Does fishing hook color matter? This is a question my fellow anglers ask themselves quite often. Truth be told, it does matter. Colored hooks can either trigger the predatory instincts of some species or blend well with your lure or bait. So choosing the right color can be that one key factor between going home without catching anything and experiencing the thrill of hooked fish on the line. So read on and learn how to select a hook that fits your needs.
The Benefits Fishing Hook Color When It Comes to Attracting Fish
We all know that bright and vivid patterns, such as the fire tiger, attract predators. But a lot of modern lures come with inadequate treble hooks on them. Not just in overall quality, but also the colors of hooks which are completely off from the rest of the lure pattern.
So if you are looking to catch species such as perch, pike, or largemouth bass, I suggest you go with the colorful hooks. Red or Orange are both good choices. They’ll attract fish either because of the color or by making them curious to eventually attack the lure. Additionally, they are great for murky, dirty water because they are flashy and fish can spot them easily.
Don’t get me wrong, a fish strike will happen even if you use a gold hook or bronze hook. It’s just that there is a real possibility that you’ll attract bigger fish with a color that is known to agitate predators.
The Benefits of Fishing Hook Color When It Comes to Camouflaging
What is often referred to as “camo hooks” are just ordinary black hooks. These are the most popular choice for anglers and you’ll see them on 80% of the lures. They are great because they blend well with any lure and any environment.
Regardless of where you fish, which technique you are using, and the type of lure you are casting, the dark hook will produce a decent presentation. Especially in deeper water where they’ll become basically invisible.
If you are a beginner or you don’t want to experiment with the colors, camo hooks are an excellent option that won’t let you down.
The Impact of Hook Size On the Color
The size of the hook matters when you are choosing the color of it. It can have an impact on the fish’s behavior.
In general, smaller hooks are less visible to the fish, especially in clear water or when fish are under pressure. A smaller hook can appear more natural and subtle, making it less likely to spook the fish. When using a smaller hook, the color may not be as significant as the size itself.
On the other hand, larger hooks may be more visible to the fish, regardless of the color. In this case, the color of the hook becomes more important in attracting the fish’s attention. A shiny hook, such as silver, may reflect light and catch the fish’s eye, making it more appealing.
Experimenting with different hook sizes and colors can help determine what works best in specific situations. Ultimately, the combination of hook size and color can play a role in the overall success of a fishing trip.
Experiment With Hook Color
There’s a wide variety of colored hooks available. Finding the right combination of lure and fishing hook color depends on the species you target, the type, and the size of the lure. For example, bright hooks probably won’t be as good as a black hook finish if they are used on a lure with strong and bright colors.
In another example, red jig hooks won’t look as good on a white silicon lure as they would on a red one. There are hundreds of different combinations you can try out, so play around and you’ll find your “lucky hook” in no time.
Just remember, no matter which ones you use, take good care of them. Having rusty hooks in your tackle box is something you want to avoid. But, if you do have a rusty hook or two, go ahead and learn how to keep fishing hooks from rusting.