Fishing has been a popular hobby for centuries. It is an excellent way to relax, stay active, and appreciate nature. One of the most sought after game fish in the United States is the largemouth bass. Bass fishing presents a unique challenge, and one of the critical components to its success is selecting the right lure. Choosing the appropriate lure color is crucial in determining whether or not you catch your desired fish. When it comes to cloudy days, finding the right lure color becomes even more critical. The following article will provide tips on the best lure colors for cloudy days to catch more bass.
Understanding Bass Vision
Before we dive into specific lure colors for cloudy days, it is essential to understand bass’s vision and how it works underwater. Like humans, bass rely on their vision to catch prey. However, their eyesight adapts differently to light conditions, and it is essential to understand what works best for each scenario. Understanding how to leverage bass vision in fishing will improve your chances of catching more fish.
Bass Vision: How It Works
Bass have unique eyesight that allows them to see colors differently than humans. The main difference is fish have fewer color photoreceptor cells than humans. Humans have
three color receptors (red, green, and blue), while fish only have two (green and blue). This means that fish rely more on contrast and shading to distinguish colors underwater.
Light Conditions and Lure Color Visibility
Light conditions play a vital role in bass vision and lure color visibility underwater. On a bright, sunny day, fish are more likely to see bright lure colors, such as white, yellow, or fluorescent colors. This is because sunlight penetrates deeper into the water, providing more visibility. On the other hand, on cloudy or overcast days, sunlight does not penetrate as deeply, and visibility is reduced. This is where choosing the right lure color makes all the difference.
Colors That Stand Out Best in Different Water Conditions
Different water conditions will also affect how lure colors appear underwater. For example, in clear water, natural colors such as brown, green, and earth tones are more likely to blend in with the surroundings and be less visible to fish. In murky water, brighter colors such as chartreuse, orange, and even pink are more effective in catching the fish’s attention.
Best Lure Colors for Cloudy Days
As previously mentioned, finding the proper lure color for cloudy days can make or break your success in bass fishing. During overcast or cloudy days, darker colors tend to stand out more, as they provide high contrast against the murky water. Here are some of the best colors for lure fishing on cloudy days:
Dark Colors: Black, Blue, Purple
Black, blue, and purple are some of the most popular colors for bass fishing. Darker hues provide higher contrast and stand out in murky water, making them an ideal choice for cloudy days. These colors can be used for various types of lures, such as soft plastic worms, jigs, or crankbaits.
Natural Colors: Brown, Green, Earth Tones
Natural colors, such as brown, green, and earth tones, are also viable options for cloudy day fishing. These colors mimic the baitfish that bass feed on and blend into natural surroundings, making them a less obvious target for the fish. Natural colors are best suited for soft plastic lures, such as worms or creature baits.
Brighter Colors: Chartreuse and Yellow
Brighter colors such as chartreuse and yellow are also effective for catching bass on cloudy days. These colors provide high visibility and contrast, making them stand out in murky water. They are best used for spinnerbaits or crankbaits, providing the necessary flash to catch the fish’s attention.
Types of Lures and Best Colors for Each
The type of lure also plays a role in determining the optimal color choice. Here are some of the most commonly used lures for bass fishing, along with their recommended color choices for cloudy days:
Spinnerbaits: Chartreuse, yellow, black
Crankbaits: Black, blue, purple
Jigs: Black, brown, green
Soft Plastic Worms: Black, brown, green
Topwater Lures: Chartreuse, yellow, black
Tips for Fishing with Lure Colors on Cloudy Days
Choosing the right lure color is only half the battle, as how you use it also plays a crucial role in catching fish. Here are some tips on how to fish with lure colors on cloudy days successfully:
Vary Your Retrieve Speed and Pattern
Changing up your retrieve speed and pattern can make all the difference in how the fish respond to your lure. On cloudy days, slower and more subtle movements tend to work better, as the fish may be less active and on the lookout for an easy meal.
Understand Depth and Water Clarity
Understanding the depth and clarity of the water will also help you choose the right lure color. Deeper and murkier water requires brighter colors that stand out, while shallow and clearer water requires more natural colors.
Match the Hatch vs. Standing Out
Matching the hatch means using lures that mimic the baitfish that bass typically feed on. This can be effective in clear water, but on cloudy days when visibility is reduced, standing out with brighter or darker colors can be more effective in catching the fish’s attention.
Experiment and Observe
Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with different lure colors and techniques to find what works best for the conditions and preferences. Observe the fish’s behavior and adjust accordingly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, selecting the right lure color for cloudy days is crucial in catching more bass. Understanding how bass vision works, and how light conditions affect color visibility is key in making the right color choice. Darker colors such as black, blue and purple, natural colors such as brown and green, and brighter colors such as chartreuse and yellow are all effective options for catching fish on cloudy days. Remember to vary your retrieval speed and pattern, pay attention to depth and water clarity, and experiment with different lure colors to find what works best for you. Happy fishing!
