You will find different opinions on this topic. Some say the color doesn’t matter at all while others say it does. Neither of those answers is entirely wrong. And we’ll tell you how and why.
If you use a leader, the color of the fishing braid doesn’t matter. But a lot of people don’t use a leader in which case color is quite important because some colors are more visible than others. It depends on the condition of the water and your preference.
The color doesn’t matter if the fish can’t see the line at all. So, you need to know the water type, species and time of the day. But using a leader or not makes all the difference.
Conditions depend on the type of water body and the weather on any given day. But it’s not always so arbitrary. Here’s how you can control your circumstances.
Type of Water
Water type has a huge impact on the color, especially with braided lines.
Sea water is different from freshwater. For instance, on a good day, freshwater is quite clear.
This means your braided line will have more visibility. If the water is disturbed by rain, current or tidal situation, the water will be murky.
But there’s more to the story.
Diffraction is also a huge factor. This is the way light gets filtered when it touches the water column.
That means we are back to figuring out the water type.
When you are dealing with salt water, the color is not a big factor because the fish here are less wary.
A red braid will work well. The same is true for a clear mono line.
If you are in freshwater, you should try to avoid braided lines altogether.
That’s because fish in these waters are a bit more cautious. If you’re in murky waters, pick dark green.
The Time of the Day You Are Fishing
The color of the fishing line of your choice also depends on what time of the day you plan to go fishing.
This also depends on the visibility of the line as it will be viewed by the fish.
In fact, those who fish at night often think that color doesn’t matter. If you don’t have a leader, that matters quite a bit.
You still need to be able to see it, which means clear lines are not your best bet.
This matters whether you are fishing at the same spot at night as you did while the sun was still out.
It is best if you pick yellow or red braids so that you can see the line.
Watch: What Color Braided Line Is Best? – 2 Minute Fishing Tips
Species That You are Targeting
The color of the fishing line is also important based on the species you are targeting.
If you are looking for trout or bass, it’s important to remember that they are sight hunters.
And if you are dealing with a spot that has heavy pressure, fish can see straight lines leading to the bait.
And that’s not good. In those cases, you need something that doesn’t have as much visibility.
In the same way, those who are fishing in the sea don’t have to worry about the visibility of the fishing line.
That’s because you are probably looking for catfish that don’t use their sight to hunt but depend on their smell.
So, a line with sub-optimal visibility might work.
Watch: Why Coloured Braided Line is a Must!
Which Colors Are Good For Fishing Lines?
There are different reasons why different colors work. It’s not the only factor as color alone won’t make a fish bite more. Let’s take a look.
1. Clear
These are fluorocarbon lines that have a lower refractive index.
So, they become almost invisible when they are submerged in water.
And they sink well which is great if you are comfortable with that.
These lines work well when you are looking for sight hunters in freshwater.
But they can be dense which makes it hard for them to work with them.
READ: Can You Use Fluorocarbon Line As A Leader?
2. Pink Fluorocarbon
These work just like clear fluorocarbons because when you enter the water, the red portion of the visible light spectrum gets filtered out.
So, this color can also become nearly invisible which works well in clear water.
If you don’t have a problem with the color pink, this is a good choice for bright and sunny days when you are looking for trout or bass which have good vision.
3. Dark Green
Braided lines which are dark green in color work well for lake or pond fishing and also for all types of trolling.
This won’t be a decider but it can help just a tiny bit.
This color is preferred because it is harder to see this color in heavy water compared to lines that are bright or plain white.
You can use this in clear water or water bodies that are really blue as well but only if you use a leader.
Making sure your fishing line is not very visible does not actually get you more fish but it helps to try and blend it in when you don’t use a leader.
4. Bright Yellow
This is for moving water bodies. It’s not about the visibility of the line vis-a-vis the fish but for you to know where your line is.
It helps you make sure that the line isn’t getting tangled.
If you want to make sure that you always see the line, this is a very good choice.
If it doesn’t matter, you can choose to ignore the color.
5. Red
A lot of people think red produces the same results as a yellow line.
It gives you almost all the benefits of a yellow line but does not have some disadvantages.
If you are fishing in deep waters, you want the color to be filtered out which is what happens with red.
And on the surface, you will be able to see it clearly, which helps you.
This is an option for those who are hunting fish with good vision.
What Color Fishing Line Can Fish See?
ish can see a variety of colors, but the specific colors they can see will depend on the species of fish.
Some fish, such as salmon and trout, can see a wide range of colors, including red.
Other species, such as catfish, have more limited color vision and may not be able to see red.
In general, fish are sensitive to light in the blue and green wavelengths, which allows them to see well in the murky waters where they live.
Can Bass See Green Braided Line?
Some species of bass, such as largemouth bass, have good color vision and may be able to see green braided line.
However, other factors such as water clarity, sunlight and fishing pressure can impact the visibility of the line, bass may not always be able to see it.
It’s also worth noting that fish can see in different ways, some may rely more on movement or shadows rather than color, so even if a line is visible, it doesn’t mean that the fish can see it.
READ: Where Do Bass Usually Hide? (7 Spots Favorited by Bass)
What Color Attracts Bass the Most?
The color that attracts bass the most can vary depending on the specific species of bass, the time of year, and the specific fishing conditions.
In general, bass are attracted to colors that mimic the natural colors of their prey, such as shad, minnows, and crayfish.
During the spring and summer, when water is typically clearer, natural colors like silver, white, and chartreuse may be more effective.
In the fall and winter, when water is usually stained or murky, brighter colors like fluorescent orange and chartreuse can be more visible to the fish and therefore more effective.
It’s worth noting that bass can be caught on a wide range of colors, so it’s a good idea to experiment with different colors and patterns to see what works best in a particular situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the color of fishing braid can matter when it comes to catching fish, but it is not the only factor to consider.
Fish can see a variety of colors, but the specific colors they can see will depend on the species of fish, the water clarity and the sunlight.
Some fish, such as bass, may be attracted to certain colors that mimic the natural colors of their prey.
However, other factors such as water clarity, sunlight, and fishing pressure can also impact the visibility of the line.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to experiment with different colors and patterns and observe the fish behavior to see what works best in a particular situation.
Ultimately, the color of the fishing braid is just one aspect of a successful fishing trip, and being aware of other factors such as the fish’s behavior, habitat and the angler’s technique can lead to a greater success.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!