22 Nebraskaland • June 2023
What the Fish Sees
One age-old crankbait question: Is it better to mimic
common prey or go for a non-life-like design. A visit to
the crankbait section at the sporting goods store makes
it obvious: "It depends." Or, as the store would like you to
believe: "The more the better."
Fish vision is said to be 80 percent less powerful than
terrestrial species just from the eyes being in contact with
water instead of air. Add other factors such as turbidity and
depth, and color becomes even less important.
However, with so many of Nebraska's lakes being relatively
shallow, color may be a determining factor in coaxing a bite,
especially in waters that are clear.
All colors become less discernible the deeper the water
is — some more than others. Reds and oranges are the fi rst
to become dull as light diminishes, followed by yellows
and greens. Blues and blacks are regarded to be best at
maintaining visibility in deep waters.
It may pay to have a bait that draws attention rather than
mimics other fi sh species. Sharp contrasts between colors
can make a bait stand out, such as the dark circle you see
painted on the side of many manufacturers' brightly colored
baits. Wherever light reaches a bait, refl ective fi nishes
of silver and gold may shimmer enough to catch a fi sh's
attention.
With surface lures, such as poppers and frogs, experts
agree that color does not matter much. All that is seen from
below is a dark silhouette against a bright sky. Dang, it is fun
to paint frog patterns, though.
The Final Touches
Once the paint has been applied and dried, protect the
work with clear coat. Of course, commercial products are
available for this step — KBS Clear Diamond Finish seems
to be popular among serious bait painters. At the advice of
other crankbait artists who are in it more for utility, a suitable
alternative resides in the beauty section of Walmart. The
Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear clear nail polish gives the baits a
glossy fi nish and protects them at a reasonable price. And, I
like that it has Xtreme in the name.
Finally, add treble hooks. Choose hooks small enough that
do not catch on one another, or the line, during a cast. Also,
use hook sizes that allow the bait to move as intended. A
set of split-ring pliers will save your fi ngernails, coated with
Sally Hansen or not, while installing the rings.
With hooks installed, it's time for the most important step
— presenting those masterpieces to the fi sh.
Be sure to pack the cooler with snacks and beverages
suitable for the opening of your prestigious art show. A beret
is optional.
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