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| Jlong,
Here is a topic I know you have researched. What is your take on the best colors to use in different water conditions....ie clear, stained, dirty
Also how important is flash in your opinion.
FredJ |
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| Fred,
How water selectively filters color is an interesting topic. One I won't tackle today. But, FLASH is one I must address. Muskies are highly dependent on vision.... even in the dirtiest of water. Yes, at times other senses may be more dominant... but FLASH is always a good thing. I call it the "blinking light" affect. A blinking light will catch your attention much better than a light that is on all the time.
.... and don't get me started on peripheral vision.
If given a choice in lures... one that can produce flash and one that cannot... I'll go with flash every time. Contrast, however, is also a valuable characteristic that is effective. The black bait cult didn't form for no reason. Providing a good target (contrast with the background) is also very important.
Now, understanding how flash is produced can become a game of physics. Especially if you want to control the direction of flash. Bottom line, you need to be conscious of what kind of light is available for you to manipulate for maximum flash. If the "science" behind all this stuff is too confusing and a turn-off... then going with a classic Black and White lure will always be a good option. |
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| Hi Jason,
I think there are two types of flash.
One is when the sun shines on the silver blade of my bucktail or the side of a twitched minnow bait. There is a reflection. A change of direction with the light.
The other is a change of color. The top of the twitched minnow is black and the side is gray, as the bait wobbles there is a change of color from gray to black. Same idea with a bucktail.
Is there a difference between the two? Do you know if one is more effective than the other?
Brian
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| Brian,
Yes there is a difference. Basically I think there are two types of flash based on how the light is reflected. SPECULAR reflection is from smooth surfaces like polished metal, chromes, prism tape, metallic paints, etc. and requires DIRECT sunlight or moonlight. The light is directed all in the same direction producing an intense flash that can travel greater distances (great for clear water fish holding deeper than your lure can reach). DIFFUSE reflection is basically scattering of light in an infinite number of directions. This is what a painted surface does. The lighter the color (closer to white), the more it reflects and the darker the color (closer to black) the more light it absorbs.
My GENERAL rule of thumb is to take advantage of specular reflection when the sun is shining and I need to attract fish from long distances and I use bright colors (fluorescents) in low light situations and heavy cover. There are obviously times when this rule is broken... but it is the foundation of my thought process. Do I catch fish on chartruese baits on a bluebird sky day? You bet! Also, consider the fact that even with a bright sun shining.... wave action, suspended solids, and other stuff can reduce the amount of light IN the water. |
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| Also, in line with what Jlong has said, one needs to be aware of the direction the vast amount of light is reflected back to, and the refraction of that reflected light as it travels through the water. All this also depends on the particulate level and angle of the sunlight in relationship to the water's surface, and how much the waves are breaking up the light.
Lots to think about. Muskies can see color well during part of the day, IF it exists in the depth, water conditions, etc controlling available color.[:sun:] |
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| FredJ,
If you are looking for the most visible color lure for the water conditions... just consider what dominant wavelength of light is available. A simple rule that I use:
Tannic Stain (transmits red light) = orange
Green Algae Bloom = yellow/green
Turbid Water = all equal (but I favor white or orange)
clear water = your choice... lots of all colors available
There are so many factors influencing color underwater... that it will always remain a guessing game. There are "rules" we can follow to increase our confidence... but trial and error will always be needed. |
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