Hard Lures - Colours

Hi Guys,

I am going to invest in a few floating minnow lures but before I do I was wondering what colours people find work best? There seems to be a range of colours imitating different species, mackerel, sandeels, sardines etc.

I would like to have a variation in colours so that I could use them in different weather conditions. According to Henry Gilbey its best to use lighter colours in bright conditions and darker ones on dull days.

Can anyone recommend a few colours that I should look for?

Cheers

Can of worms there mate
Let me say this first and foremost: there are so many factors in determining what color to use best! Here are a few to mull over, albeit you might get other, even contradicting suggestions, but consider for yourself!
Nothing can beat your own experiences.

1 Depth your fishing
2 Water Clarity
3 Sky conditions, color, etc
4 Weather

Fish biologists know, that bass (I guess that's the species your after) can see colors! They will even tell you that bass probably, see red and green better than a human! A bass can see better than us during the day and a lot better than us at night with no light.

All colors start changing at deeper depths, some becoming invisible, and some becoming more visible. The clarity of the water is a key factor in determining what color lure to use.
The changing conditions of the sky dictate what color you should be using.

As a general, rule of thumb I humbly recommend

In general, you'll want to use lighter, brighter colors in clearer water and sunny conditions, and darker lures for darker days and stained water. Now, this is a general rule, but it works pretty darn good!

Everybody has worn sunglasses sometime in their life. Did you ever notice when you wear blue glasses, things look different than they do when you wear glasses with green or yellow lenses? The different colored lenses does the same as , how the water filters the light at different water depths. This is the same way a bass' eye works, to some degree of accuracy!

Accomplished anglers also consider the weather in selecting the most effective lure color. If the sky is dark and cloudy, then choose a color that, once again, presents a prominent silhouette as the bass looks at it from below. Lures in black, brown and purple are an excellent choice for a dark, cloudy day!

For bright sunny days, switch to lighter, more translucent lures that present a subtle silhouette to fish. Baits in shades of white, gray, yellow, silver, smoke or clear are recommended!

Hope that helps and tight lines. Look forward to reading your report here

Hi Austrian,

Thanks for detailed reply!!! Lots to consider there, that really helps! I'm just getting into bass fishing so hopefully there will be a report soon