Chartreuse and general color spectrum question

[motomania]

I typically fish very clear lakes, and always use very natural colors with good results. (sometimes great results )
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Is chartreuse (and other bright colors) primarily used for more stained water? The reason I ask, is that the few times I've tried throwing a worm/crankbait/whatever, in clear water, in wild or bright colors; I've never had any luck.
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Also, does anyone have any good links or info on how fish see/interpret different colors, and how water color/depth/clarity effect certain colors appearance?
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I know this is a pretty broad question, but you get the idea. I'm just trying to educate myself a little better on the subject of colors/when to use/ etc.
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Think out loud, and post away!

[bassmasterfitz]

If you fish bright colors in clear water, I sometimes use colors that match the bottom ,also you have to remember that sonnys have yellow,orange,light green and then you have perch swimming around with bright colors in them as well .....I think that in clear water the bass key in on certain baits most of the time ......... good luck ............

[bass-ackwards]

...I have always had good luck throwing a chartreuse spinner bait, blades and all, in the clear glacier lakes of New York.

[SUPERCHUGBUG]

i'm sure you're going to get several different answers and theories, and they probably will all catch fish. most of the lakes i fish are fairly clear too depending on the time of yr and the weather conditions. my rule of thumb is simple. the clearer the water the clearer the bait. the darker the water, the darker the bait. for example, in really crystal water i fish salt and pepper and smoke colors. stained water, i'll throw purples,blacks, etc.... works for me, so i'm not gonna give it up. good luck, and keep us posted what you find.

[motomania]

-I guess I'll try some brighter colors again this year. Good point about the sunny's, I never really gave that much thought.
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-It always just seems very counter-intuitive to me, to use the bright colors. Especially on some of the lakes I fish, that see a lot of pressure.
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Good to hear others input.