what colors fish can see

[sixgunn]

I may be wrong, but I think it is just that the color is filtered out, not because of the depth, but because of the density of the water, at depth. so if you were to introduce red light atdepth, it would still be seen, as red, but would not be seen from very far.... being a foreign color, it may elicit harder hits, when seen... don't know, just a thought, with no background to back it up, but I'm sure someone knows. I was always told, "use any color you want when you're fishing deep, as long as its green.", but that was not taking into account for self illuminated lures.

[GregAndrew]

Longer wavelength colors, such as Red Yellow and Orange, penetrate less deep than shorter wavelength colors, such as Violet Green and Blue. The penetration of the various components of the light spectrum are controlled by the the amount of scattering and filtering due to particles. As I understand it, a flat surface reflects more light, and a choppy surface absorbs more light. Plankton and disolved solids (like salt) block the transmission of light. I believe that even thermoclines can further scatter light and reduce penetration. It is the distance traveled through the water that controls the light penetration, not the pressure.

The best color light to attract Squid is White (full spectrum), or the Squid boats would not use them. Now, that much light might not attract the WSB which may be why fishing boats use other colors. Even Red, the least penetrating visible color, can be visible up to 15 meters in good conditions.

[bubblehide]

Generally speaking fish have both rods and cones within their eyes, so many are know to have the ability to see colors such as those colors we can see, however they also can see the ultraviolet spectrum; as such, they see colors that we humans do not. Their visual perception may vary depending on conditions, such as depth of water, bottom structure, reflective factors... and their perception of what is seen may be vary different than what we see, given the same conditions.

Greg brings up some good points, and I'll add that light wave lengths travel much slower underwater than they do in air which is likely related to amongst other things, those things Greg brings up.

[CheapPelican]

Doesn't attract any specific types of fish or explain why the color green is used but makes sense;

"The Quarrow Allure-Light shines a bright green light directly into the water. The reason why this light helps catch more fish is very simple. The green light starts a natural food chain reaction by attracting a concentration of small microscopic animals called plankton. Bait fish such as shad and minnows are drawn to the light to feed on the plankton and larger game fish move in to feed on the bait fish."

[sasha]

Thanks guys that explains some for me.. I want to stack up the chances of catching something nicer as i didnt get anything big yet. So i thought maybe some lures that glow diffrent colors might help me some.
Going to be doing alot of reading on it.

Sasha

[maui jim]

Professor Dr.Dan Hernandez uses Red Hooks and Line....and the dippin sauce is red also........

[DESTROYER]

Drew Clarke who now is an avid diver and teacher told me he takes a Roma Tomato down with him when he is teaching and 9 out of 10 times the people guess that it is a Kiwi.

I'm color blind and I got to tell you, I've always been more of the right place at the right time with the right presentation.

[Nic D]

Originally Posted by DESTROYER

Drew Clarke who now is an avid diver and teacher told me he takes a Roma Tomato down with him when he is teaching and 9 out of 10 times the people guess that it is a Kiwi.

I'm color blind and I got to tell you, I've always been more of the right place at the right time with the right presentation.

exactly, fish see tones after about 40' down, not so much in colors