Matching the clay to the color of the water - why is it worth it and how to do it?

Fishing clays - why are they even worth using?

Clay is not edible to fish, but mixed with groundbait it is an incredibly valuable part of an angler's arsenal. The presence of clay positively affects the effectiveness of fishing, if, of course, you use it consciously. What are the most important functions of clay in bait?

Filling and depleting the bait

Properly prepared bait for feeder often requires a filler. Many anglers use corn flour for this purpose, but clay also performs this function perfectly. In addition, the bait contains not only traditional ingredients, such as grains or grits, but also bait worms, such as chironomids. Clay is introduced into the bait to more effectively transport these ingredients into the water in their natural environment.

Not only does it act as a filler substance, but it also depletes the bait. After all, the goal is to attract fish, not to satisfy their hunger - this could significantly hinder fishing.

To add weight to the bait

In order for the bait to settle to the bottom, it is necessary to add weight to it. The clay used for this purpose prevents the bait from prematurely disintegrating and dispersing. This is of great importance especially when fishing in a river. It is also worth noting that clay acts as an excellent binder. By adding it to the bait in the right proportions, you can get an easily moldable product with a delayed disintegration time.

Changing the color of the bait

And finally - clay in bait can serve as an effective colorant, changing the color of the bait. This allows you to get a mixture that blends perfectly into the bottom of a lake or river, attracting fish and making it easier to catch them.

However, you may be wondering: how to choose the color of the clay and why should you even bother? Keep reading to find out the answers!

How to match the clay to the color of the water?

Matching fishing clay to water color is an important aspect of successful fishing. Here are some rules for matching fishing clay to different water colors.

Clear and blue-colored water

In clear-colored water, where the bottom is clearly visible, it is advisable to use clay with a color similar to the bottom. A beige or brown clay (such as Mountain Argile Clay Bright 2 kg) will look natural, minimizing the visibility of bait and bait.

The same is true for water with a blue tint. Such water is characterized by clarity and transparency, so a clay with bright colors, such as MATCHPRO Argile Bright Nature Clay 2 kg, will be suitable. Clay in shades of gray, white or light brown will go well with the characteristics of blue water.

Cloudy water

For turbid water, when visibility is limited, you can experiment with different colors of clay. Intense colors such as black, dark brown or green are recommended, which can better contrast with the turbid background. A product that can work well when fishing in turbid water is Team Feeder Lake MATCHPRO 1.5 kg clay.

Water with a green tint

In water with a green tint, caused by the presence of algae, clays with colors close to green can be effective. Green bait clay can blend with the surroundings, making the presentation of the set more subtle.

Water with a dark hue

Sometimes it happens that the water has a dark shade due to lingering algae or detritus. It is then worth reaching for clays in intense colors. Black, dark brown or maroon can be a good choice, as they will be more noticeable to fish in the dark tone of the water. An example of such a clay is MATCHPRO Scattering Clay De Somme Black 2 kg.

If you are planning a longer stay on the water, in case of changing weather and lighting conditions, take several colors of fishing clay with you. Flexibility in color selection will allow you to adjust the groundbait to the current conditions.

Why is matching the clay to the color of the water so important?

Matching the type of fishing clay to the color of the water is a strategic procedure that can significantly affect the effectiveness of your fishing. See why it's important to make sure your clay colors match the tone of the water:

• Masking lures. Clays that are similar in color to the water allow lures to be effectively hidden in their surroundings. Fish, especially wary and skittish ones, will accept the lure more easily if it harmonizes with its surroundings in terms of color.

• Increasing the attractiveness of the lure. Matching colors allows you to create an environment that is more natural and attractive to fish. Water-colored clays make the lure appear natural, which can attract the attention of fish. Especially species with a sharp sense of sight may react suspiciously to contrasting colors.

• Ability to react quickly to changes. As atmospheric conditions, lighting and water clarity change, clay in the right color allows you to fine-tune your lure to the fishing technique you are using.

In summary, matching fishing clay to water color is an important part of angling strategy that can help improve fishing performance by creating a more subtle, natural and attractive bait presentation.

In our store you will find a wide selection of clays in a wide variety of color configurations. Choose something for yourself and experiment during your next sit-down!