The Science Behind Black Fishing Lures
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
Black fishing lures have been around forever, but they’ve never been a go-to choice for most saltwater anglers.
Recently, however, some side-by-side lure color testing has produced some surprising results.
In this video, we discuss the science behind black lures, why darker colors may be more effective than many anglers realize, and what we’ve learned so far from testing them in real-world conditions.
Featured Gear
- Lure 1: The 2.0: Slam Shady
- Lure 2: The 2.0: Black Silver
- Lure 3: Tweaker: Black Silver
- Lure 4: Wake Mullet (Black Silver Coming Soon)
- Lure 5: Skinny Lipper (Black Silver Coming Soon)
Why Do Black Fishing Lures Work?
Black fishing lures create a strong silhouette underwater, making them easier for predatory fish to identify in certain conditions.
While many anglers focus on matching lure color to water clarity, fish often react more to profile, movement, and contrast than color alone.
When Are Black Lures Most Effective?
Our testing has shown black lures perform especially well in:
- Clear water
- Bright, sunny conditions
- Calm water
- High-pressure fisheries
Interestingly, those results often go against traditional lure color advice.
Are Black Lures Better Than White Lures?
Not necessarily.
White and pearl-colored lures remain some of the most versatile options because they naturally blend with the surrounding water and closely resemble baitfish.
However, black lures can sometimes provide a stronger visual target when fish are relying on silhouette and contrast.
Do Fish Actually Care About Lure Color?
Color matters less than most anglers think.
Location, depth, presentation, and lure action typically have a much bigger impact on success than lure color alone.
If you’re around feeding fish and presenting your lure correctly, multiple colors can often get the job done.
What Is The Best Overall Lure Color For Saltwater Fishing?
If you could only carry one color, white or pearl remains one of the safest and most consistent choices.
But if you’re looking for a second confidence color to experiment with, black is worth keeping tied on.
Watch Fish Behavior Beneath The Surface
Joe mentioned The Underwater World of Inshore Saltwater Fish course in the video above. If you’re fascinated by how fish behave beneath the surface and want to see what they’re actually doing underwater, it’s worth checking out.
Already have access? Click here to watch the course.
Don’t have access yet? Click here to get the course.
Final Thoughts
Black lures aren’t replacing white anytime soon.
But the more we test them, the more they’re proving they deserve a place in the tackle bag.
The only way to know if they’ll work in your fishery? Tie one on and find out.
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
thanks
Interesting discussion.
This is crazy guys! I’ve been experimenting with dark lures the past 3 months at this bridge near where I live. I’ve been mostly a night fishing fanatic since its almost impossible for me to fish by day due to the shop being so busy during the day! The beasts DO come out at night on the right conditions! I’ve been experimenting freshwater dark lures like crawlers, worms, and prawns. They’ve all been hits! Best I’ve caught so far was on the Zman Zminnow 4″ Purple Demon which was a 30″ Snook and 2 Seatrouts one 17″ and 18″. I just received your new black/silver color…I’m calling your new color “Darth Shader”! 😆 like the name!? Heheheh! Had to give it something catchy! Anyway I got the mulligan and tweaker to test out on Friday! I’ll update you guys on how I do but I feel it’ll do amazing! Can’t wait! I miss being involved in the community having fun and joking with all of you…but business has been insane for me! I’ll try to poke in there one on awhile and drop some lines! I’ll keep in touch guys!
Why not a half black half white lure?
That’s certainly worth some testing. Thanks for making the post.
Great video, thank you for sharing this.
Well all I know is for my murky water areas here in northeast fl jax st augustine to be exact if you have read any of my past fishing reports my most trusted lure I use for the warmer months is the zman quarter ounce safety pin style spinnerbait rigged most of the time with a gulp 4 inch paddletail in morning glory which is black with red flakes and a chartruse tail i catch alot of both reds and flounder on this lure the flash and vibration of the blade and the stink from the gulp really attracts them pitched into shoreline grass pockets with scattered oyster bottom or mounds or bars with a quality baitcasting outfit is one of my most productive summertime fishing technique I know it gets me fish probably not so much in your clear gulf coast waters because of the vibration might scare the fish instead of attract them but here where its about 95 percent murky most of the time its a real killer technique so all I can say is it works for me😉👍
Very interesting video and it simplifies lure selection.
When Wii Salt Strong be offering a more durable version of the Slam Shady (more akin to Zman)?
Great intel, thanks y’all !!!
Interesting video. Thanks for sharing. I just got back from a quick trip to Everglades City and fishing outside points at dawn and followed the tide into the Barron River. Tough bite on Friday, high winds and muddy water. Sat morning was very clear with clean water. I caught a few nice trout on the 2.0 Slam Shady in deeper edges of the flats. I have Black Tweakers, but never thought about throwing it in the Brite and clean conditions. The points were covered up in 1-2 inch pilchards, so much bait all over. I think the fish gorged themselves. I’ll add this to my arsenal next time. Thanks guys.
They have been fishing for Stripers in the NE waters at night using Black Plugs as far back as I can remember and that’s 6 decades ago . I moved to Texas 40 years ago and I still have a large Black Pencil Popper and Chug Popper in my very old tackle box I’m going to try out in the fall when the Big Red Fish runs start. Never saw anyone using those types of lures down here in the Gulf but why not especially since it’s the Gulf of America Now!