Is Your Shirt Spooking Fish? The Science Says YES—Here’s Why!
- By: Joseph Simonds
- on
Ever wondered if the color of your clothing is affecting your ability to catch fish? In this episode, Joe and Luke Simonds break down how fish see anglers, why contrast and movement matter, and what you can do to stay stealthy on the water.
Get The Sky Camo Performance Hoodie Here
Get The Sky Camo Performance LS Shirt Here
Key Takeaways:
- Clothing Color Matters: Bright or dark colors that contrast with the sky or background can make you more visible to fish, especially in shallow water.
- Science Backs It Up: Research from The Scientific Angler shows that fish detect anglers based on contrast, movement, and shadows—not just color.
- Best Colors to Wear: Light blues and pastels blend with the sky, while darker colors work better against tree-lined backgrounds.
- Shadows & Positioning: Having the sun in front instead of behind can help reduce shadows that might spook fish.
- Long Casts = Less Detection: The farther you cast, the less likely you are to be spotted.
Gear & Updates
Joe and Luke also unveil new Salt Strong gear, including:
- Skinny Lipper XL & Fat Lipper – Bigger, better casting lures—Coming soon
- New Performance Camo Shirts – Designed to help you blend in.
- Waterproof Roll-Up Ruler – Perfect for measuring big fish—Coming soon
- Tampa Salt Strong Event – A massive gathering with a boat giveaway for conservation efforts!
Tight Lines!
Joe
Related categories:
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 ever 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).
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).
Right guys, the foot print of my kayak, Gheenoe or skiff don’t matter if I buy your shirt!
i wear light blue or light grey fishing shirt when fishing. Have for long time.
What old fisherman (I’m 79) doesn’t have a copy of Scientific Angler on his table or book shelf? I think it was published in the mid 80’s. It remains a great resource even with all of the technology changes in our sport.
My yak is much bigger than me, but it is seagrass green. Maybe I should paint the bottom a light blue for the sky and paint some pin fish on the bottom to attract them. 🙂
Well that doesn’t really apply to me to n much. All I have to do is wear a black shirt and I’ll match the sky. 😂😎
Very good. I already ordered a shirt. I did find the mention about trolling for trout. Relating to trolling for Lake Erie walleye. The thought was with the clear water walleye were more sensitized to boats they could see and hear them. The walleye would move out of the path of the boat and stay off to the side as it passed. We ran our lines out to the sides using planner boards. Typical set up would be 100 feet of line behind the board run the board out 100 feet, a second board same distance back but only 50 feet out. Another line off the back corner 125 feet back but near the bottom. And the same set up on the other side of the boat. I can’t say the outside lines did better that the one off the back corner. My recollection we caught fish on all the lines, none being better or worse.
Luke, no ketchup? Com’on man! You guys cracked me up.
I was going to make this very comment when I saw the snazzy new sky camo shirt.
I don’t see the ‘AI” icon on the smart fishing app, neither on my phone nor on the website
( totally beta?)
Thanks
Hey Larry,
You should see it. But you need to click on an actual “Smart Spot” and then you’ll see “Generate Game Plan Guide”
So, I bought neon yellow shirts as boaters on the ICW think full throttle is the only way to go. Docks or not, kayaking or paddle board. They don’t care. So, I guess I am going to have to spook a few fish to avoid getting run over by those idiots.