Color might seem minor but it's one of the simplest tweaks to up your catch rate. Fish rely on sight in ways that surprise most anglers. When a lure flashes just right, whether it's for marlin lures big or a smaller wahoo lure, it triggers strikes like nothing else.
Scientific studies show fish respond differently to colors depending on water clarity, depth, and light conditions. For instance, green and blue lures have proven effective for catching various tuna species, even if the overall difference isn't massive. But environment matters as much as color. Knowing when to switch colors can seriously up your game on the water.
How Fish See Color Underwater
Fish vision isn't like ours. They view shades in relation to the water they are in. Of course, you can imagine that under clear water, more colors will shine, but under stained and murky water, this will filter some colors out (some wavelengths).
The red color disappears much faster relative to the depth than blues and greens. This is the reason why fishermen bring a box of brightly colored lures for shallow, clear days, or darker or muted colors for murky or deeper water.
Some studies showed that the warm colors (red, orange, yellow) are more visible in shallow water (up to about 8 meters) while the cooler colors (green, blue) are more visible in the deeper waters. This makes sense compared to how natural baitfish can be found at different depths; therefore, using colors that mirror what they prey on will help elicit strikes from fish.
Matching the Hatch vs. Standing Out
There's an old saying: "Match the hatch." It means pick lure colors that resemble the local baitfish. This helps lure fish that feed on what they recognize. But sometimes standing out works better- especially if fish are aggressive or curious.
Wahoo and marlin are known for their speed and are often aggressive while feeding. They may respond well to bright or flashy lures that burst through the water flashy or reflective. Tuna are fiercely territorial and may prefer lures that mimic their natural prey's hue but even they can be lured by colors that contrast sharply in the right conditions.
Light and Water Conditions Matter
Imagine casting a bright white lure on a cloudy day versus a deep red one on a sunny afternoon. Light changes throughout the day and with the weather. It also changes with depth and water clarity. Shades that look bright in shallow water lose visibility around 15 meters deep, so what works near the surface might fail at depth.
One study found that in turbid water, white and chartreuse colors were more successful, probably because their high contrast helped fish find the lure. On clear days, natural or translucent colored lures performed better which helped the lure look like real bait without spooking fish.
Practical Tips for Choosing Lure Colors
- For bright, clear days and shallow waters: stick to light colors like white, silver, pale blue, or pink. These reflect light naturally and mimic many baitfish.
- For overcast, low light, or stained waters: Dark shades like black, red, brown, or chartreuse stand out better and attract more attention.
- When fishing deeper: Blues and greens often retain visibility and trigger strikes better.
- Don't be afraid to switch colors quickly. If one lure isn't working, try something drastically different in color.
Big and Bold Marlin Lures
When fishing for big marlin and tuna, your tuna lure color has to fight the environment and grab attention fast. Bright colors with reflective surfaces can trigger aggressive strikes, especially when marlin are chasing bait near the surface. Big flashy lures are not just for show. They create the kind of disturbance and flash that makes Marlin snap at them instinctively.
Wahoo and Color Contrast
Wahoo are known for their speed and aggression, often attacking whatever stands out in the water. High contrast colors or ones that flash unpredictably can provoke strikes. Colors like bright yellow, neon green, or combos with reflective strips work exceptionally well, particularly in clearer waters.
Tuna and Natural Mimicry
Tuna are definitely more cautious and will often prey upon smaller fish, particularly schools of fish that bunch up when attacking bait balls. A wahoo lure that duplicates the size and color of local baitfish- that's silver, or blue, or green- may trick them into committing.
But in certain situations, like bad lighting or murky water, "louder" colors can tempt more bites as they will penetrate the surroundings and draw fish to the lure.
Don't Forget Behavior and Movement
Color is a piece of the puzzle, but not the only piece. Movement, size, shape and vibration can all influence fish to strike. If the movement is off or the fish are being particular, an otherwise perfect color lure may not generate any strikes. Feel free to try other color lures, but don't forget that it's a piece of the puzzle.
If you want to learn more or have specific lure color questions, call us at Magbaylures anytime. We've got years of experience and the best insights to help you find the perfect color for your fishing conditions.