Fluke Color Guide
I may have mentioned this before, but the number one questions I seem to get is “what color of fluke should I use?”. That question seems to go hand in hand with any conversation regarding baits. So I don’t want to imply that this situation only applies to fluke fishing*.
*When I refer to “fluke” fishing, I am mostly talking about the Super Fluke made by Zoom. In some ways, fluke fishing refers to just that – fishing the Zoom Super Fluke. In other ways, in my mind at least, “fluke” fishing has come to mean more of a style and could apply to other baits, whether they resemble the Zoom Super Fluke or not. It’s kinda like the “Coke” thing. Some people just say “Coke” when they mean “soda” or “pop”…anyway…back to colors.
Color Categories
In my mind there are 3 main categories of colors to consider when it comes to flukes.
Baitfish Colors
By far the color category I use the most is a “baitfish” color. There are many that work, will work, etc. My favorites include the following:
The “original” big smallmouth slayer. For several years this was the only color I used. It is still a great choice especially in sunny conditions.
This Smoke/Silver color is a close runner up in all time smallmouth catches. I might have to give this color the nod if I were forced to pick one color.
Blue Pearl/Silver flake has been very good the past several years. I like the milky appearance and it seems to do well in either bright or low light conditions.
You can get into a deal where you are really splitting hairs as with this different version of the Blue Pearl Hologram. Just different flake configuration. Works great though! Probably some kindergarten art project gone wrong. I can’t claim this color, but a buddy has had some great success on the Cotton Candy.
Good luck finding this color – Flesh Red. If you do, buy all you can. This color has contributed heavily to some tournament wins and has been very good in all conditions, but I have had the best success with it early in the morning.Earthy/Natural Colors
This category could also be called, “I really should use these colors more, don’t know why I don’t, other people have great success on these…” Maybe it’s just that I get tired of using these same colors with other baits. I don’t know. Anyway, here are some of the top selections in the “earthy” color category:
Green Pumpkin Magic. I don’t really have an excuse for not using this more. A few guys who I’ve turned onto the fluke over the years say this is their favorite color. Regular Green Pumpkin also fits, but I like the way this one catches the sunlight.
Watermelon. For some reason, probably just a coincidence, this color seems to be popular with guys who use them up on the northern Columbia River pools.
I really prefer this version of watermelon in sunny conditions. I really should use this color more, because I always seem to do well with it. I like to use some chartreuse dye on the tail with this bait in some stained water conditions.Bright and Bold
The Chartreuse Pearl Super Fluke gets the call most anytime I’m on the Snake River and things are looking a little dingy.When the time is right, these exotics have made for some memorable outings. When is the “right” time? I knew you would ask. To me, it’s in low light, and/or stained water conditions. As soon as I say that, somebody will add, “but I killed ’em on Bubblegum in bright sunny skies, and in the middle of the day…and the water was crystal clear”. So there you go. Just have some, better make it more than a bag, ’cause you never know when it might be one of those days.
If you can stand to lose your “man card”, this Bubblegum color will work in many conditions. I like this shade early in the morning. I really seems to glow in the water and this color has caught some big fish over 30+ feet of water.
The old adage of “dark water, dark baits” applies here. I’ve done best in some stained water, dark skies with this black color.
This used to be the only other color I used along with Silver Rainbow. I would specifically use the Pearl White when it was cloudy, foggy or early in the morning – low light conditions. If it was extra cloudy or foggy, I would use some chartreuse dipping dye on the tail section.You can order many of these colors HERE. Remember, you may need more than one pack if you follow the rest of the process of mastering the Super Fluke, which will be coming out in the days to come. I just thought I would address the whole issue of color right up front before we get into many of the other details.
thanks, good info!
Love the fluke. Great info.