Date: Jul-09-2001

Name: Bill Dance B.A.S.S. Pro

About: What Bass See

By Bill Dance Ichthyologists and biologists both have found through years of research that a bass’ eye receives five times more light than a human eye. Their eyes gather more light and, in effect, amplify it — allowing them to see at much lower light levels than we can (as well as at much greater distances).

Scientists say that fish can see over 40 feet in relatively clear water. In scuba gear, we can see approximately 10 to 12 feet. In stained water where we can see 2 to 4 feet, tests show that largemouths can see up to 14 to 16 feet. And in a muddy environment where we can see only 6 inches or so, fish can somehow still see 3 to 5 feet.

It is a well-known fact that water absorbs some light rays faster than others — therefore changing the appearance of colors as far as man or a camera sees them. But remember that a bass’ eyes are different than ours. Although researchers don’t really know how fish perceive color, they do know which colors are most effective for catching fish in different light levels and water clarity. The way they know this is by using a device that took over nine years to complete. The device is a Color-C-Lector and was invented by a close friend of mine, Dr. Loren Hill, chairman of zoology at the University of Oklahoma. This unit definitely takes the guess work out of what color is most visible to the fish at different times of the day, depth and water clarity. This unit also will give you the temperature and pH of the water from the surface to 50 feet. It is a valuable piece of equipment to have.

Since a bass’ eyes are on the sides of its head, they have a wide range of sight. However, the right and left eyes each see a separate half of the field, so they suffer a little from split vision. Nevertheless, it is an advantage to have each eye able to scan an arc of 180 degrees or more on each side of the body.

To the fish’s rear, there is a definite blind spot where neither eye can see. This is why, you will always catch more fish by bringing your lure to the fish rather than bringing it up behind it. This can and will startle bass and spook them away. From dead ahead, a fish can see your bait at a distance and react to it quicker. Also, from straight ahead, the arcs of the two eyes overlap to provide a narrow band perhaps 45 degrees, where the fish has binocular vision.

It is in this band of binocular vision that a fish can be expected to have accurate depth perception. In chasing down an artificial lure or living prey where depth perception is important, bass will attack straight ahead, because this straight-on positioning gives a fish the maximum ability to estimate target distance. Without depth perception, a bass has a tough time estimating the range of its target and hitting the mark. And if the lure or prey is not too visible, its chances of getting it are virtually nil, regardless of what direction it is moving.

When fishing moving water, most fishermen know that it is always best to cast upstream. Bass are always facing upstream in a current to meet on-coming food. Fishing this way allows you to work the lure much more effectively and in more of a natural way. When you cast, try for a head-on shot at the bass, as opposed to bringing your lure at them from the sides.

To more clearly understand how largemouth bass see picture this: there is a wedge in front of the bass where the visual fields of both eyes overlap. Binocular vision lets them zero in on their prey so they can strike accurately. When something goes across their field of vision, it is visible to them for a much shorter time than if it is either going away or coming straight for them.

As a result, it is always best to cast your lure so that it comes straight to the anticipated position of the bass.

Sound or smell might lead the fish to your bait, but the final attack is dictated by sight in almost every instance. Therefore, if you can get a lure in front of the bass in a natural manner — and it is approximately the correct shape, size and color — you will have increased your odds for success tremendously.