Effectiveness of fluorescent angling lures on catch outcomes in European perch (Perca fluviatilis) under ambient light conditions

Anecdotal reports in angling media suggest that using fluorescent lures may increase catch rates in dim light or at high turbidity. We conducted a controlled angling experiment, comprising 501 30-min experimental fishing trials in three mesoto eutrophic waterbodies and assessed catch rates and sizes of European perch (Perca fluviatilis) caught when offered two soft plastic lures (fluorescent vs. nonfluorescent) with similar reflective spectra. We also examined fluorescent properties of a range of market-available lures and modeled the experimental lure’s fluorescing effects under natural lake light. Considering the specific light environment of the study waters, the experimental fluorescent lure could get excited by downwelling visible daylight and fluoresce at depths of up to 3 m. Based on a sample catch of 331 perch, and after controlling for interactions with illuminance, cloud cover, water depth and daytime, the fluorescence of the experimental lure did, however, neither affect the catch rate nor the size of perch caught. Lure fluorescence maybe less important than many anglers believe, but further studies in different lake conditions are needed.