Here outside Boston waters are generally small. What most of the US calls creeks we call rivers and many ponds ,by USGS definitions, are called lakes. Between that and super high pressure, things like rattles in crankbaits and anything but natural colors (as seen by bass eyes) don't see many hits by older big bass. So I have best luck with Black or brown original SnagProof frogs with legs not skirts. Same for jigs. I also agree with you 100% on white/pearl on black/silver backed fluke style softs. I think white is the color of dead or injured flesh in the water also...so it's not only seen, but fish see it as easy pickins. Only in the clearest early spring water will I throw pumpkin or motor oil soft worms.
My experience confirms your thoughts to a point, especially regarding night fishing and altered light conditions. Where I can challenge the theory is my experiences landing the really big bass. I have caught big bass with the contrast theory and im not saying that you cant, but most of my daytime, particularly mid day, big bass experiences have been with baits that are most stealth or natural as can be. Too many variables to say one is right all of the time. Your message today will definitely put more fish in the boat for most fishermen. Once again, great content.
I think a lot of times anglers are so focused on "matching the hatch" that we have blinders on. I always want to stand out and give those bass a reason to choose my bait over whatever else is down there.
It is definitely super easy to just fall into the same routine. I bet 85% of my plastics are some sort of the same color with slight variations. I need to get my travel plans figured out for this winter - feels like 12 right now!
@@SteveRogersOutdoors That sounds pretty cold! It's been a long time since I've been in those types of temps. Only got into the lower 60s here for us today. For us, that's pretty chilly.
It would be great if we could get a filter that really shows what the bass see as opposed to what we see. Not sure if there is a filter for a camera that would show somewhat what the eyesight of a bass really sees, but maybe someone can talk to a ichthyologist to see if there is one? And maybe film the colors at different depths and water clarities to help?
Been watching your videos for a while now. You are always positive. I appreciate that. Thanks for being a positive influence in a mostly negative world. Have a great day and keep up the great work. 👍🇺🇸
Thank you! I very much appreciate that. When I started doing this regularly, I told myself that exact situation you mentioned. There is a lot of negativity out there and wanted to help encourage people instead. Thanks again!
Steve, I started using SMOKE PEARL stick worms on a Wacky rig thinking it would resemble a shad to a fish. Truth is it catches bass very well!! It works from the spring right on up to the winter time. I have some Chartreuse worms that I now plan on using after your video, which makes sense!! Thanks for waking me up!!
Another fantastic informative video Steve. Its because of you that I started bass fishing almost 2 years ago. Your advice and videos have been so valuable to me. You've always been so positive and encouraging. Thank-You for your time. Its very much appreciated. Wish this were more people like you in this world.. I probably won't do much fishing again until the spring, but about 3 weeks ago, I had one of the absolute best weeks of fishing. For almost a year and a few months I've been trying to catch bass on crankbaits. I always fish the same rock quarry because its 800+ acres of water to fish in.. The parks and rec folks cuts out some new areas around the lake, so I decided, why not, lets give it a try. In 1 week I caught 2 bass every single day on a Crankbait. Every bass was between 3 to 6 pounds. I was on cloud 9. I have renewed faith in the crankbait now..
I think most anglers are guilty of the "favorite color" but ur points about contrast are spot on.... especially the frog from underwater....these videos keep me thinking and experimenting, thanks steve..... ps we are iced up over here in south dakota 😢
I have experienced this a lot. There have been days were I run out of a particular color that was catching fish. I had different colors of the same bait and I would catch a lot more on that second color. I have also had a lot of happy accidents over the years with color, because I'm color blind. Thanks for the great information Steve!!
It’s always a mixed bag of emotions when you put on that last plastic out of the bag when you’re catching them on it. Lol. That’s why I always wayyyy over pack. My fishing partners are always looking at me like I’m crazy.
