalas seem to be one of the best producers because they mimic a shad or a shiner or common minnow.  So why do other unusual patterns work, or don't they. What patterns and colors and shapes do you guys stay away from that might be considered gimmicky.   I know fish don't think, so I don't want to over analyze this.  

[Grey Wolf]

Colors don't mean much on fast moving baits , it's about presentation for the technique you are using. So what if you use a frog color on a bait that looks like a minnow.

Shades of color for contrast is what I adhere to when I slow down to fish.

[Marty]

Many fishermen, including me, have color far down the list of factors required to attract bites. Science has told us that fish are instinctively attracted to movement and that the concept of "natural" means nothing to them. A lure must appeal to their senses.

So your questions and comments are based on an arguably false premise, namely, that lures must be imitative in order to work.

If you're interested in the science of fish senses, you might try the book, Knowing Bass, by Dr. Keith A. Jones.

[fretfishman]

often we give the fish both too much credit and not enough credit in regards to their intelligence. that's why we're constantly over-thinking things, I suppose.

colors aren't that important in many situations like fast-moving crankbaits, although sometimes a certain color allows them to home in on the lure in a given water condition. I will always say color is somewhat important in clear water, though. I've seen it too often to think otherwise.

the biggest thing to remember about color is that it looks much different in the water than it does to our naked eye. things like water conditions, sunlight and current drastically change the look and we haven't even mentioned flash yet - which can be a big turn on or off for a fish. if variables in the water didn't occur colors like firetiger would seem like the impossible fish-catching color, I'm sure...but it works more often than not. how about hot pink working so well for several fish species? seems odd, but it looks way different in water and is more about attraction and reaction than it is about inspection.

color just isn't that important in a lot of cases. we're more fascinated and discerning about color than they are!

[Raul]

Many fishermen, including me, have color far down the list of factors required to attract bites.

So your questions and comments are based on an arguably false premise, namely, that lures must be imitative in order to work.

X2

Hey Marty, it 's real pleasure to finally meet you in person. It 's the first time in many years we 've met in this and in many other forums that I 've been able to see how you look like.

[Wayne P.]

fretfishman, I have found that bait colors have no effect in catching results no matter what the water color is. I carry at least 10 different colors most of the time for no other reason than whatever color is in stock where I buy them. I will use bright colors when bed fishing so I can see it and not for any other reason. When I finish a package of a particular color, I just pick up another pack without bothering to check to see what color it is. I was fishing at a lake Thursday that had 6'+ visibility and my most productive presentation was wacky rigging finesse worms.  I ended up using up two 20 piece packs of finesse worms in watermelon with red flakes, and junebug. The next package I picked up was bubblegun and I still was catching them with that color when I quit. I prove it to myself all the time that it's the presentation that attracts the bass and not any particular color to match any water conditions. My total bass count for the day was 90. Last week I fished the same lake and used green pumpkin, pumpkin, watermelon with purple flakes, and red shad with similar results.

I experience the same with all other bait types and the most important feature seems to be size and rate of retrieve.

[Catt]

Don't completely discount color  

During early spring a red Rat-L-Trap will put any other color to shame

Black-N-Blue jigs will out fish all others under any condition

Pink Wacky worms will catch when all others fail

[JShrock07]

I pay close attention to the action of the bait more then the color. But the time of year and water clarity helps me determine color.

[fretfishman]

Wayne, I know a lot of people say that - so I have no doubt that has been your experience. I've tied on a couple colors of a lure and then tied on another and that would be the only color they'd hit. I had this happen a couple months ago even. to check, I tied on some roadrunners after the crankbaits and they wouldn't hit until I tied on the silver and white. that day, color mattered more than lure - strange. I found no schooling baitfish, either, since that was my first thought...although, I knew some were near. I've experienced the color phenomenon Catt is talking about, too. some of it is wild (pink worms?!) and some of it makes sense. (black and blue jigs)

anyway, like I said - color is not that important, but it does matter sometimes. I have been in fish frenzies like the one you mentioned, though, and I had confidence I could tie on my shoe and they'd eat it...if it weren't size 15.

[Munkin]

Color only matters when it matters!

I have learned to limit myself to 5 or 6 colors for each type of soft plastic. Cranks I use 3 basic colors; baitfish, crayfish and chartreuse and worry more about action or diving depth. By limiting your selectiion you spend more time fishing and less switching colors.

Remember those 68 different colors the companies offer for each bait are meant to catch fisherman not fish!

Allen