Thread: Line visibility test video

A good discussion.
Strong arguments against the "Red" lines and for "high vis"...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pg7cOdvBb0I

Bottom line (pun intended) is some lines may be more or less visible to fish underwater depending on the background (and lighting).

That test is not valid. His results are based on what he could see with the human eye. A fishes eyes are constructed different than the human eye when it comes to the number of rods and cones in the eye. There is a vast difference between fish and humans. Therefore, they see colors different than we do.

exactly right.

Really?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_in_fishes

Fish eyes are similar to terrestrial vertebrates like birds and mammals, but have a more spherical lens. Their retinas generally have both rod cells and cone cells (for scotopic and photopic vision), and most species have colour vision. Some fish can see ultraviolet and some are sensitive to polarized light.

Fishes that live in surface waters down to about 200 metres, epipelagic fishes, live in a sunlit zone where visual predators use visual systems which are designed pretty much as might be expected.

Selecting Lure Colors for Successful Fishing

Most fish see colors. As with people, the retina of a fish’s eye contains two types of cells: cones and rods. Cones are used for day vision and are the cells that discern color. Rods are used for night vision and cannot distinguish colors, although they can discern light intensity.

Studies have shown that rainbow trout and Pacific salmon have color vision similar to that of humans. They can distinguish complementary colors and up to 24 spectral hues. Other studies have shown that brown trout are capable of sharply focusing on near and far objects at the same time and can clearly see different colors at different distances.

The Master has spoken. Take heed.

Originally Posted by Pier#r

Really?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_in_fishes

Selecting Lure Colors for Successful Fishing

Yes, really.

As with most things in physiology, the presence (or absence) of a particular organ (rods or cones) has meaning only in degrees.

I'm not an eye specialist (although I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night and I have a child who IS a specialist); but when discussing an animal's sight and how it is similar (or dissimilar) to our vision, there are many, MANY variables that contribute: retinal density, geometry, organic variation, to name a few.

Two things: wikipedia is just OK as a citation; it's more akin to a primer or elementary resource. Second (and more importantly): remember, it wasn't that long ago we were using regular old mono for light line and dacron for heavy gear. Dacron is nothing more than thin rope by contrast. And, time was, this worked just fine.

To me, colored line is a lot like all the variations of colored lures . . . mostly, they catch fishermen.

You guys certainly bring up good points about specific physiological differences between fish and human vision (lens structure, rod & cone structure, viewing medium, etc.)

Studies show not all fish species even 'see' in the same light wavelengths which would seem to make targeting them with a single fishing line all the more less likely to be successful (ALL the time).

What I don't agree with is fish are so totally different we can't make simple 'real world tests' that may give us more insight into how they may react to differing fishing line.
Myself believing that line thickness is at least (if not more) important than color, which should actually help prove the validity of what you are saying (at least in part).
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/newslett...s_of_fish.html

Despite differences in habitats, humans and fish have similar eyes.

But then there is
FISH, a quick course on the biology of fishes (Ichthyology)

Fish eyes are different from our own. Their lenses are perfectly spherical, which enables them to see underwater because it has a higher refractive index to help them focus. They focus by moving the lens in and out instead of stretching it like we do. They cannot dilate or contract their pupils because the lens bulges through the iris.

My favorite scene in the sci-fi movie Predator II is when the alien has been 'blinded' in the infa-red wavelength and simply switches his helmet view to another wavelength.
Ha, joke was on Gary Busey ;-)
Anyway, it just shows how superior adaptations can make us more successful predators as long as we don't get too hung up in depending on it totally.

How often has lure or wire color been discussed and 'virtuized' here?
Certainly the line that connects the lure is at least as important.
Then there are the other senses...


Recommended late night reading...
Fish Eyesight: Does Color Matter? | MidCurrent
Fish Sensory Systems | Minnesota Sea Grant
http://www.seagrant.umn.edu/newslett...s_of_fish.html