I’ve searched the net for the different species of shad out here in California in order to get an idea on colors for baits, particularly swimbaits like Keitechs. The more common shad here seem to be Gizzard, Threadfin, and American.

After poring over a bunch of pics it appears to me that the color differences between individual fish within a species can be different. For example an American Shad may not have the distinctive blue back and look more like a Gizzard Shad with a brown to black back.

Is this accurate and do the bass see the difference between a brown, black, green, or blue back?

 

Joe

White/pearl belly with a green back is a universal baitfish color from my research. Whether shad in lakes, greenbacks for saltwater fishing in FL, or pogies for saltwater along the gulf coast.

I don't worry so much about trying the match the various shad varieties offered by the companies.  

I get a basic shad such as threadfin, and a shad color with chartreuse.  That has pretty much covered my needs.