Best Night Lure Colors for Bass Fishing in the UK: A Comprehensive Guide
Night fishing for bass in the UK, particularly in regions like Cornwall, is a game-changer, offering anglers the chance to target bass venturing closer to shore under the cover of darkness. At Bass Lures UK, we stock a wide range of lures in various colors, shapes, and styles—surface, subsurface, deep divers, and handmade soft lures—to suit every angler’s needs. While daytime fishing relies on trial and error to find what works, night bass fishing demands a strategic approach to lure color selection, especially under moonlight.
Daytime vs. Nighttime Lure Selection
During the day, selecting lures is about experimentation. Try different types—surface lures, minnow plugs, or soft plastics—and stick with what produces results. If bass are present, you’ll know quickly. Don’t linger in quiet spots; move until you find active fish. Matching the hatch—mimicking local baitfish like sandeels or sprat—is key, but colors vary by region. A silver lure that works in Kent may not succeed in South Wales or Cornwall. Over time, you’ll discover which colors dominate in your area through experience and a catch report.
For daytime fishing, white lures shine under bright sunlight. The shimmering effect likely mimics a struggling or weak baitfish, making it an easy target for bass. However, at night, lure color selection becomes more nuanced, influenced by moonlight and bass behavior.
Why Night Fishing Matters
In September, as nights draw in and bass feed aggressively on garfish and other baitfish, night fishing becomes highly productive. Bass venture closer to shore, taking advantage of darkness to hunt. Contrary to common belief, bass can detect lures at night, using both sound and sight. The moon acts like a floodlight, illuminating the water and enhancing certain lure colors. Moonlit nights make lures with high contrast or reflective properties stand out, increasing their effectiveness. Keeping a catch report to log lure color, tide, and moon phase is essential for tracking patterns.
Best Lure Colors for Night Fishing
Moonlight enhances specific colors, making them more visible to bass. Here are the top colors for night bass fishing and why they work:
1. White
Why It Works: White lures reflect moonlight, creating a bright, shimmering effect that mimics vulnerable baitfish like sprat or garfish. They’re highly visible in clear or slightly murky water.
When to Use: Ideal on bright moonlit nights, especially in estuaries or on calm beaches 3 hours before/after high tide.
Pro Tip: Use with a fast retrieve to mimic fleeing baitfish.
2. Black
Why It Works: Black lures create a stark silhouette against moonlit water, standing out as a bold target. They’re effective in shallow waters where bass hunt close to the surface.
When to Use: Best on calm nights over rocks or beaches, particularly during strong tidal flows.
Pro Tip: Try black-and-white combo lures for maximum contrast.
3. Chartreuse
Why It Works: This bright yellow-green glows under moonlight, attracting bass in low-visibility conditions like murky estuaries.
When to Use: Use in turbid waters or during partial moon phases for subsurface lures.
Top Picks: Anything chartreuse.
Pro Tip: Pair with a rattling lure to add sound attraction.
4. Pink
Why It Works: Pink lures offer a unique, high-contrast profile that bass notice in moonlight, especially in clear water.
When to Use: Effective on bright nights in small bays or estuaries with moderate tidal flow.
Top Picks: Anything pink
Pro Tip: Use with glitter or reflective finishes for extra flash.
Tips for Night Fishing Success
Moonlight Matters: Fish on bright moonlit nights to maximize lure visibility; check lunar phases for planning.
Match the Hatch: Choose slim, silver, or green lures to mimic garfish, adjusting colors based on local baitfish.
Tidal Timing: Target mid-tides (3 hours before/after high) when bass are active, fishing west on incoming tides and east on outgoing in Cornwall.
Move Strategically: Don’t stay in quiet spots; relocate to find feeding bass.
Gear Prep: Tie strong knots (e.g., Palomar) and set drag to 25-30% of line strength for September’s larger bass.
Safety First: Use a headlamp, fish with a buddy, and stick to familiar spots at night.
Why Night Fishing Elevates Your Game
September’s peak bass fishing season, combined with effective night lure colors like white, black, chartreuse, and pink, offers unmatched opportunities. By leveraging moonlight and high-contrast lures, you’ll turn curious bass into strikes. Experiment with colors, log your catches, and explore local hotspots to master night fishing in the UK with Bass Lures UK.
We really like this new video from Beneath the Waves Fishing Jerseyshowing you what to do at night.
Video: Lure fishing at night
White Surface Lures:
White Soft Plastic Lures:
White Sub-Surface Lures.
White Shallow Shoreline Runner
UV: The other option is UV at night. This is an unknown quantity and can certainly help on some occasion. As soon as you use UV lures then different type of fish will be interested in it including pollock.
UV Lures:
Bass Lures UK