Choosing a lure color for saltwater fishing can be a hard task.
There are many options on the market and the right choice is not the same for every fishing situation.
That’s what we will discuss today.
In this article, we will cover all the variables and factors to consider when picking a lure color for saltwater fishing? Which option to choose for different fishing conditions? And Does the color of the lures even matter when sea fishing?
So, without further ado, let’s dive in.
Combinations of white, red, pink, and orange are the best options for inshore fishing. Dark blue can also be rewarding, especially in clear, greenish waters. That said, the color of the lure becomes less important the deeper you go in the sea, as whatever you choose will turn dark, anyway.
Does color matter when saltwater fishing with lures?
Before we dive into which color is best for saltwater fishing, it’s important to discuss the pointlessness of the question itself. In other words, can fish see colors, and do their behavior change depending on the color they see?
Well, bad news! There is no definitive answer to this question.
The subject still needs more scientific research and experiments.
What science can prove though is that many species of fish have eye cones. What are eye cones? They are photoreceptor cells that react differently to different wavelengths, which is ultimately responsible for vision and color detection.
In addition to this, there are studies that confirm that certain fish species have UV-absorbing cone cells. This means that there are fish that can see in the ultraviolet spectrum, which is not possible for humans. So maybe fish have better color recognition than we do.
However, the scientific community believes that more studies are needed to find out if fish brains have what it takes to distinguish colors and whether or not they behave differently depending on the colors they see.
So, is the color of the lure important when fishing?
Well, since we can’t confirm that fish are affected by the colors they see, we can’t have a sure answer for that. What I recommend though, is to be a bit pessimistic and assume that your color choices matter.
Better to be overly cautious than to assume that something has no impact when in fact it does.
Contrast is more important
Although science cannot confirm whether fish are affected by colors, there is no doubt that they have high contrast detection abilities.
In other words, fish can easily spot objects that generate sharp contrast against their background.
This is essential for their survival as it helps them detect predators and find prey.
This is why I believe that when it comes to choosing a lure color for saltwater fishing, contrast matters more than color.
This means that the sharper the contrast your lure generates, the better the chance it will catch the eye of fish and encourage them to strike.
On top of that, keep in mind that colors become more and more dark the deeper you move in the water.
In a nutshell, colors with longer wavelengths are the fastest to turn black. Conversely, colors with a shorter wavelength take more depth to get absorbed.
For example, the color red (Wevelength of 625-740 nm) becomes blackish as soon as it reaches 15 feet (5 meters) of depth. Dark Blue (Wevelength of 435-500nm) on the other hand needs at least 200 feet to get absorbed.
Below is the detail of the other colors.
All this to say that whatever color you choose for your lure, it will probably get dark underwater anyway. So instead of focusing too much on the color of your lure, pay more attention to how visible it is to the fish and the level of contrast it generates underwater.
How to choose the right lure color for saltwater fishing?
Well, as we said, the color itself isn’t as important as how it looks underwater and the level of contrast it generates.
In other words, the goal is to choose a color that remains visible to the fish regardless of the conditions in which you are fishing.
There are some factors to consider here:
Water depth
Shallow water will keep much of your lure’s color characteristics. The contrast becomes more important here because a red lure, for example, can be camouflaged by reddish water. Conversely, deep water will make any color look dark. So it doesn’t matter which color you choose. Offshore, what is more important is the shape of the lure and the silhouette it generates.
Water clarity
Crystal clear waters make the color of the lure more important, especially in shallow water. For example, if you deploy your lure in clear brackish water (less than 15 feet deep), fish will be able to see it exactly as it appears out of the water. Here you need to choose a color that represents your target fish’s favorite food/prey. Now in murky, cloudy waters, the color of the lure becomes less important. Fish will have a hard time spotting your lures, so it’s better to focus on something that produces some sounds and vibrations. That’s the best way to draw the attention of fish in those conditions.
Targeted fish
In shallow water, the color of your lure will probably not get absorbed, so the fish may be able to see it. The preferences of your target fish become important here. In other words, go for a color that your target fish uses to see and eat.
Lure type
Top water lures and crankbaits generally produce sharp contrasts when viewed by fish from the bottom. The sun/moon light in the background creates this strong contrast, regardless of the color of the lure. Bottom lures on the other hand are more difficult to choose from. Why? Because they will be subjected to all the factors we discussed today, including the water depth, water clarity, the lure’s color, and the targeted fish.
So, as you can see, the best lure color for saltwater fishing depends on different variables and factors.
There is no good-for-all color that suits all situations. You need to consider your fishing conditions and goals in order to make the right choice.
What are the best lure colors for saltwater fishing?
While there is no lure color that works well for any situation, I believe there are a few options that you can go for in moments of doubt.
For example, red, pink and orange darken quickly underwater. The strong contrast they generate will therefore help you to easily attract the eyes of the fish, thus producing more bites.
As a rule of thumb, red, pink, and orange should be your only choices when fishing shallow depths. The other colors may not get absorbed and as a result be camouflaged by the water color.
Dark blue is also a great option, especially when used for crystal clear and greenish waters.
The lure color is less important in offshore saltwater fishing. Whatever you use will turn dark, anyway. Here, it’s better to focus on the shape/silhouette of the lure and the way it moves when you retrieve the line.
For topwater and crankbaits, light blue and green are my favorite picks. As we said, fish will only see a dark silhouette if they spot your lure from below. However, introducing some greenish/blueish shades to that sight will give your offer a more appealing (prey-like) look.
White lures can also be very rewarding, especially for inshore fishing. Personally, I find them to be the most productive when used on seabeds with black/dark sand sediments. Rocky grounds are also very suitable for white lures.
Generally speaking, saltwater lures often incorporate two or three colors. White is usually present + one/two other colors.
Some recommended saltwater fishing lures (*)
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