Among the variables involved in picking the most enticing lure for your favorite fish, color ranks way up there with proper action, size and presentation. The best color combo to use, obviously, is the one that fish will strike. Unfortunately, we don't always know what hues will turn the fish on, thus we have to experiment . For a long time scientists and anglers argued as to whether fish see color. The now unanimous opinion is that they do.
Experience provides the best means of choosing the right lure color.
You'll find a wealth of articles and books addressing the color preferences and theories for most popular gamefish species. And don't forget, local knowledge is often 90 percent of the game. When local knowledge isn't available, pick a lure with colors similar to the local prey. Don't expect color alone to offset such foibles as improper lure action or clumsy presentation, but never underestimate the importance of a change in hue. For additional information, see the complete article in the Summer 1998 issue of GO Boating Magazine.