Color...
 

I see a lot of guys do lots of color blending with pearls, and irredescent paints, and i think they look great, but how do they catch compared to the basic color combos? Some of those plugs look too good to fish with but do the fish like them as much as we do? I only have experience with basic color combos and paint jobs and was wondering how much of a difference it makes at times if any?

My take is that it's mostly artistic and has little to do with the catching part. During the day some of the realistic patterns might make a difference when stripers are sight feeding.

I agree though, some of these guys make some awsome looking plugs...

-spence

have you ever seen a baitfish that was plain white? Pearlescent paints are a closer match to baitfish imo. yea it looks better to the fisherman but it looks more like a fish too. Pearls use actual fish scales depending on color....

My personal opinion is that color can matter at times, but action matters all the time. Some of the blending/pearls/irredecents may help at times. If it gives the fisherman more confidence in the lure, then that is the biggest help. Do you have to get the plug paint to completely match the bait? No. Basic stuff does just fine. For example, in a local creek, all of the minnows have a bronze to gold flash to them and are tan to olive on their backs. Simple olive back, pearl belly, and either fog the sides with gold or put some gold glitter in the epoxy coat and you are good to go. I've done as well there with a simple paint scheme like that as I have one that matches the bait better. I've also nailed fish after fish with the simple scheme while someone fishing with me throwing a plug with silver in it could hardly buy a bite. Why, silver is not a natural color in the creek, gold is. Thats what makes the difference.

Jigman

paint jobs catch fishermen...IMO