If you’ve ever stood in front of a tackle wall full of Megabass jerkbaits wondering which color to throw, you’re not alone.
With well over 100 colors available in the Vision 110 lineup alone, picking the “right” one can feel like guesswork, especially when fish are finicky and the weather’s all over the place. Jerkbait fishing is already one of the most nuanced techniques in bass fishing, with variables like cadence, line, depth, and gear all in play.
But here’s the good news: color doesn’t have to be complicated.
Instead of stressing over exact shades like Table Rock Shad vs. Pro Blue, start thinking in color categories based on finish type, not just paint jobs. This approach simplifies your choices and helps you match bait to conditions more effectively.
The 3 Core Jerkbait Finishes: Metallic, Translucent, and Matte
When it comes to jerkbait color, Megabass lures fall into three primary finish styles:
1. GG (Metallic Finish)
This is your shiny, flashy, highly reflective finish. Perfect for grabbing attention. GG stands for “guanium ghost,” and these baits throw hard flashes of light underwater, similar to the sides of a shad or herring.
Ideal for:
- Sunny days
- Windy conditions
- Clear to lightly stained water
2. GP (Translucent Finish)
These baits have a subtle, see-through quality. They don’t throw as much flash, which makes them deadly when fish are spooky or the water is ultra-clear. GP finishes give off just enough shimmer without overwhelming the fish.
Ideal for:
- Bright, calm days
- Ultra-clear water (4+ feet visibility)
- Heavily pressured areas
3. MAT (Matte Finish)
Matte finishes feature a flat, non-reflective surface that gives off a strong silhouette without shine. These are your go-tos for low-light or cloudy days when fish are feeding more by contrast than flash.
Ideal for:
- Overcast or stormy weather
- Slightly stained or tannic water
- Post-frontal conditions when fish are neutral or inactive
When to Use Each Finish Based on Conditions
Forget the hype around single-color names. Fish don’t know what “Sexy Shad” is, but they do respond to light, visibility, and contrast. Here’s a simple breakdown to guide your selection:
Condition | Best Finish | Why It Works |
Clear water + calm sun | GP (Translucent) | Subtle profile, less threatening |
Cloudy skies or stained water | MAT (Matte) | Strong silhouette, less flash distraction |
Bright sun + wind or chop | GG (Metallic) | Flash draws strikes from distance |
Mixed conditions | Test all three | Light and clarity often shift during the day |
As the day progresses, so do conditions. Wind can pick up. Clouds can move in. Water can get stirred up. These changes all affect how a fish sees your bait and whether or not they’re going to commit.
Let the First Fish Guide Your Color Choice
One of the most valuable tips to remember is this: the first bite tells you there are fish there, not that you’ve found the perfect color.
Let’s say you start the day on a main lake point, throwing a Vision 110 in Table Rock SP, and catch a fish. Great, now you know you’re around bass. But don’t assume that’s the only bait they’ll bite. Use that opportunity to experiment:
- Switch to a translucent finish like Pro Blue and see if the action picks up
- Try a matte version to check if fish react better to a different silhouette
- Run each option for 5–10 minutes to gauge the quality and quantity of bites
This approach helps you dial in the most productive finish for the day, rather than relying on what worked last week or last season.
Conditions Change, So Should Your Color
Jerkbait color isn’t static. The sky changes. The wind shifts. Light penetrates differently throughout the day. All of this means that a bait that worked at 8:00 a.m. might fall flat by early afternoon.
That’s why being willing to change is key to consistent jerkbait success.
Stay observant:
- Has the sun popped out after a cloudy morning? Try a metallic.
- Did the wind die down and the water slick off? Try a translucent.
- Did visibility drop from boat traffic or rising mudlines? Try a matte finish.
Each of these small environmental shifts gives you a reason to try something new, and the right tweak can be the difference between one fish and a full pattern.
Keep It Simple, Stay Adaptive
Jerkbait color can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. If you focus on finish type over specific colors, you’ll simplify your approach and build confidence faster.
Here’s the short version:
- Metallic = bright sun or wind
- Translucent = clear, calm water
- Matte = low light or stained water
From there, let the fish give you feedback. Make a few casts, pay attention to how they respond, and adjust as needed. Stay creative. Don’t lock into just one color. And remember, in jerkbait fishing, the best color is the one that works right now.
