Best Color Crankbait for Bass: 4 Key Tips on Color Selection

1. How to Choose a Crankbait Color

When selecting the right lure for bass fishing, you are sure to come across hundreds or even thousands of different options, sizes, and colors. Each of these lures is specially designed to give you something for every species, occasion, and equipment. 

But even if you narrow down your options to only use a crankbait, you will still be left with the decision of what colors and patterns to use for the conditions you are fishing. A quick look at the crankbaits will show you that there are hundreds of colors to actually select from. While plenty of options to choose from is a good thing, it can be a little tricky trying to decide on what colors you should actually be using.

But does the crankbait color really matter? And how can you know which colors of crankbait to use depending on the fishing conditions? Let’s go over how you will be able to look at things like water clarity and the weather to be able to adapt your crankbait color to catch more big bass!

2. Importance of Color

Is color really that important when it comes to crankbaits? Walk into any tackle or fishing gear store and the wide variety of different colors would make it seem that way. There are hundreds of different shades and colors to choose from, so which ones are the bass most attracted to? This is somewhat of a trick question. The best-colored lures and crankbaits are whichever ones are best matched to the water clarity, temperature, and native prey species where you are fishing. 

Bass are predators that use a variety of their senses to hunt with, but as an angler, you want them to be able to visually see your crankbait. Regardless of its size, the color of the crankbait will have the most effect on how well the fish are able to pick it out in the water. This is why the actual color of your crankbait is so important. If you choose the wrong color or pattern, there is a chance that the fish might not be able to see your lure. And if they can’t see it, then they can’t attack it! 

From bright, fluorescent colors to dark, earthy tones, crankbait colors can be matched with clear or murky water in order to make your decision much easier and help the bass to better find your lure. This is why it is so important to bring along a few different colors to be prepared for any water clarity you may encounter. So what colors work best with each water clarity type? And when should you use these colors and when should you change them up? 

3. Choosing a Crankbait Color for Clear Water

Crystal clear water is a lot of fun to fish in, but it requires you to carefully select your crankbait colors. The fish can readily see your crankbait in these types of conditions. This is why it is a great idea to use colors and patterns that closely resemble baitfish or other prey in the water. Bass in clear water will almost always react best to crankbaits that look like the natural forage species that they feed on. 

The specific color you use will depend on your location, but a few favorites for clear water fishing include colors and patterns such as ghost shad, natural bluegill, natural crawfish, or any other natural or earthy tone that closely resembles colors that you would normally see out in the wild. Silvers, browns, and greens tend to do well in clear water conditions. Don’t forget to throw in plenty of different colors and patterns to be ready to deal with any clear water conditions where the bass can see really well.

4. Choosing a Crankbait Color for Stained Water

When the water is dirty and stained, you must mix up the colors and patterns of crankbaits that you are using. Water can be murky or dirty for a number of reasons, like right after heavy rain. Murky water will cause the visibility to drop and the bass will have much less sight distance. This is why it is so important to use certain colors to be able to cut through the dark and stained water and give them something that they can see. This is where bright and contrasting colors really start to be effective. 

A bright color or pattern will show up better in stained water, and allow the fish to better see it from longer distances. Colors such as chartreuse (blue back), Homer, Citrus shad, or fire tiger are very popular and effective, but almost any bright color can get the job done. But again, any bright or contrasting colors to the water will ensure that the bass will be able to find your crankbait. In addition to these colors, don’t be afraid of trying out any bright reds, pinks, oranges, or greens to find the right contrast to the water.

Wrapping Up

Hopefully, you now have a little better idea of crankbait colors and what colors and patterns to look for. Depending on the water conditions and the location you are fishing, it pays to mix up your crankbait colors in order to find the perfect match for the occasion.

From crystal clear water where the bass can see long distances to murky water where sunlight can barely penetrate, different crankbait colors are the key to water clarity. Don’t be afraid of trying new things and make sure that you bring plenty of different colors of crankbaits with you!