Author Topic: Fish can't see UV!  (Read 2288 times)

Offline Muskygary

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Fish can't see UV!
« on: 04/02/13 15:35 UTC »
In the 2013 May issue of In-Fisherman; Doug Stange editorial (Science in Concert with Perspectives from the Field) states on page 8 "Can the fish we fish for see UV light? Many manufactures today tout the fact that their lures give off UV light. If the lures do so, the science as it stands suggests that it wouldn't make a difference to most fish, because they can't see UV light"  Any comments? Just trying to stir the pot! ;D

Online ctom

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Re: Fish can't see UV!
« Reply #1 on: 04/02/13 15:43 UTC »
When Mr. Stange can decipher a conversation with a crappie I'll put stock in this. As far as I know, nobody has spoken with a fish to determine whether they can or cannot see uv light. We certainly cannot but he can't prove that fish can't.
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Offline pjmcla

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Re: Fish can't see UV!
« Reply #2 on: 04/02/13 16:52 UTC »
There are expert fisheries biologist on fish senses.  Sight, smell, lateral line pressure "hearing".  I believe that the testing is still going on about UV light and bass.   

Offline Jerry V

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Re: Fish can't see UV!
« Reply #3 on: 04/02/13 19:42 UTC »
I don't know that anyone has "proven" that Bass key on UV.  The Salmonoid species (Trout, Salmon, Steelhead etc.) have been proven to key on the reflection of UV light.  There is also a study that has noticed some reaction from the Sunfish/Bluegill family and they are like a 1st cousin to the Bass.  I have personally noticed a difference when using it while fishing Trout, assorted Panfish, and Walleye, but like ctom mentioned... until you can teach fish to talk it's all speculation.

I also think the deep fishing salt water guys notice a difference as the UV light penetrates the water much deeper than white light (that light that we use), so when fishing at extreme depth those critters down there are keying on something that is able to reflect more of the UV light that is available.  They've found that white light begins to peter out around 200-250 ft. but they have detected UV light as deep as 700 ft..

I still use it from time to time while Bass fishing but usually on a baitfish imitation.  Have I noticed any real difference?... prolly not, but I figure it can't hurt right? especially in low light or murky conditions.
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Offline pieterbez

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Re: Fish can't see UV!
« Reply #4 on: 04/03/13 03:54 UTC »
Agree with Jerry on that trout can see UV Light.
That is why you should never wear white when fishing for trout. Sure way to scare the away from your fishing spot.
Fish for the future. Please catch and release

Offline Lamar

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Re: Fish can't see UV!
« Reply #5 on: 04/03/13 06:09 UTC »
   I know for a fact that UV products catch allot of fisherman. Fisherman and bait companies make fishing complicated. I like to fish using the KISS method. Keep It Simple Stupid