Water Clarity question

[Bamajoker]

How the heck can i tell the water clarity and decide the best bait color for it. I hear it all the time but have never known how to determine it.

[ksboy]

I've heard of different views on this. The one that makes most sense to me is that if you can see a white lure at 18" depth, the water is clear, 12" the water is stained, less equals muddy. But I guess you could apply your own standards as you fish more.

[brushhoggin]

All i can tell you is how i normally go about it. I try and keep it simple. In murkey water(all i ever really fish) I fish junebug, blacks, blues andmaybe red. If it's darker than the water, it's easier to see supposedly. Whatever, i have confidence believing that. Then the few chances i do get to fish clearer waters, i'll use greens and browns. Then as all-time quarter back, white, chrome and chartreuse colors.  I've always done just fine narrowing it down this way

[florida strain]

take a glass jar and scoop some water , hold to the light , if you can see through it clearly its clear, if it looks like sweet tea its stained , if it looks like black coffee, its muddy. ..the darker the water- the darker the lure.

[Bamajoker]

take a glass jar and scoop some water , hold to the light , if you can see through it clearly its clear, if it looks like sweet tea its stained , if it looks like black coffee, its muddy. ..the darker the water- the darker the lure.

I like that.