Do Red Hooks Matter When Bass Fishing?

Red hooks have been a hot topic of debate among bass anglers for years. Some swear by them, while others claim they make no difference. So, what's the truth?

In short, who knows... 

Some anglers do find that red hooks help them catch more fish, while others don't. It really depends on a number of factors, including the water clarity, the type of lure you're using, and the time of day.

Do Bass Even See Different Colors?

Bass have dichromatic vision, meaning they have two types of color receptors in their eyes. This allows them to see a range of colors, but not as many as humans do. Bass are most sensitive to red and green, and they can also see some yellow and blue. They have difficulty seeing purple and violet. Bass' color vision is also affected by water clarity. In clear water, they can see better than in murky water.

Bass use their sense of sight to find food, mates, and to navigate their environment. They are attracted to bright colors, especially red and green.

When to Consider Red Hooks

There are a few times when red hooks might be a good choice for bass fishing.

• Red is a highly visible color in water. In clear water, red stands out against the background, making it more likely to attract fish.
• Red is associated with forage like colors of fish and their gills, worms and even some crayfish. Fish are predators, and they are instinctively drawn to the color red, which they associate with food.
• Red hooks can still be effective in stained or murky water. When fishing off-colored water other colors of hooks can be difficult to see but red hooks will still stand out and may help trigger some additional strikes.

So, when should you use red hooks for bass fishing?

• Use red hooks in clear water. This is where red hooks will be the most effective.
• Use red hooks in stained or murky water. In these conditions, other colors of hooks can be difficult to see, but red hooks will still stand out especially in tea-colored water.
• Use red hooks when you're fishing for bass that are feeding on baitfish. Red is a natural color for many baitfish, so the flash of red on your bait will make your lure more realistic.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use red hooks is up to you. If you're looking for a way to increase your chances of catching bass, then red hooks may be worth a try. Several years ago I started using red hooks with many baits since my experience has been that sometimes they help but never seem to hurt my results. So why not?

Just remember to experiment and find what works best for you.