I've noticed a lot of companies have clear and opaque color choices in their lineups. What is this supposed to imitate and when are conditions right to use a clear bait?

Clear topwaters are sometimes an excellent choice on bright, sunny days, in very clear water. In those conditions, the clear baits offer almost no negative cues.

Cheers,

GK

I use them on sunny days and very clear water as the fish only get the profile of a baitfish rather than a better negative look at a solid colored bait.

Although it's not much help if you have or can get ahold of old Bassmaster Magazines I know they did an article on using clear baits. I'm pretty sure it was about 2 or 3 years ago.