Color: It's more than likely the most asked question on this site, dock talk, or just talking with your buddies. I've had It proven over and over to me that sometimes color makes a difference but not that often. I have always been of the opinion that If you are confident in a color and you are putting your bait in front of the fish on a consistent basis you will catch fish. I still believe that today but there are a few exceptions.
There are days that contrast has been Important. I was fishing with a guy that was throwing a green pumpkin jig with a blue Zoom super chunk junior trailer. He was wearing me out and to say I was stunned would have been an understatement.
Another Instance is a subtle difference. I have thrown Watermelon and when I quit getting bit I will throw Watermelon/red or Fried Watermelon. It's a small difference but It made a difference.
The above being said there are a few colors that I am supremely confident throwing and I have chosen these because they have proven themselves over many, many years. So for those of a curious nature, here they are.
1. Black: I like solid black the majority of the time but with certain baits there may be red flake, etc.
2. Red Shad: It's unreal the amount of fish that I have caught using this color.
3. Watermelon: A staple during the day. It, at least to me, looks natural In the water.
4. Smoke: A few variations here and there.(flake) I love this color In clear water and bright days.
5. Red: I throw this shallow on bright days during the pre-spawn and spawn. There might be better options but during that time It has proven Itself.
6. Bull Frog: The R.I. Skinny Dipper is the only bait I throw this color but It Is the bomb!
I will occasionally throw other colors but the above catch 99% of my fish.