• Choosing jig colors

    by
    Slab
    Published on 08-12-2012 02:09 PM
    9 Comments Comments
    How many anglers perform a WCT (Water clarity test) when choosing lure colors? Many anglers worry about color choice. However many don't know which color to choose, because they haven't done this simple test. More importantly, anglers need to choose between opaque versus transparent colors as well.

    A great example is the electric chicken color. It doesn't catch fish because of the cute name or the pink/chartreuse combination. The fact that it is opaque has more bearing in fishing catching ability.

    The test- Simply tie on a color and lower it into the water. If it disappears in less than four feet, choose another color. (Glow colors may be a great option too.) Why not use that color all the time? Fish in clear water often get overwhelmed easily by garish colors. Try transparent colors there first.

    Remember that the sun’s position will change during the day and cloud cover may require a change of color. When the wind picks up, try a darker color. Subtle changes often make a difference. Let’s say you are using chartreuse and the wind picks up. Try a black-chartreuse shad color. The contrast and the darker combination often does the trick.

    Experiment and you'll catch more fish.

    Blessings, -TJ Stallings of Crappie NOW Magazine
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    Comments 9 Comments
    1. swollencrappie's Avatar
      swollencrappie - 08-14-2012, 08:04 AM
      Not sure if I can go by the whole lower it 4 feet to see if it disappears. Some water in Oklahoma has no more then 6-8 inches of visability no matter what color you use.
    1. Billbob's Avatar
      Billbob - 08-14-2012, 09:28 AM
      amen on that in IN. about a foot in sun lakes
    1. TJ Stallings's Avatar
      TJ Stallings - 08-15-2012, 04:58 PM
      I'm with you. It's about 10-inches down and "where'd it go?" on the AL River too. So let me rephrase that...if the lure disappears before 4-feet, change colors.
      BTW- I owe a debt of thanks to P.J. Scudder of Orange County Pollution Control. He showed me a "clarity disk" about 35-years ago. His concern over our waters and his dedication to his job was commendable. He took the time to teach me about "non-source point pollution" which was greatly appreciated. P.J. really inspired my fish behavior and biology studies. Thanks P.J. Hope the fish are biting up there!
    1. Shiner's Avatar
      Shiner - 08-15-2012, 10:26 PM
      I'll definitely keep experimenting that is pretty much all I do. It could be nine inches or 2 and half feet I try to match colors with the water color its a less subtle approach I do agree with having at least some contrast.. Seems like the more I try the less it matters crappie seem to bite anything I think helps when there is a minnow attached. I like to feel a strong internal connection with the lure I'm fishing, It's hard to explain... Thanks for the tip.
    1. V Matt's Avatar
      V Matt - 08-20-2012, 06:13 AM
      Thanks that helps me a lot.
    1. jackie53's Avatar
      jackie53 - 08-20-2012, 06:55 PM
      Thanks great post enjoyed read keep um come n !!!!!!
    1. kycreek's Avatar
      kycreek - 08-21-2012, 07:07 PM
      Interesting read
    1. icejohn's Avatar
      icejohn - 08-24-2012, 09:09 AM
      Good plan Slab, my wager had quite an algae bloom and visibility greatly reduced so when i fished same lures as previously worked, not so good
      will try diff colors thx
      Icejohn
    1. drifter106's Avatar
      drifter106 - 08-26-2012, 01:04 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by swollencrappie View Post
      Not sure if I can go by the whole lower it 4 feet to see if it disappears. Some water in Oklahoma has no more then 6-8 inches of visability no matter what color you use.

      Have to agree with you on that...4 ft of clear water here in Kansas might be found in some of our deeper, rocky lakes here in Kansas during the winter. Info is useful neverless.

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