Page 5 - Crappie NOW - February 2017

Story & photos by Darl Black

A instrument tells you which colors fish

sk a few anglers around see best under specific conditions.”
the country to name their “favorite” The Color-C-Lector was
crappie-catching color in a jig and developed by Dr. Loren Hill after years
you’ll probably end up with almost of laboratory and field experiments. It
as many different responses as the consists of a light meter on the end of
number of fishermen questioned. a measured cable which is attached
Likely their answers are based on to an instrument with color bands
memorable catches with a certain color arranged in three major groups:
on a particular lake under specific Clear, Stained, and Muddy, along
conditions. Or perhaps they choose with a number scale ranging from 0
the only color crappie jig in their box! to 40. First you determine the water
Unlike anglers, crappies don’t color by lowering the probe into water
have a “favorite” lure color. Scientific and noting at what depth white top
research has demonstrated that fish of the probe disappears. If you lose
have very good color vision and are sight within two feet, water is rated
able to distinguish differences in Muddy; two to four feet, water is rated
colors – even shades of the same Stained; greater than four feet, water
color. Certain colors are far more is Clear.
visible under specific water clarity Dannenmueller picks up the
and light conditions than other colors. process here. “It is extremely important
Therefore color plays a critical role for the angler to have identified the
in lure selection along with general depth at which crappies are holding.
shape, size and movement of the jig. You may have determined this by sonar
How do we know what colors are best readings of baitfish and crappies, or
to use in a given situation? by having caught fish recently at this
There are two general processes depth.”
to consider. First, the scientific He explains that after determining
approach utilizes an instrument the water clarity of the particular
developed through research that lake or river, you once again begin
reveals which colors fish can see lowering the probe but this time
under certain conditions. The second stopping at the depth you believe
approach is – for lack of a better term crappies are located. With the probe
– your gut. This is based on one’s at desired depth, turn on the unit.
experience over a broad range of After a few seconds a digital number
lakes of different water clarity. Both between 0 and 40 will appear in the
work. window. Next pinpoint that number on
Professional crappie angler Dan the scale, and then move your finger
D an nenmueller, m e m b e r o f Te a m a cr o ss to th e p r e vio u sly determi ned
Crappie Country along with Garrett water clarity column to determine the
Steele, is a firm believer in the recommended color or colors. The
scientific approach. “I use the Spike It Color-C-Lector indicates a fluorescent
Color-C-Lector. It takes the guess work color and a non-fluorescent color in
out the process. By considering water separate color bands opposite each
clarity, light intensity and depth, this number.

5 Crappie NOW February 2017