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By Kevin VanDam

Kevin VanDamKevin VanDamAsk a group of anglers what their favorite colors are on a specific Michiana body of water and you’re probably going to get a variety of answers.

That makes you wonder if color really matters, or is it simply a matter of confidence based on previous experiences.

Well, it’s probably a little of both.

There are a handful of basic colors that seem to work just about everywhere. But if you look around the country, there definitely are other colors that seem to work better than the basics.

In some situations water clarity dictates the appropriate color; some basic colors simply look more natural in different lakes. But that isn’t always the case.

I’ve also seen where a subtle color difference in clear water can make all the difference in the world. For example, on the Great Lakes during a mayfly hatch you’re going to catch a lot more fish on pumpkin brown than you will watermelon green, even though watermelon green works great at other times of the year.

That’s a case of matching the hatch during the bass’ shift to different forage.

I really pay attention to forage colors when fishing a lake. I’m not only looking at the basic colors, but any hues that may be reflecting off of them. A slight addition to a lure can matter.

Good examples have occurred on Table Rock Lake, Mo. where I’ve used a brown crawfish-colored crankbait and not get bit, then switch to a green crawfish I catch several.

However, there are lakes where a specific color works 90 percent of the time. For example, at Kentucky Lake, you better be fishing a plum-colored worm. I don’t know why - it simply works best.

Of course, that raises a bigger issue as to why anglers choose specific color.

Confidence.

Regardless of whether you’re a recreational fisherman or an Elite pro, confidence plays a heavy influence in color choices. When fishing a color in which you have confidence, you’re going to make better presentations and stay more focused.

And probably catch more fish.

I see that with some Elite pros on some bodies of water. Even though their sponsor makes the same body shape of soft plastic, they will use another brand in which they have more confidence because of the slight color difference and that color works best on that lake.

Confidence can overrule everything.

It should play a role, but not to the extent it can overpower your judgement. You have to be willing to experiment with variations of colors because it can make a difference.

My sons are fishing a lot more and asking a lot of questions. I find it interesting to see how they – as new anglers – select colors based on previous success regardless of a changing lake situation or the bait style they’re fishing.

I’m not going to tell them they are wrong because, again, I know confidence is huge as you develop as an angler.

Inside my KVD 1.5 crankbait box are 40 different colors. When I go on tour, I carry 500 pounds of plastics in numerous colors. I have to because each lake is different and I never know what we might encounter.

Sure, I have my favorites – because of the confidence and previous success I’ve had. But I know to be prepared for whatever I encounter on a given lake.
Angler interests in colors have fueled manufacturers’ experiments with new variations and offer anglers something new to try in search of that “secret color.”

As you experiment, just remember to stay within the color range of the forage and the hues they reflect in the water conditions you face that day. That typically is the deciding factor of what works and what doesn’t.