hook color

[Big T]

I've read alot about hook color (red) and how it attracts gamefish as it imitates a bleeding baitfish. Seeing how I already have too much tackle, I'd like to change the color on some of my lure hooks to red.
What kind of paint can I use to do this without it creating a lasting offensive odor to gamefish?

Big T

[Spring Bob-er]

Save yourself the time, effort and hassle and just buy the red hooks that are out on the market.

[newfish]

I've had real good luck with my daughters blood red fingernail polish.

[bucknduck]

Good idea as the red hooks don't stay red very long at all. I use them(Gamakatsu Octopus) on crawler harnesses and the red is washed off after a few uses. So a "bath" on occasion to restore the color might help. I also use the Gray hooks and don't know if the color really impacts in catching fish on harnesses, on my fishing adventures anyways.

I've had real good luck with my daughters blood red fingernail polish.

[double trouble]

we had this discussion last year. progressive tool sells a red dye made for metal that etches its way into the metal. much better than paint. i am not sure if red hooks attract more fish because why did we stop selling so many red/white lures. because we found colors that fish can see better under different light conditions.do we really need fish to see red hooks after we spend so much time trying to hide the line? if you think it works than go for it. red fingers and a couple bucks is all you have to lose.so far ,the only difference i have seen is trolling for salmon with meat. the red hooks seem to catch a few more. i am not sure why.on walleye, i have had just as good luck with standard hooks.i think i'll spend my time finding out where the fish are rather than playing with fingernail polish if you know what i mean.

[The Fishing Pollock]

You can try using some 2 part epoxy and use standard fine red flake dust . You can prolly find the art dust at a fabric store or a hobby shop. make sure you mix it right and let it cure for 24 hours. It should have a red tint or sparkle to the hook , depending on homw much dust you use. plus the epoxy will leave a hard durable coating onthe hook.

[fishindude]

a red sharpie works but tends to die your baits red as it washes off. From past experiences don't believe all that you hear about the red hook phenomenon...

[waterfoul]

My 15 year old partner fish a LOT of senko style baits. I use red hooks, he doesn't. Last week at a tournament I got one keeper and he got 2. Other times we've fished together for fun, I'd say I only catch more fish than he does because I make more casts in any given amount of time than he does... but since I have all these red hooks....

[jigworm]

I'm with Waterfoul on this. I have fished both extensivly and can find no advantage to using red hooks. I think it's just another grand marketing scheme to sell more to us guys that have too much already!:lol:

[SeanJB]

I keep hearing that the red hooks imitate blood underwater. But based on science and research red is the first color to vanish underwater. So my personal opinion would be the hooks don't necessarily represent a blood trail but "vanish" making the hook almost invisible.