05-15-2014, 05:06 PM
"We need TD to weigh in on this one."
[#0000FF]Not really. Best I can do is offer my opinions...and those ain't always real science. Also don't count for much around my house. When my wife wants my opinion she gives it to me.
I have experimented with UV enhanced dyes and paints. Can't say as I have ever observed any real noticeable difference...either in appearance to the human eye (underwater) or in the reactions of fish to which I have presented them.
As a fabricator and painter of several different kinds of lures I have always been on the lookout for anything that would make an earth-shattering difference. Ain't found it yet. Closest would be the use of glow for some night fishing and ice fishing conditions. And it has even proven to be noticeably better on jig heads for fishing in daylight conditions when the water is cold and/or murky.
I get into a lot of conversations on colors. Everybody seems to have their own favorite color or color combo...for certain waters or certain species under certain conditions of light intensity, water temp and clarity, etc. But few can spout the real science involved. All they know is that it works...for them.
My basic opinion is that fish respond better to the colors or color combos that they can see best under prevailing conditions. The colors that seem to work best are likely the ones that show up better at the time. Fish don't see colors the same way humans do. Some they see better. Others not so much.
I never sneeze to be demazed at some of the wacko colors people try...and catch fish. Can't argue with results. But my standard reply to a "gee whiz" tale of wacky color selection is "Okay, let's see if you can duplicate that." In other words, does it only work under unusual conditions or is it better than anything else under all conditions?
Like most things fishing, color selection is a highly personal and subjective matter. I truly believe that whatever you fish with confidence is going to work better for you than something you are not sure about.
I also believe that the lure manufacturers have tapped into the psyche of the angling community. They know that if the fisherman likes it...and buys it...it just don't matter what the fish think. We have all endured the mindless TV infomercials on those "super secret", "banned from tournaments", "never fail" fishing inventions...that will never sell by word of mouth from satisfied buyers.
Then there is also the good angler - bad angler syndrome. Good anglers can catch fish on the "wrong" lures. Poor anglers often cannot get bit even on the current hot favorite. Catching is more than just what you tie on the end of your line.
UV enhanced lures? If you are not sure and want to try them then take a few bucks out of the family budget and get a few. But if they don't replace all your other lures you might have to admit your loss and volunteer to forfeit YOUR meals for a couple of days. Some of us could stand to lose some weight anyway.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]