Riffing on Brian’s post here….
First thing that came to mind when I read that was a convo I had with the pocket-protector types at Berkley a few years ago. They’re good guys and VERY smart about all things fish. They were amazed at the whole red line craze – remember that?
They said that based on their tests, red was the most visible underwater color – which you obviously don’t want for line. They actually had underwater pics that proved their claim. I actually think we may have run those pics on BassFan, but if not my brain says I definitely saw ’em.
So where does that bring us on red in general. Here’s where I come out:
1. I won’t use red line. No need, and none of my favorite lines are red anyway.
2. I don’t like red hooks because I think the fish can see them unless you’re blazing a bait back to the boat. I like shiny hooks for shiny baits, and darker hooks and hardware (including weights) for dark baits. For slow-fished baits like worms, I’ll use the darkest hooks I have (can you imagine a jig with a shiny hook?!).
3. Obviously red-colored baits have their time and place – no issues for me there. And I have to say that every time I think of a red worm, I think of Bryan Kerchal winning the Classic (if memory serves, his winning worm was red shad).
As far as red-splattered baits that are supposed to mean blood, I think those are for catching fishermen/women more than fish.
Rich Arnold
July 13, 2011 at 4:34 pm
I would rather be dead than caught with red!
Larry Prestenbach
July 14, 2011 at 9:09 am
I do like berkley transition flourocarbon in red, but it changes to clear under water.
MattBass
April 9, 2012 at 8:50 pm
Red lures: hooray!
Red line: PT Barnum said it best.