Does hook color actually make a difference when fishing with live bait?

I see people recommending the use of colored hooks when fishing with leeches, crawlers, etc. but I've always wondered if it's actually necessary, since most of the hook will be covered by the bait anyway. Plus it seems like a stretch that fish can even see a colored hook under several feet of water if it is exposed.

Count me skeptical as well for most of the reasons you stated. But, I still use red hooks when fishing for trout with nightcrawlers because another fisherman told me. And I caught 3 nice ones on my first outing.

In clear water it can sometimes matter. I used to bobber fish Mille Lacs Lake, and it definitely mattered. Glow, chartreuse, and red being the best (usually.)
Typically, though, it's a secondary consideration. Part of fine-tuning.

lundojam: "... it's a secondary consideration. Part of fine-tuning."

Agree. If they're not biting leeches, then the color of your hook doesn't matter. Switch to a worm before changing hook color.

I think color can make a difference at times. I fish with 1 or 2 others in the canoe, everyone has a different colored hook on with a 4 lb leader a swivel then a slip bobber. This summers #1 color is silver. 5 or 6 walleyes to 1 on any other color. I only found this out after the paint flaked off the hook.

Holehopper: " I think color can make a difference at times. I fish with 1 or 2 others in the canoe, everyone has a different colored hook on with a 4 lb leader a swivel then a slip bobber. This summers #1 color is silver. 5 or 6 walleyes to 1 on any other color. I only found this out after the paint flaked off the hook. "

Very interesting. I never would have guessed it could make that much of a difference. Guess I might have to buy some more fishing gear, sigh...

Holehopper: ",,,a ,,, hook on with a 4 lb leader a swivel then a slip bobber. "

I have no kind words for this set-up... no matter what color hook you are using.

bobbernumber3: "

Holehopper: ",,,a ,,, hook on with a 4 lb leader a swivel then a slip bobber. "

I have no kind words for this set-up... no matter what color hook you are using."

What? Rigging leeches or minnows under a slip bobber on an octopus hook with a 4 lb mono leader is a basic finesse rig, used for generations to catch countless big walleyes. In my experience, color is one of the least important parts of the walleye equation. I use bare metal in clear water and painted hooks in darker water.

KarlK: "

bobbernumber3: "

Holehopper: ",,,a ,,, hook on with a 4 lb leader a swivel then a slip bobber. "

I have no kind words for this set-up... no matter what color hook you are using."

What? Rigging leeches or minnows under a slip bobber on an octopus hook with a 4 lb mono leader is a basic finesse rig, used for generations to catch countless big walleyes. In my experience, color is one of the least important parts of the walleye equation. I use bare metal in clear water and painted hooks in darker water. "

4 lb leader and a swivel?? There goes any finesse with a slip bobber rig, IMO.

I have never seen an experienced walleye fisherman rig a slip float without a swivel. How would you add weight?

I've seen it matter once while fishing with leaches in the narrows above Lake One. In that particular area chartreuse octopus hooks seem to have a definite advantage. That being said, I'm far from an accomplished fisherman so take it with a grain of salt.

A hook of your choice 2' leader of 4 lb line, a barrel swivel and a slip sinker on the main line. Adjust the drag or back reel. 25" walleye is the largest walleye so far this summer. Northern will bite you off but they would do that with 8-10 lb line also.

KarlK: "I have never seen an experienced walleye fisherman rig a slip float without a swivel. How would you add weight? "

Several members here use a swivel, but it is unrelated to the sinker. You're using a leader to get a swivel so you can add a sinker? A leader would very much limit the ability of your minnow or leech to float and swim naturally.

The swivel is used to hold back the sinker and attach a length of leader material that is lighter than the main line, allowing improved stealth and the most possible action from the live bait. Split-shot sinkers are a poor choice as they create a weak point on the line. A proper walleye rig for finesse bobber fishing uses an egg sinker on the main line, followed by a small bead and small black barrel swivel. I like to tie a 2' length of 4lb fluro on the other end, but have seen much longer leaders used in super-clear water for pressured fish.

Egg sinker is a better term and what I meant to say, rather than slip sinker. Thank you.

KarlK: "The swivel is used to hold back the sinker and attach a length of leader material that is lighter than the main line, allowing improved stealth and the most possible action from the live bait. Split-shot sinkers are a poor choice as they create a weak point on the line. A proper walleye rig for finesse bobber fishing uses an egg sinker on the main line, followed by a small bead and small black barrel swivel. I like to tie a 2' length of 4lb fluro on the other end, but have seen much longer leaders used in super-clear water for pressured fish. "

OK... got it. Not a steel leader for northerns! A tippet.

bobbernumber3: "

KarlK: "The swivel is used to hold back the sinker and attach a length of leader material that is lighter than the main line, allowing improved stealth and the most possible action from the live bait. Split-shot sinkers are a poor choice as they create a weak point on the line. A proper walleye rig for finesse bobber fishing uses an egg sinker on the main line, followed by a small bead and small black barrel swivel. I like to tie a 2' length of 4lb fluro on the other end, but have seen much longer leaders used in super-clear water for pressured fish. "

OK... got it. Not a steel leader for northerns! A tippet."

This is a funny back n forth. “Leader” can be any material. They sell flourocarbon that’s specifically labeled as such. Have never thought steel when I think leader. And in my world “tippet” is specific to fly fishing.

My 2 cents is that hook color is almost the least important factor.

Also LOADS of walleyes and other fish have been caught using split shot. Is the sliding egg sinker more finesse, yes— but hardly a requirement.

I'll add another positive to using a lighter leader/tippet/snell line between the hook and swivel. If for some reason you happen to snag the hook on a tree or rock, only the hook comes off, keeping the swivel, weight and bobber all on the main line.

The guys I was with this year were using jig heads under a slip bobber from camp. The jig heads would snag up them the bobber blew in. When their line broke the expensive(compared to the rest of the rig) bobber floated away.

ZaSquatch: "When their line broke the.... bobber floated away. "

Paddle over and get it?

When packing for a trip, a canoe partner asked me "How many slip bobbers do I need?" Just one, I replied. When it comes off, you go get it, re-tie, and keep fishing.

We were out the first evening slip-bobbering along a calm shoreline. A dandy pike came out of the water and, on the way down, swallowed my partner's slip bobber. He said "What do I do?? Set the bobber?". The line broke, the bobber was gone, and we sat there in amazement for a minute. Then the bobber popped up next to the canoe.

I think it makes a difference in heavily fished waters. Heavy is relative, so by heavy I mean waters like Vermillion or Winnie. I've seen plenty of times on one of those lakes where a specific color hook will be the only thing they will bite on.

i used many a slip sinker for bottom fishing , never heard of such a thing on a float ,and doesnt make much sense to me(a fish pulls the bobber under the weight is still there for a fish to feel)) where ever that hook/bait/fish is going that slip sinker is coming with, unlike a bottom type rig.. i understand pinching down a split shot can wear on the line over time , but thats why a person should retie often in the BW/Q. as far as color of a hook , yes i can see some advantages , like glow for night fishing ,
my tip ups have many different color combinations , some out produce others.

bobbernumber3: "Paddle over and get it?"

But adding a swivel means you don't have to..........

ZaSquatch: "

bobbernumber3: "Paddle over and get it?"

But adding a swivel means you don't have to.........."

unless your knot breaks above the swivel.