Fishing at night is where it really gets serious about lure colors.
During the day, fish see your lure with ease, so anything that you find in your tackle box can work.
But the “best” lure colors can change day by day.
If yesterday fish were biting anything you threw at them, today they might faintly bite on some shade of green they like (just an example).
Back to night fishing, you should choose lure colors depending on the light conditions.
In pitch dark, brighter colors are best. Use white or pearl white lures, as they have the highest potential of standing out in the dark.
If you have moonlight or even pole light from somewhere, darker colors will stand out against the light backround, making them more effective.
But there are other tweaks that you may need to do while night fishing.
So keep reading to master lure color choices once and for all.
Bass Behavior at Night
Night time is a great time to fish for bass because they are more active during this time. However, it is important to understand their behavior to increase your chances of catching them. Here are some things to keep in mind when fishing for bass at night:
- Low light conditions: Bass are more active during low light conditions such as dawn and dusk. During these times, they move to shallower waters to feed.
- Movements: Bass tend to move slower at night, so it is important to use lures that can be retrieved slowly. This will increase your chances of catching them.
- Fish species: Bass are not the only fish species that are active at night. Other species such as catfish and crappie are also active during this time. If you’re not looking for bass only, you should use lures that are attractive to these species as well.
Keep these tips in mind to make your experience more enjoyable and catch some nice bass.
How to Choose the Right Color
The color of the lure can make a big difference in whether or not you catch fish. It’s important to understand how different colors can affect the way bass perceive your lure.
First and foremost, it’s essential to take into account the water conditions.
If the water is clear, lighter, more translucent lure colors like white, chartreuse, and watermelon can be effective. These colors reflect light and look more natural in clear water. Those with glitters also have a nice effect under light.
On the other hand, if the water is stained or murky, bright colors like chartreuse, pink, and orange can be more effective. These colors create more contrast and are easier for bass to see in low light conditions.
But keep in mind that murky water requires vibration to attract bass effectively, so a bright spinnerbait or buzzbait is best.
Bright colors can also be effective in low light conditions. These colors are highly visible and can attract bass from a distance, but they can also spook fish in clear water.
As mentioned above, if there is a brighter light source on the water, black, dark blue and purple are best.
Finally, it’s important to experiment with different colors and see what works best for you.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to color choice, as different colors can be effective in different situations.
By trying out different colors and paying attention to which ones work best, you can hone in on the perfect color choice for your night bass fishing adventures.
Recommended Lure Types for Night Bass Fishing
The type of lure you use is just as important as it’s color. Here are some recommended lure types for night bass fishing:
Topwater Lures
Topwater lures are a popular choice for night bass fishing. They create a commotion on the surface that can attract bass from a distance. Some popular topwater lures include buzzbaits and jitterbugs. When using topwater lures, it’s important to use a slow and steady retrieve to create a wake that will attract bass.
Spinnerbaits
Spinnerbaits are another effective lure for night bass fishing. They create a lot of vibration and flash that can attract bass in low light conditions. When choosing spinnerbaits for night fishing, it’s best to stick with darker colors like black or blue.
Crankbaits
Crankbaits are a popular choice for night bass fishing because they can be fished at different depths. They come in a variety of colors, but for night fishing, it’s best to stick with darker colors like black, blue, or purple.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are a finesse bait that can be effective for night bass fishing. They come in a variety of shapes and colors. When using soft plastics, it’s important to use a slow and steady retrieve to mimic the movement of a natural bait.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best color lures for night bass fishing?
The best colors for night bass fishing are black, junebug, black with orange accents, and black/blue. These colors work well in both low and high light conditions, and with both slow-moving and fast-moving baits. Studies have shown that more lunkers are caught at night than during the day, so it’s important to choose the right colors for your lures.
Can crawfish work for night bass fishing?
Yes, soft crawfish can be an excellent lure for night bass fishing. In colors like blue, purple, junebug, they work best dragged along the bottom.
What color lures work best in clear water for bass fishing at night?
In clear water, lighter, more translucent lure colors seem to work best. Preferred color combinations are a black jig/blue trailer, black/brown, and pumpkin pepper/green. These colors mimic the natural prey of bass and can be very effective in clear water at night.
What is the most effective color lure for night fishing in ponds?
The most effective color lure for night fishing in ponds is black. This color works well in both low and high light conditions and can be used with both slow-moving and fast-moving baits. Black lures create a strong silhouette that is easy for bass to see in the dark waters of a pond.
What are the top bass fishing lures for night fishing?
The top bass fishing lures for night fishing are black worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. These lures are all available in the colors that work best for night fishing and can be very effective at catching bass in low light conditions.
What colors do bass see at night when fishing?
Bass have excellent night vision and can see a wide range of colors in low light conditions. However, they are most sensitive to colors in the blue and green spectrum. This is why black, junebug, and black/blue lures are so effective at night.
What are the best baits for catching bass at night?
The best baits for catching bass at night are worms, jigs, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. These baits are all available in the colors that work best for night fishing and can be very effective at catching bass in low light conditions. It’s important to use baits that mimic the natural prey of bass and to choose the right colors for the conditions you are fishing in.
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