Carp Hookbait Colours: A Personal Perspective

  • Posted: 24th January 2025
  • Author: Brian Ward

When it comes to choosing the right hookbait colour for carp fishing, opinions often vary, and for good reason. Some carp anglers swear by bright, eye-catching carp baits, while others lean towards more natural tones that blend with the lakebed. My take on this topic is a little different, shaped by years of carp fishing experience and a unique perspective – my eyesight!

A tub of mixed-colour hookbaits

Opinions vary when it comes to bait-colour choice

How My Eyesight Shapes My View on Bait Colour

For those who know me, it’s no secret that I’ve had poor eyesight for most of my life. Several operations, including cataract surgery and lens replacements, have improved things, but I’ve always been extremely short-sighted and colour blind due to ocular albinism. To put it into context, I could watch half a black-and-white film before realizing it’s not in colour – my wife often has to confirm for me!

This experience makes me question whether we can assume that carp see colours the same way we do. Sure, we can analyse a carp’s eye structure and draw comparisons to human vision, but there’s no way to know for certain how they perceive their underwater world.

Does Colour Really Matter to Carp?

If you scattered a handful of bright red hookbaits in my swim and offered me £100 for each one I could find, your money would be safe – I wouldn’t find many. This is true for several bright colours, including high-visibility fluoros. However, I’ve caught plenty of carp using washed-out tones and darker baits, which makes me think the environment and presentation are just as important as the colour itself.

How I Choose Hookbait Colours

My favourite hookbait colour is one that I can see well in different scenarios. For example:

  • The Bug Half Tones: These have worked well for me in a variety of conditions. I can spot them easily in the margins when placed over low-lying weed or mud. However, they blend in on gravel, where I prefer darker baits.
  • Yellow Baits: These stand out to me, even in winter or on overcast days. I’ve always had confidence in yellow hookbaits, especially when fishing in challenging conditions.

When it comes to fluoros, I like the Bug Half Tones

Consider the Lakebed When Choosing Colours

When selecting hookbait, think about the lakebed you’re fishing over:

  • Silt or Mud: Washed-out colours tend to blend naturally, giving carp the confidence to feed.
  • Gravel: Darker baits work well, as they contrast subtly without standing out unnaturally.

An interesting idea to explore is photographing your bait against a dark background in black and white. This could help you see which baits stand out the most in a simplified, contrast-focused view—perhaps giving a glimpse into how carp might perceive them.

Bug Hard Hookers

Darker baits work well, as they contrast subtly without standing out unnaturally

What’s the Takeaway?

Carp fishing is all about confidence. Whether you prefer bright, high-visibility baits or more subdued tones, the key is to match your choice to the conditions and your personal fishing style. For me, washed-out colours over silt and darker baits over gravel have proven successful time and again.

And remember – if you wave to me on the bank and I don’t wave back, I’m not ignoring you. I just didn’t see you!

Tight lines, everyone.

Brian with his UK personal best carp

Other related carp fishing articles:

How to Prime Your Carp Fishing Spot by Pre-Baiting by Steve Wright

Pop-Ups v Bottom Baits: Know When to Use Which by Alan Draycott

The Evolution of Carp Bait: Trends Going Back to the 80s by Brian Ward