what color jig works best in dark water

When selecting a color for your jig you definitely should contrast with the conditions you are fishing. In crystal clear water you want to use a darker jig, like a black, purple or dark blue. As the water becomes medium clear you can switch to neutral colored jigs like red, green or a medium blue. For darker water you bring out the light colored jigs like white, chartreuse and yellow. If the water is extremely murky you should use light jigs in their florescent forms. The species of fish you are angling for should also influence your jig color selection. Crappie, for instance, are know to prefer light colored jigs. Crappie jigs have been called “pinkies” for many years due to the proclivity of this species to attack pink colored jigs. Walleye are a different matter. Walleyes tend to feed near the bottom of the lake on rocky or gravel bottoms. Their eyes are sensitive to light but at these extreme depths you need a light colored jig to be seen. More important than the color of the jig is the presentation. In darker water you need to slow down your retrieve speed and use a more irregular retrieve to maximize your catch rate. I like to allow my jig to hit bottom and then employ a series of starts and stops by lifting my rod tip. As the jig sinks to the bottom after one of these lifts you will get most of your strikes. You need to be aware of this and be ready to set the hook upon pickup.