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Pro Staff Question - What Is The Best Method To Determine Lure Color
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart's Answer
To be honest there is no easy way to determine color selection.
There are three popular water clarity types that most pro anglers will use to aid in lure color selection.
Depending on where you live and fish, there may be different variations of each but most of the time these three will provide you with all the information you need.
Learn to distinguish between the three and use the following guidelines to help make your lure color selection a little more accurate.
Here is what I do when faced with the three standard water clarity types.
Clear water
Light, pale colors (clear if possible).
Small to medium size.
Use a fast retrieve.
Stained water
Light brown, green and maybe a little chartreuse.
Medium sized.
Use a moderate retrieve.
Muddy water
Black, dark green browns and blues (Larger rattles if available).
Medium to large size.
Use a slow retrieve.
Remember to try and find out the color of the local baitfish and the crawfish to aid you in your color selection.
Size and speed can vary dependent upon baitfish size and water temperature.
If the water is warm speed up retrieve, if cold, slow down.
In clear water I like a fast retrieve, as I do not want the bass to get a good look at the lure and possibly reject it.
Tight Lines!
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart
BassonHook Pro Staff
Dennis "The Fishin Professor" Bryant's Answer
Lure Color Choice Kept Simple
The most simple suggestion I can offer would be to:
1. Consider using BRIGHT colored lures on BRIGHT sunny days or in CLEAR water.
2. DARKER colored lures on OVERCAST or DARK days or in STAINED water.
In most cases the above "rule of thumb" works out pretty well.
Good Fishin'!
Dennis Bryant
The Fishin' Professor!
Leo Watson's Answer
As a rule of thumb for clear water and clear skies use a clear bait.
For stained or muddy water use a darker bait.
For the most part I try to keep color selection simple.
Bass Forage Indicators Will Also Determine Lure Color
I try to use shad patterns if the shad is the primary forage.
If they are feeding on crawfish then I use my light blues, pumpkins, an even watermelon shades.
This is just a reference for colors.
Like I said keep it simple.
Don't get carried away with to many variations as all this will do is over crowd your tackle box.
Thank you,
Leo Watson