My go to colors Bubblegum, white, black ,Green ,Red , merthiolate. To me purple is basically black Orange or yellow is basically red Green pumpkin doesn’t matter if it’s pink flakes or orange flakes I completely agree contrast is absolutely key Choose a color completely opposite of the water color In all reality black white and green and an occasional red is all you ever need
Ive struggled with color cause I’ve struggled with determine water clarity and color. But I’ve found color to be more closely related to sound. Like when fish are ravenous and hitting anything, color matters a little less, if it’s visible it’s the right choice. But when fish are skiddish choosing the right color matters. That being said I’ve fished pink plastics and black plastics on the same lake and found success
After watching several of your videos I've started throwing more white and let me tell you my bites have easily doubled or even tripled! Thanks for the advise! Love the videos, such great information!
Thanks for that great video Steve!!! This past season my nephew was using bright colored soft baits & had much success so it orives what you said in the video really works. Now I have o change!!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!
I’m with you for contrast. I use black a lot. It contrasts against green backgrounds ie weeds even brown or gray rock very well. I also like the white or light colors but I’m not as confident with those lol
I do believe also along with that is presentation .. I've seen many times two people fishing the same lure with only one being truly successful.. Two of with the same lures but a totally different presentation .. A lot of times when I'm little success, before I change lures , I try a different presentation.. That's just my opinion.. The Frye Guy..
Here in the UK for my freshwater predator fishing which is essentially perch, pike and chub, I think black, white, hi viz and natural baitfish colour will see me through most situations. That said I still buy too many variations!
Great underwater footage and camera angles! I completely agree, the contrast is key, also why I think the Baby Bass color is so deadly...black/white/and green all in 1 package. I remember reading a Mepps color guide, and one of their strategies was if you put 3 colors on a lure, they're going to see one of them better. Have a Merry Christmas my cyber fishing friend!
Its 75 and sunny in central Florida nov27. I have learned to look at my aquatic weeds and then match my soft plastics to that color but then theres times when junebug out produces anything and the only bait i throw thats crazy colors is the original zoom trick worm in merthiolate banana white bubble gum with a tiny split shot a ft up my line on a 3/0 hook and it just slays the smaller bass. Great topic again Steve next time how about some forgotten classics like a snagless Sally or a spence scout or y'all fill in the rest classics
Oh my gosh, I completely forgot about the Spence Scout. I would really have to do some digging around to find some. I’m sure they’re in the garage somewhere. And that Junebug is sure a great one. I used it a lot this summer on the Mississippi with great success.
I wish that you would do a video on colored fishing line under the water so we could all see. I am not exactly buying into the idea that these fish are see the line. i did see some brightly colored yellow line for pan fish at walmart today. Do you already have a video out in response to this?
I do have one that compares fluoro, mono, and a green braid, but not something like a hi-vis. I use hi-vis yellow all the time on my spinning gear but it is connected to a fluoro leader. Here is the link to the other video: ua-cam.com/video/1ar-12jkxQU/v-deo.html
but in nature a lot of the natural pray is camouflaged so that it will not be eaten so wouldn't that mean you should use the more green colors to match the hatch . i think that there are no set rules in fishing and things change constantly and there are too many variables to make color that big of a deal just have to keep trying different things all the time. and as far as the whites and chartreuse i think they represent bait fish so if the bass are on baitfish they go after them.
That is a really great question. Most often I will grab a tube when I want the option to swim it or fish it on the bottom. If I am dragging something right tight to the bottom then the creature bait gets the nod a lot. I also really like to use a small creature bait on a Carolina Rig.
Steve hi buddy. What's your thoughts then for colours on Jerk baits where generally the common thought is to have the bait only stand out lightly instead of standing out too much ?. Cheers
That is a terrific question. When I'm tying on hard jerkbaits I definitely tend to go with more translucent colors and let the erratic action draw the attention. In fact, I even have some that I use that are completely clear. If the water has got more color to it then I tend to pick one that has a more defined profile and more of a solid color.
