You’ve all seen the smiley
tackle manufacturer or rep at the sports show, 
graciously
offering info on their line of product; also counsel on
the myriad of colors available. I’ve been there myself
many times; on both sides of the fence. Once an angler
is convinced they can’t possibly live without a particular
lure type, the inevitable question is what color. It’s
a tough one really. My standard reply as a manufacturer,
of course, is-one of each.
I know, there’s plenty
of moms, wives and non-fishers related or other-wise attached
to esox nuts out there who can’t seem to understand why
multiple overstuffed tackle boxes are a absolute necessity
to pursue these fish; and considering monetary outlays,
it’s a legit concern. We can get a little carried away
with the "just-gotta-haves." But in defense
of lure junkies everywhere, I will unequivocally state
that there is "some" validity in all of this.
Colors do make a difference; sometimes it’s huge!
Is
every single color in the line-up absolutely necessary?
Probably not, but a good selection of colors in the chosen
brand of each particular lure-type is actually not a bad
idea. Certainly the confidence lures or those used consistently
should be had in a variety of shades. Talk to a guy like
Dick Pearson, who fishes many different bodies of water,
and who, if he likes ‘em, gets to know them intimately
… eventually productive color patterns for that body of
water come up.
There are those lovely
days when it seems to make little difference. The fish
will hit any color. Some days even the type of lure makes
little difference. But too often, the same lure in several
colors will result in follows, while one specific pattern
will be the only one that gets bit.
The good news when fish
are following … is that you are close! Although
something is still not right. One or both of two factors
"could" make the difference: sizing up or down
in lure size and changing color.
The "right"
colors are certainly arguable. All I know for sure is,
that the angler who sticks strictly to one or two favorite
colors is definitely missing the boat much of the time.
There may be valuable information available via tackle
shops and local experts, but often just personal day-to-day
experimentation is the key. With time, colors that consistently
perform well on individual bodies of water can be noted.
Consider also, that often colors that work well in one
lure-type may not be as effective on another.
Or, a color that is hot
on smaller lures may not work well on the same, significantly
larger bait. It may just be too much of a good thing.
Also consider that a large amount of run-off or a heavy
algae bloom may change the water clarity enough to alter
the most consistent colors’ consistency. The key is utilizing
a variety of colors and simple time on the
water to figure out hot patterns for a given lake. This
offers a great starting point and a definite advantage.
Subtle changes can be made from there.
One big mistake that I’ve
made in the past, is to assume that a nearby water with
very similar water clarity will find its muskies liking
the same color patterns as the neighboring lake I was
already familiar with. Definitely don’t count on that.
Sometimes it works, but often it doesn’t. Be careful to
not assume too much. The lakes may be amazingly similar,
and yet effective color patterns during the same period
may be nearly opposite. Keep an open mind and experiment.
In
general, lures that are less erratic (straight retrieves)
are lures that muskie are more likely to show specific
color preferences for. Spinners lures seem to me to be
the most color reliant. A good variety in your favorites
is advisable.
Jerkbaits and crankbaits
are somewhere in the middle. The more erratic the action,
the less color will usually matter, but here too, experiment.
I’ve seen drastic cases of color preferences with jerks
too many times to ignore it. Even fast, make-‘em-mad-type
retrieves, where you’d assume fish are strictly reacting
to the action, can be ignored if the color isn’t right.
Sorry mom, the junior muskie nut should have a pretty
fair color selection in jerks and cranks (as he can afford,
of course).
Now that I’ve probably
created enemies of those closest to the severely addicted,
I’ll make a few general suggestions … and maybe I’ll score
a few 
points
here with the first statement. Considering the fact that
muskie lures are a far cry from free, don’t go rushing
into a huge selection of every new item that initially
tickles your fancy. Start with one. See if you really
like it. Does it do what you expect? Are you confident
it will work for you? Better yet, go out with a buddy
that’s already been suckered into it and check theirs
out. Often there’s someone around (lighter wallet) who
has what you want to try.
But … and this is the
bad news mom… when you find a lure you
really like and have confidence in it, definitely get
a good color selection. Basically, it’s not a bad idea
to consider three or four natural patterns and three "gaudy"
patterns. Naturals include stuff like perch, shad, walleye
and bluegill. Gaudy means just that, bright stuff like
chartreuse and orange.
Remember that on bodies
of water that receive a lot of pressure, it often pays
to just be different. If too many folks are tossing the
same thing, fish may simply be getting dialed in to it.
In general, natural patterns are usually better in clear
water situations, but don’t be afraid to throw that real
gaudy stuff. It can really be surprising.
There is no doubt that
"hot" color patterns are a real phenomenon.
Unfortunately they vary in effectiveness and length of
life on given waters... but I guess that what keeps it
fun.... sorry mom.
