A red head Bomber 17a wasn't in my bag one night. That was the difference between 40lb class fish and the skunk.

During the day: I suppose it looks like an injured bait bait fish but I think it is used because fisherman like the color combo.
From a science standpoint, red light travels the LEAST distance in seawater. (Blue and Green the furthest)

At night: it does not matter because bass can NOT see color...only black and white. (during the day they can see color)

I have caught fish on all colors...even flor orange which looks nothing like any fish in the sea. IMO fish key in more on profile, movement, its lightness or darkness and the eye of the lure more so then what color it is.

By offering a range of colors plug makers sell more plugs....becuse you "need" a range of colors right?

According to some, the pecking order to lure attraction should be based on the following order;
1. running depth
2. speed
3. action
4. size
5. visual contrast
6. shape
7. color
8. pattern and finish detail
Granted, this order can be argued forever, but it places color 7th. It doesn't explain those nights where you're fishing with someone using the same lure but different colors. One would hook up a few times while the other gets skunked. When the lure is switched to the same color the hook ups would begin.Sometimes color can be the most important factor, at least to me . This is how I justify buying so many lures to feed my addiction. I'm babbling on here and Spring couldn't come soon enough!

wouldn't 5 and 7 relate? i look at contrast to the background as well as contrast on the plug when choosing lure color. that is part of why i never turned to red heads in the surf. i see contrast from the back of a plug to the belly more natural than nose to tail.

i thought this would stir some good winter debate. when we are thorugh here, the boat vs. shore debate may resume! :D