As you mentioned, contrasting colors often produce, and black will always make a good silhouette. However, the real reason white and chartreuse produce is not just because of the contrasting color, but because they reflect/glow in UV (Ultraviolet) light. While humans cannot naturally see UV light, scientific studies have proven that fish not only can see UV light, but that they can see it better than any color in the rainbow that humans can see. Chartreuse, Fluorescent Orange, Hot Pink, and White all "glow" naturally with UV light. Chrome and Gold colored lures or blades also reflect UV light. Here is an old video of Peter Pakula talking about UV additives for saltwater lures. ua-cam.com/video/TBe1btqbQ_k/v-deo.html I'd be willing to bet that if you look at your top producing lures over time, you will realize that the one thing they have in common is that some part of them will glow/reflect in UV. I bought a UV light just to shine on lures to see which ones glow. If it ain't bright, it ain't right.
Here is a code for 15% off your first order from Omnia Fishing: OMNIASRF. This is a code that is good for a limited time only.
Here outside Boston waters are generally small. What most of the US calls creeks we call rivers and many ponds ,by USGS definitions, are called lakes. Between that and super high pressure, things like rattles in crankbaits and anything but natural colors (as seen by bass eyes) don't see many hits by older big bass. So I have best luck with Black or brown original SnagProof frogs with legs not skirts. Same for jigs. I also agree with you 100% on white/pearl on black/silver backed fluke style softs. I think white is the color of dead or injured flesh in the water also...so it's not only seen, but fish see it as easy pickins. Only in the clearest early spring water will I throw pumpkin or motor oil soft worms.
My experience confirms your thoughts to a point, especially regarding night fishing and altered light conditions. Where I can challenge the theory is my experiences landing the really big bass. I have caught big bass with the contrast theory and im not saying that you cant, but most of my daytime, particularly mid day, big bass experiences have been with baits that are most stealth or natural as can be. Too many variables to say one is right all of the time. Your message today will definitely put more fish in the boat for most fishermen. Once again, great content.
I think a lot of times anglers are so focused on "matching the hatch" that we have blinders on. I always want to stand out and give those bass a reason to choose my bait over whatever else is down there.
It is definitely super easy to just fall into the same routine. I bet 85% of my plastics are some sort of the same color with slight variations. I need to get my travel plans figured out for this winter - feels like 12 right now!
@@SteveRogersOutdoors That sounds pretty cold! It's been a long time since I've been in those types of temps. Only got into the lower 60s here for us today. For us, that's pretty chilly.
Guilty of it myself
For some reason in my river a blue pearl shimmer does the trick. That and an orange black two tone.
So true what you guys say here. I am also guilty most of the time.
The high quality underwater footage available today is a big time game changer
Definitely is!
It would be great if we could get a filter that really shows what the bass see as opposed to what we see. Not sure if there is a filter for a camera that would show somewhat what the eyesight of a bass really sees, but maybe someone can talk to a ichthyologist to see if there is one? And maybe film the colors at different depths and water clarities to help?
Great points mentioned in this video. Loving the content. Thabks
Been watching your videos for a while now. You are always positive. I appreciate that. Thanks for being a positive influence in a mostly negative world. Have a great day and keep up the great work. 👍🇺🇸
Thank you! I very much appreciate that. When I started doing this regularly, I told myself that exact situation you mentioned. There is a lot of negativity out there and wanted to help encourage people instead. Thanks again!
Steve, I started using SMOKE PEARL stick worms on a Wacky rig thinking it would resemble a shad to a fish. Truth is it catches
bass very well!! It works from the spring right on up to the winter time. I have some Chartreuse worms that I now plan on using after your video, which makes sense!! Thanks for waking me up!!
Good luck and let me know how it goes for you.
