TLDR;
This video explains how light behaves underwater and how to use this knowledge to select the right colors for salmon trolling. It covers the electromagnetic spectrum, how the eye works, light absorption in water, and how different lure colors appear underwater. The video concludes with a strategy for selecting lure colors based on light conditions to improve fishing success.
- Understanding light behavior underwater is crucial for effective lure color selection.
- Glow lures are best for low light, while specific colors work better at different depths and light levels.
- Adjust lure selection based on water clarity, depth, and time of day.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces the challenge of selecting the right colors for salmon trolling spreads due to the countless color combinations available. It suggests that understanding how light behaves underwater can significantly improve the effectiveness of a trolling spread, especially during short feeding windows. The video aims to explain light behavior in the water column to help viewers make better color choices and increase their chances of catching fish.
GLF Title [0:33]
This is just a title card for the video.
Light and the Electromagnetic Spectrum [0:40]
Light is a form of electromagnetic energy that travels in waves, characterized by its wavelength. The electromagnetic spectrum includes all possible wavelengths of light, with visible light being the portion detectable by the human eye. Shorter wavelengths are ultraviolet light, and longer wavelengths are infrared light. Fish can see slightly beyond the visible spectrum into the ultraviolet range.
How the Eye Works [1:17]
The structure and operation of a fish's eye are similar to a human eye. Rod cells and cone cells at the back of the eye sense light and send electrical signals to the brain, resulting in sight. Rod cells dominate at lower light levels and in the peripheral region, primarily detecting black and white. Cone cells dominate at higher light levels and in the central region, responsible for color perception. Both salmon and humans are trichromatic, having three types of cone cells that detect red, blue, and green light. When multiple light rays hit the eye, the brain interprets the combination of colors; for example, red, blue, and green are interpreted as white.
Light in the Water Column [3:23]
Sunlight contains all colors of the visible light spectrum. When light hits the water's surface, some is reflected, and some penetrates the water column, allowing underwater visibility. Different colors penetrate to varying depths; red and violet light are filtered out higher in the water column, meaning they are less available to reflect off presentations in deeper water.
How Light Absorbs and Reflects on Lures [3:54]
A red spoon absorbs blue and green light while reflecting red light, causing it to appear red in bright sunlight. However, when lowered into the water column where red light is filtered out, the spoon appears as a dark shade of gray at 100 feet, making it difficult to see.
How Non-Glow Lures Look Underwater [4:16]
A red spoon appears bright red in sunlight but turns dark gray at 100 feet due to the absorption of red light by the water. White spoons reflect all colors of visible light, but as red and violet light are filtered out, the spoon fades to a bluish-green color, making it more visible in deep water.
How Glow Lures Look Underwater [5:03]
Glow-in-the-dark spoons have photoluminescent paint that emits light when activated, maintaining a consistent look throughout the water column. However, the emitted light is also filtered by the surrounding water, so while a nearby fish sees it as white, the color fades to bluish-green as the fish moves further away.
Strategy [5:28]
In early morning and late evening, when light conditions are low, glow-in-the-dark presentations are essential. Combinations of black with glow white or glow green work best, mimicking the flashes of bait fish. As light increases, color becomes more important. If fish are holding deep, skies are cloudy, or water is stained, maintain glow-in-the-dark presentations at lower depths. Add colorful presentations starting with the highest rods, using greens, blues, and yellows. In bright conditions, oranges, reds, and violets can be added to the top 30 to 50 feet of the water column.
Summary [6:43]
In very low light, use glow-in-the-dark presentations exclusively. In slightly brighter conditions, add greens, yellows, and blues high in your spread while keeping glow-in-the-dark lures deeper. In the brightest conditions, add reds, oranges, and violets to the top 50 feet of the water column. Lighting conditions underwater can vary significantly, so adjust depths accordingly.
Thanks for Watching! [7:14]
The video concludes with a thank you and a call to action, encouraging viewers to like the video, subscribe to the channel, and ring the bell for notifications.