1/31/2025
YouTube Video Link: https://youtu.be/2s8bxkBiAbw?si=rh4pwUe63fJyCV4r
Regular Breakdown – What Colors Can Bass Really See? (Bass Color Vision Explained)
By: The Informative Fisherman
Overview
This video breaks down two scientific studies on largemouth bass color vision—one from 1937 and another from 2018. The findings reveal how bass perceive colors differently than humans and how that impacts your lure color selection. The takeaway? Many of the color variations we obsess over might not matter as much to the bass as we think.
Key Science Behind Bass Color Vision
1. Human vs. Bass Vision
- Humans have three types of cone cells: red, green, and blue.
- Bass have only two cone types: red and green.
- Bass are missing blue receptors, which dramatically affects how they perceive certain colors.
2. Lab Studies
- 1937 Study (University of Illinois):
Trained bass to associate certain colors with food or mild shocks. - 2018 Study:
Same method, but tested both northern and Florida strain bass.
3. Main Conclusion
- Bass can see color—especially red and green—but not all colors equally.
Color Recognition Results
| Color | Bass Accuracy / Recognition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Red | ~85% accurate | Most visible color to bass |
| Green | ~72% accurate | Very strong recognition |
| Black vs Blue | Frequently confused | Bass often mix these up |
| White vs Chartreuse | Frequently confused | Bass perceive them as very similar |
| Red vs Violet (Purple) | Indistinguishable | Bass can’t tell red from purple |
Real-World Implications
- Red and Green:
- Most effective colors for visibility.
- Examples: Red Bug, Watermelon Red, Green Pumpkin, Red Lipless Crankbaits.
- White, Black, Blue, Chartreuse:
- Likely appear similar or identical to bass.
- These colors may function more as contrast or silhouette tools.
- Chartreuse and White Spinnerbaits?
- May not matter—bass often confuse these two colors.
Suggested Lure Color “Buckets”
Rather than obsessing over tiny variations (e.g., green pumpkin magic vs. green pumpkin candy), the video suggests thinking in broader color categories:
- Red
- Green
- White
- Black
- (Bonus) Flash/Chrome – not covered in the studies, but still critical in real-world visibility.
Bonus Tips and Insights
- Watermelon Red, Junebug, Red Bug: These mix the two most visible colors (red + green), which likely explains their long-term success.
- Topwater Color Selection:
- It’s often just black or white that matters—forget the rest.
- Translucent Baits in Clear Water:
- When visibility is high, subtle silhouette and gel-coat baits outperform bright colors.
- When Fish Aren’t Biting:
- Instead of minor flake or tone changes, switch between the four core buckets to find what works.
Why Minor Color Variants Sometimes Still Matter
Even if bass confuse chartreuse with white, small additions (like blue flake or transparency) might:
- Change how the bait reacts to light.
- Introduce contrast or flash, which can increase interest.
Example: A black-and-blue jig might not be about “seeing blue” but about the translucency and reflectivity that blue strands offer in different light conditions.
Final Takeaways
- Red and green are bass’ best-seen colors. Build your tackle box around that insight.
- Don’t overthink micro-variations—stick to core contrasts and visibility.
- Focus more on action, silhouette, and bait location than color shades.
- Let the fish tell you what works. If they’re hitting it, that’s the right color—whether science agrees or not.