Another fantastic informative video Steve. Its because of you that I started bass fishing almost 2 years ago. Your advice and videos have been so valuable to me. You've always been so positive and encouraging. Thank-You for your time. Its very much appreciated. Wish this were more people like you in this world..
I probably won't do much fishing again until the spring, but about 3 weeks ago, I had one of the absolute best weeks of fishing. For almost a year and a few months I've been trying to catch bass on crankbaits. I always fish the same rock quarry because its 800+ acres of water to fish in.. The parks and rec folks cuts out some new areas around the lake, so I decided, why not, lets give it a try. In 1 week I caught 2 bass every single day on a Crankbait. Every bass was between 3 to 6 pounds. I was on cloud 9. I have renewed faith in the crankbait now..
I think most anglers are guilty of the "favorite color" but ur points about contrast are spot on.... especially the frog from underwater....these videos keep me thinking and experimenting, thanks steve..... ps we are iced up over here in south dakota 😢
I have experienced this a lot. There have been days were I run out of a particular color that was catching fish. I had different colors of the same bait and I would catch a lot more on that second color. I have also had a lot of happy accidents over the years with color, because I'm color blind. Thanks for the great information Steve!!
It’s always a mixed bag of emotions when you put on that last plastic out of the bag when you’re catching them on it. Lol. That’s why I always wayyyy over pack. My fishing partners are always looking at me like I’m crazy.
My go to colors
Bubblegum, white, black ,Green ,Red , merthiolate.
To me purple is basically black
Orange or yellow is basically red
Green pumpkin doesn’t matter if it’s pink flakes or orange flakes
I completely agree contrast is absolutely key
Choose a color completely opposite of the water color
In all reality black white and green and an occasional red is all you ever need
Ive struggled with color cause I’ve struggled with determine water clarity and color. But I’ve found color to be more closely related to sound. Like when fish are ravenous and hitting anything, color matters a little less, if it’s visible it’s the right choice. But when fish are skiddish choosing the right color matters. That being said I’ve fished pink plastics and black plastics on the same lake and found success
If only the fish were ravenous more often!
Contrast is the reason I like dipping green pumpkin plastics in chartreuse dip n glow. Not sure if it helps but I do it.
I totally agree with you!
After watching several of your videos I've started throwing more white and let me tell you my bites have easily doubled or even tripled! Thanks for the advise! Love the videos, such great information!
That’s great! Thank you for letting me know.
Excellent video. I cannot agree more! I must mention that i have been playing with scents lately and it also has an impact on my successrate.
Thanks for that great video Steve!!! This past season my nephew was using bright colored soft baits & had much success so it orives what you said in the video really works. Now I have o change!!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!
If I had one color to use it would be white. White is right and slow is the way to go.
I’m with you for contrast. I use black a lot. It contrasts against green backgrounds ie weeds even brown or gray rock very well. I also like the white or light colors but I’m not as confident with those lol
Another great insight Steve!!!! 👍
Thank you!
I do believe also along with that is presentation .. I've seen many times two people fishing the same lure with only one being truly successful.. Two of with the same lures but a totally different presentation ..
A lot of times when I'm little success, before I change lures , I try a different presentation.. That's just my opinion.. The Frye Guy..
That is absolutely true! Thank you for adding this. And it seems too often I am on the wrong side of that two anglers in the same boat scenario. Lol.
Here in the UK for my freshwater predator fishing which is essentially perch, pike and chub, I think black, white, hi viz and natural baitfish colour will see me through most situations. That said I still buy too many variations!
Agree. Me too!
Thank you
Thanks!
I like the bama bug color. Looks real good in dirty and clean water.
That is a good one. I've got a bunch of those as well and I agree with you!
Good tips I'll try focusing on these more. Thanks!
Good luck!
Great underwater footage and camera angles! I completely agree, the contrast is key, also why I think the Baby Bass color is so deadly...black/white/and green all in 1 package. I remember reading a Mepps color guide, and one of their strategies was if you put 3 colors on a lure, they're going to see one of them better.
