For squid fisherman, it is all about physics and way cephalopods see contrast in water column. Light penetration also plays an important role in what they sees. To fish for squid, you throw, you wind back and then you hope that your lure gets a response. Because the squid doesn’t see underwater world like you do up top, best color to use is not decided by human eyes.
This chart uses a simple code to show how squid see the underwater world, helping you choose right lure before you cast it out. This system is based off the final letter added to the color number. The letter signifies how the jig will behave in different conditions. In dirty water or at night when you want your lure to emit its glow, opt for a jig with a full glow or deep glow. These jigs holds onto their phosphorescent properties in the dark.
How to Choose the Right Squid Lure Color
On a bright sunny day with clear water you’ll want natural tones that match your area’s bait fish since glowing colors is obtrusive and scare off prey on a pristine beach. It has more to do with biology of the squid different than it does the psychology of the angler. Many anglers use same “good” color all day; this is generally not the best practice. The angle of light shifts with the sun and moving boats stir up water, making clarity change. A good plan would of be to bring various options, as conditions will vary during the day.
For example, have something that’s bright for visibility, have something with UV properties for an overcast day, or have something more natural if other fisherman pressure squid population. Orange is the go-to starting color according to the infographic because it has great contrast in most daylight hours while also not being too aggressive. If they don’t bite within 20 casts, then switch colors, that’s the rule.
Introducing another angle comes with the Keimura series which contain fluorescent dye that reacts with ultraviolet light in natural sunlight. This means you don’t have to use a UV torch to switch on these lures, because UV light passes through the choppy surface more effectively than visible light. When the water’s churning and the sea’s rough, a Keimura orange appears to really stand out over a standard orange that may appear dull. In effect, it makes invisible light visible. This is a visual signature for squid to lock onto from afar.
Color selection is also very dependent on depth. Red dissipates rapidy with increasing depth. In fact, the wavelengths of light we see as red are absorbed most rapidly by water. So anything red appears black beyond 15m or so; which can be great if you’re after something like squid out deep that’s triggered by darker silhouettes. Bright colors like golds and pinks does a good job reflecting sunlight near the surface. These preferences are grouped by depth zones in chart so you don’t throw your glow jig for night fishing when it’s a sunny morning.
Other natural patterns, such as horse mackerel or prawn prints, is intended not to attract attention but to help them blend in with their surroundings. When squid are wary of heavy fishing pressure, they gets picky and will attack a lure that resembles what is coming next into their mouth. If it screams at them, they won’t touch it. This subtle stuff get you the largest catch on calm days. It’s more about reading what’s around them and less about guessing.
Pick up your tool based off the conditions. Look at sky. Check how clear the water is. Check the depth. Pick something that matches those conditions. The system takes the guesswork out of it. It breaks down into a handful of logical steps. This makes it easier to start from the basics and work in for depth and light.
A good color is just whatever color is invisble compared to background of hunger.