I think, one of the most interesting aspects of color choice in fishing is the long-standing rule to "use darker colors in murky water."
At first, I thought a bright reflective color like white or chartreuse would be more visible in murky water. But experienced anglers often say they use darker colors in murky water.
I remember an article I read as a teen, in BASS MASTER magazine which explained this, and it helped me understand the science so I could apply it on the water.
Fish eyes, like human eyes, utilize cones and rods. When there is plenty of light, the Cones in our eyes can interpret color. But when there's insufficient light to see color, rods are primarily used to perceive contrast.
Just imagine what it's like to walk outside on a sunny day, you can see everything in full color. But if you walk out the same door on a dark night, you don't see much color at all, instead you see contrast. Some things look lighter, some darker.
When water has suspended particles, those particles can prevent most of the light from penetrating to deeper water, so fish eyes see less color and more contrast. A dark, non-reflective color creates a distinct silhouette in low-light conditions.
But all these years, I've always thought to myself "shouldn't we also include some light, reflective color, on the bait, to contrast with the dark color, so it really pops?"
That's why I am excited about this new UV Silver Anchovy color from Battlestar Tackle Co. In this photo, you can see how dark and unreflective the back of the bait is. Contrasting this is a UV-reactive belly that glows a bright blue!
Because fish often perceive ultraviolet UV light in the blue/green spectrum (300-400nm), which penetrates murky water better than other visible light spectra, UV-reactive colors on fishing lures dramatically increase their visibility, mimicking the natural UV reflections of prey and making them the most detectable target, especially in low-visibility conditions.
I've been swapping colors while rock fishing on the reefs in San Luis Obispo to see what works best, and so far it seems I am getting more bites on this UV Silver Anchovy color.
Snag a pack of these UV Silver Anchovy Battlestar Rib Baits in the 5-inch or the new 3-inch size.
Or better yet, support your local tackle shop! Ask for the UV Silver Anchovy Rib Bait, from Battlestar Tackle Co.
Now in stock at: Fish Story - Novato, CA Good Clean Fun - Cayucos, CA Tackle Express - Santa Clarita, CA Hogans Bait & Tackle - Dana Point, CA.