How important is the color and detail on the top of a surface plug?

[Fish_Eye]

I’ve always been a big fan of pearl, bright white, black, and yellow with a red head at dawn and dusk.

Several years ago I was filming Lefty Kreh working his deceiver fly off Sakonnet Point in particularly clear water. After getting the slides back both Lefty and I were amazed at how none of the color (white and yellow with a touch of chartreuse and a tad of red near the throat) was to be seen when I shot the fly from directly below. All you saw was a silhouette of the fly and it appeared black. We both agreed that ACTION, first and foremost draws attention and strikes followed by size and shape, then finally color. Oh yah, sound is probably even more important than color…and EVERY lure makes sound…sound and vibration that most deffinately stimulates the lateral line of any predators in the area. Even a slow moving Danny makes noise – you would be amazed at how loud a clanking sound is generated by the simple swinging back and forth of treble hooks.

However, there a days when color does make a huge difference -- how do you explain that? Especially when you’re dealing with a topwater offering that seldom if ever leaves the surface. I have a theory…let me hear yours before I post a few revealing pictures.