Fishing is a game. Yes, technically, it’s a sport, but that’s not what we’re referring to when we say that. Rather, the goal of any game — whether electronic, something with a ball, or fishing — is to win. How do you win at fishing? It depends really. Is your goal to catch the most number of fish or the biggest fish? Either way, it’s helpful to know what color attracts fish the most. Let’s unpack that today with two considerations to keep in mind.
What do you mean by “what color attracts fish the most?”
In previous blogs, we’ve talked about the science behind color. Early on, we asked if fishing lights even work in the first place. Of course, the answer to that question is a big, resounding yes. So the next question to discuss is what color underwater fishing light is best.
There’s some conflicting opinions here. We’ll address those shortly. However, we’re going to speak very plainly about one color: don’t buy red lights for anything except for ambience. Scientifically speaking, red lights don’t work. The light doesn’t spread far enough and the food chain that other colors create doesn’t really happen with red lights. If you’re throwing a fun dock party, sure, switch some of your lights over to red to set the mood. But if you’re out fishing in open waters (regardless of whether you’re fishing in saltwater or fresh water), red is relatively ineffective.
So what about red bait? After all, we said that we had two considerations to look at. The first is fishing lights. However, the second and the more diverse consideration is the color of your bait. Believe it or not, there are some relatively solid scientific reasons you would want to use red (and in general, darker colored) bait. Unlike the color of your light, bait color can vary depending on many factors so let’s look at that first.
Mother Nature really plays a big part here
First, we want to get the idea of “clone bait” off of the table. In a previous blog, one of our tips was to use live or clone bait. Live bait, naturally, is going to be darker in color. And if you’re looking to save a little bit of money, just scoop up some of the live baitfish that are swarming around your underwater light.
Therefore, clone bait would be artificial bait that looks similar to whatever live baitfish you typically see around your light. Everything we say from here on assumes you aren’t using clone or live bait.
So how what role does Mother Nature play? Weather! Weather has a relatively important impact on what kind of bait. Cloudy skies vs clear skies can make a difference on what color attracts fish the most.
Precipitation affects your choice too. While it can be cloudy for days at a time across the country, it might not rain at all. Ultimately, rain affects water clarity which is a consideration for what color bait you should use.
Let’s talk about water
Both water depth and water clarity factor into bait color. Generally speaking, the deeper the water, the darker it’ll be. The kind of bacteria and phosphorus present in the water also affect water clarity.
However, even the clearest waters of the Gulf of Mexico can become cloudy based on how much it’s rained lately, how much water currents have stirred up the ocean floor bed, and more.
So with regards to bait, what color attracts fish the most? It’s going to depend on all of these factors. Altogether, there’s a four-square chart you can follow:
- Clear water with sunny skies: translucent & natural color bait
- Clear water but poor weather: darker yet still translucent
- Dark water and sunny skies: bright colors with high contrast
- Dark water and poor weather: darker contrasts work best
Keep this in mind when selecting the color of your bait. Now, let’s move on to our next consideration: what color light attracts fish the most?
The Science behind fishing lights
While we’ve previously covered the science behind underwater fishing lights, today is a great day to revisit it.
Everyone and everything on this planet needs to eat. From the smallest microbes to the largest whale in the sea, our planet has an amazing ecosystem. Everything is interconnected through the food chain.
Underwater fishing lights jump start and localize the food chain for you. Within a few minutes of dropping your light into a ice hole, next to your dock, or beside your boat a very important part of the food chain will start to congregate around it: zooplankton.
Zooplankton form the basis of an underwater ecosystem. They are extremely small organisms that form the foundation of all life in oceans and lakes. Zooplankton are just barely visible to the naked human eye, but when you drop a fishing light in the water, it attracts them like moths to a flame.
The more of these that show up, the more the next step in the food chain will appear: baitfish. These minnows and other smaller fish will feast on the zooplankton congregation. As more baitfish show up, their larger brethren do as well.
We’re talking about game fish — the reason you’re out on the water in the first place! Now it’s time to get busy with a successful night of fishing!
So why won’t red lights work?
There are two big reasons why red lights (unlike bait which can be red) are a no go. If you remember back in high school science class, light travels on what is called a wavelength. Certain kinds of wavelength travel further than others. In this case, red doesn’t penetrate deep enough into the waters to lure in the zooplankton, let alone the baitfish and game fish you’re after.
There’s also another reason: it’s believed that, even if they could see it, zooplankton just don’t care about red light. Rather, the two primary colors most anglers use are green and blue. White also factors in, but that’s more about intensifying the benefits of green and blue lights.
Red lights just sorta sit there, looking nice but not doing any good. Blue light has a longer wavelength but is less bright than green. White is brighter, but doesn’t travel as far as green.
So it sounds like you’re saying green lights are my best option?
Pretty much! However, special consideration should be given to saltwater fishing. There are anglers who believe that saltwater fishing really works better with a blue light. This has to do with the deeper waters of the Gulf and coastlines than localized fresh lakes as well as the way the salt interacts with the light’s wavelength.
For what it’s worth, our Blobs can be configured for blue light so we do agree that there is something to be said for saltwater fishing.
However, most of our readers are going to be fishing in freshwater lakes for the majority of their time. Furthermore, while blue light can help in saltwater, so can a green light.
So what color attracts fish the most? For almost all of our readers, your answer is going to be green. Since statistically you’re more likely to fish in fresh water, and blue light in saltwater is more of a preference based on experience, across the board we’re going to recommend a green underwater fishing light.
So to summarize: what color attracts fish the most?
If you’re asking us about bait, it’s an open-ended response. It really depends on weather conditions, water clarity, water depth, and more. Be sure to remember our handy four-square chart when selecting your bait for your next fishing trip.
However, if you’re asking us about lights, we really believe that green underwater fishing lights are your best bet. Yes, blue can work, but the evidence overall points to green as your best, most practical, and most effective option.
Ready to get started? We have an extensive catalog of fishing lights — and they all come with free shipping. Or, if you prefer shopping on Amazon Prime, be sure to throw one of our Green Blobs on your next order!
