The most successful fishing lures seem to imitate natural forage either in size, color, action, sounds or a combination of these. Some color schemes may also promote visibility by providing contrast to existing visual conditions that the fish (not you) have. This may help explain why seemingly strange or unorthodox color combinations catch fish. We dont see what the fish see. The lure presentation must entice them or theres no interest on their (and later our) part. Color Combination 1: Red Head with a solid white body To a fish this may appear to be a bleeding wounded baitfish. The white body is clearly visible at a distance and the red head also accentuates the large white eye. The effect is even more pronounced if the lure has a wobbling action imposed on it. If the trolling speed or retrieve is erratic and the lure passes within striking distance of any predator Look out! Why should sharks have all the fun? Color Combination 2: Green Head with a yellow body and green vertical stripes Many salt water baitfish follow this color pattern of a variegated body when viewed underwater. If you scuba then you know what I mean. Some examples include Mackerel, Tuna, Tiger Shad (Sabalo) and many baitfish seen in cover. If the size (from 3 to 5 in length) is imitative of the regional forage and your lure passes through the predators feeding depth as it shimmies by ole saw-tooth, youll have a fight on your hands before you can say, Cahuna en la luna three times. Color Combination 3: Blue Head with a blue back and a silver belly This is another color pattern that visibly imitates a number of baitfish and adult species. The effect is even more exaggerated if you use large white eyes on your lure. The silvered belly also reflects light from below with every movement of the lure and provides contrast which helps the larger predator fish to see it. Especially a greater depths where light is much dimmer, contrast and reflection are even more important. By the way, dont worry about retrieving your lure too fast. Not only can most predatory species can swim faster than you can reel, but some like Tuna, Wahoo, Mackerel and Barracuda, can swim faster than your boat for short distances! Make your own lures If you make your own lures, itll be much easier and much more economical to maintain an extensive variety of lure selections. Youll also tend not to have heart failure if you lose a lure as its replaceable at minimal cost. For some lure styles and color combinations you find that work well, youll of course, make up a half a dozen or more so theres always a supply of your old faithful on hand. It's not all that difficult to do. You can get a line on the basics by reading "Dynamite Salt Water Lures: Make Your Own for 75 Cents or Less Each with These Easy Steps" online at: http://EzineArticles.com/?id=79278 Dont just copy Dont just copy commercial lures either. Try out new, different and unusual color combinations and styles on each of your fishing trips. Make note of successes (like I have to tell you that) as to site, species and conditions. Make more of that model, a little larger, a little smaller, a bit heavier, etc., to have available for testing in the field. Lure manufacturers sponsor the pros to do this on tour. But if you stumble onto something thats irresistible you can patent, sell or market your exclusive design. Thats essentially what an elderly Norse fisherman named Rapala did. Ever hear of him? |
