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DEL.ICIO.USThis week’s question: Bass see red, but will they bite?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I read an interesting article in this month’s In-Fisherman magazine on the surge of red in the bass-fishing world — as in red lines, red hooks and red lures.
The article, “An Inside Look at the Red Tackle Revolution” by Steve Quinn, took a bass-eye’s look at the color, and what affects the color might have on attracting bites.
Red could simulate blood of an injured baitfish or be identified as the color of a crawfish, a favorite source of food for bass. Red lines are said to become less visible in clear water because the wavelength of light that makes red absorbs in water before other colors.
I found the article interesting because of an recent outing I made with Lake Allatoona guide Fred Duncan, who filled a spool on a reel of mine with Cajun Red Lightnin’ line. I’m not saying Duncan is a believer in red line — he might have just wanted to get rid of his — but I still decided to give it a month or so to see if it results in more bites.
More on that after I get a few more chances on the water.
I came away intrigued with Quinn’s article, even though it doesn’t really answer the question on whether the color red makes a positive impact on bass fishing.
Bass can distinguish between colors in reds and greens much better than blues and violets, but that may not mean they’re attracted to it. They could be patterned to bite at red lures, however, if their diet consists of red-colored food, such as crawfish. But you also might then wonder about why chartreuse is a popular color in bass fishing if there’s nothing chartreuse in nature that a bass might eat. Perhaps it’s just a matter of contrast, and perhaps a red lure is simply seen better and will draw a strike for that reason alone.
Red is in fact absorbed in water quicker than other colors, but expert Dr. Keith Jones, who is quoted extensively in Quinn’s report, says that doesn’t mean it disappears. He says red may become even more visible the deeper the water gets. But there’s also lab evidence to suggest that red lines may be least visible in tannic or red stained water.
I’m not a believer yet, but I’m open to the idea of “reddening” my bass tackle selections.
What do you think? Is the red the color for you, or is this just another marketing effort to get more bucks out of your pocket?
Comments
By AndyV
March 24, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
Not sure if the color matters but you’ve got me thinking how I need to get out there and do some top water plugging in the early morning. Warm days and cold mornings mean the action should be hot.
By Gene
March 24, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this
I have noticed over the years that bass will hit red and black plastic worms hard in the spring, but they are more interested in moving the lures than in eating them. I know that plastic is bad and dangerous to fish, so for the past few years, I have used red and black Gulp worms which they can digest if swallowed. I have had spring bass in Georgia hit these as well as in KY and NC, and this has happened for 20 or 30 years. Apparently the bass see the colors as an enemy to their beds. I don’t know how they can move these worms without getting hooked, but they do it. I have even had the fish run out the drag, only to jump and spit the worm 10 or 20 yards from my cast. Occasionally, I will hook one, but this is more from luck than skill. In early summer, they hit these worms for food and hook themselves. Other times of the year, colors make a difference. I have taken bass on black worms and green pumpkin seed in the summer and fall. Overall, red and black Gulp baits are the best I have used for largemouths, regardless of the season.
By Ken Sturdivant
March 24, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
We use red live bait hooks on one side of our boat and gray hooks on the other side while striper fishing. Using down rods or flat lines, we see no difference in the number of strikes from one hook or the other. Using red line, green line or clear line, we never see an advantage or disadvantage for any line color. We usually fish the clear waters on Lake Lanier for stripers. Ken Sturdivant, www.havefunfishing.com info@havefunfishing.com
By Dan
March 24, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I live on a 10 acre lake in Sandy Springs, and I use all kinds of lure and color combos; however, the other neighbor who fishes uses a red worm to the exclusion of all others. I would say that he catches at least as many fish as I do….of course his knot tying skill are nowhere near mine.
Glad to see the outdoor column back!
By Tom Jr
March 24, 2008 4:44 PM | Link to this
The red hook debates goes on, but sales have finally slowed down from there peak 3 years ago. I fish with a red front treble hook on my top water baits and my shallow running crank baits. In the spring time I use a red hook on my white Zoom Super Flukes in shallow water. What I have learned is that fish are naturally attracted to blood or injury. As fish feed, the gills flare to inhale food, like any muscle, the gills are engorged with blood. It is this feeding signal to other fish in the area, “Time to eat boys!” While red is the first color to “disappear” underwater, fish can still identify the red color thanks to their unique rods and cones in their eyes. Red may change color in deep water, yet fish recognize it as a trigger. Eyes are only a receptor for what the brain ultimately perceives. If red really disappeared wouldn’t our US Navy’s subs be all painted red instead of black? Want to learn more about the original red hook go to http://ttiblakemore.com
By Riverpirate
March 25, 2008 9:47 AM | Link to this
I think red hooks work great if you have confidence in them. Anything that gives you confidence to keep the bait in the water works. Face it, most of the lures are desigend to catch fishermen, not fish. But if it gives you confidence to fish with it, it will most likely catch more fish for you.
I talk about this a good bit in my seminars.
By timthebrave
March 25, 2008 11:58 AM | Link to this
Does anyone know of a good web site where I can find the best techniques and locations on lake allatoona? Is now a good time to fish allatoona? Thanks and happy fishing
By Riverpirate
March 25, 2008 12:48 PM | Link to this
Allatoona!!!
http://www.lakeallatoonafishing.net/forum/
By TJ Stallings
March 25, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
The red hook guy speaks… I’m enjoying these comments as I’m the one that started the “red hook” thing. In a nutshell after 23 years of research… 1. Up close, fish naturally strike blood/injury and 2. Further out, the color simulates the “Gill-Flash” phenomenon. (trotline studies were really interesting) BTW-My own studies on Cajun Line were positive. In shallow water it attracts fish and in deeper water; it’s translucent so it’s pretty hard to see. I gotta’ go fishing now but if you want to catch more fish, more info is available at: www.bleedingbaithooks.com
By Eric Bruce
March 26, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this
Maybe red hooks provoke more strikes, I’m not sure. But I wonder, can they really detect the red color in low light conditions, cloudy water, or down deep where there is very little light or color?
By Dick Cheney
March 27, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
My friend saw red after I shot him in the face.
Somebody told me 80 percent of the American public was against shooting people in the face.
My reaction is, so what?
By Gene
March 27, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this
I absolutely agree with Riverpirate about fisherman confidence in their lures. When I was a kid, the first bait I had success with was plastic worms for bass and crickets and night crawlers for trout. I have fished with flies in Montana and Alaska, but I think a big trout will take a night crawler every time over a tiny little fly. Rooster Tails and Blue Fox spinners are effective for some people for trout. Every time I toss one, I snag it. I think that those big metal rattle traps are silly, and I can’t use one without laughing, but I have seen people take some big bass with them. The other part of this bait question is, you naturally learn to play the bait that you are comfortable with. I have used red hooks in the past and didn’t notice any difference, but I will try again soon.