Have a Merry Christmas my cyber fishing friend!
Thanks! You too! I need to use baby bass more for sure.
Great video
Thank you!
Its 75 and sunny in central Florida nov27. I have learned to look at my aquatic weeds and then match my soft plastics to that color but then theres times when junebug out produces anything and the only bait i throw thats crazy colors is the original zoom trick worm in merthiolate banana white bubble gum with a tiny split shot a ft up my line on a 3/0 hook and it just slays the smaller bass. Great topic again Steve next time how about some forgotten classics like a snagless Sally or a spence scout or y'all fill in the rest classics
Oh my gosh, I completely forgot about the Spence Scout. I would really have to do some digging around to find some. I’m sure they’re in the garage somewhere. And that Junebug is sure a great one. I used it a lot this summer on the Mississippi with great success.
Well I’ll let you know how it works…through the ice. Froze up last night and still snowing a bit. Thanks for the info Steve.
About to freeze over here if it stays this cold. Supposed to get in the 40s at the end of the week though. Not ready for hard water yet. Lol
I wish that you would do a video on colored fishing line under the water so we could all see. I am not exactly buying into the idea that these fish are see the line. i did see some brightly colored yellow line for pan fish at walmart today. Do you already have a video out in response to this?
I do have one that compares fluoro, mono, and a green braid, but not something like a hi-vis. I use hi-vis yellow all the time on my spinning gear but it is connected to a fluoro leader. Here is the link to the other video: ua-cam.com/video/1ar-12jkxQU/v-deo.html
black, white, glow in the dark, metallic spinners and spoons takes care of everything that isnt live bait for most everything i want to do.
That is an excellent list!
but in nature a lot of the natural pray is camouflaged so that it will not be eaten so wouldn't that mean you should use the more green colors to match the hatch . i think that there are no set rules in fishing and things change constantly and there are too many variables to make color that big of a deal just have to keep trying different things all the time. and as far as the whites and chartreuse i think they represent bait fish so if the bass are on baitfish they go after them.
There are definitely a lot of variables. Thank you for sharing all this and thanks for watching!
Hey Steve, How do you decide what plastic to use, be it a tube, beaver, or creature bait?
That is a really great question. Most often I will grab a tube when I want the option to swim it or fish it on the bottom. If I am dragging something right tight to the bottom then the creature bait gets the nod a lot. I also really like to use a small creature bait on a Carolina Rig.
Steve hi buddy. What's your thoughts then for colours on Jerk baits where generally the common thought is to have the bait only stand out lightly instead of standing out too much ?.
Cheers
That is a terrific question. When I'm tying on hard jerkbaits I definitely tend to go with more translucent colors and let the erratic action draw the attention. In fact, I even have some that I use that are completely clear. If the water has got more color to it then I tend to pick one that has a more defined profile and more of a solid color.
@SteveRogersOutdoors thanks for your thoughts , response buddy 👍
As you mentioned, contrasting colors often produce, and black will always make a good silhouette. However, the real reason white and chartreuse produce is not just because of the contrasting color, but because they reflect/glow in UV (Ultraviolet) light. While humans cannot naturally see UV light, scientific studies have proven that fish not only can see UV light, but that they can see it better than any color in the rainbow that humans can see. Chartreuse, Fluorescent Orange, Hot Pink, and White all "glow" naturally with UV light. Chrome and Gold colored lures or blades also reflect UV light. Here is an old video of Peter Pakula talking about UV additives for saltwater lures.
ua-cam.com/video/TBe1btqbQ_k/v-deo.html
I'd be willing to bet that if you look at your top producing lures over time, you will realize that the one thing they have in common is that some part of them will glow/reflect in UV. I bought a UV light just to shine on lures to see which ones glow. If it ain't bright, it ain't right.
I actually did a video on the glow earlier this year! Thanks for sharing all this!