Abstract: An exemplary fishing lure evaluation system includes a light transmission element, such a red-free green filter of 50% transmissivity, arranged relative to a light source for illuminating the lure under evaluation primarily with light transmitted through the element so as to reproduce the natural underwater illumination for the lure including the effects of the water coloration and the light level preference of the type of fish targeted. Preferably, a viewing element is included through which the lure is observed, such as a clear lens or red-free green filter of 50% transmissivity, to duplicate the effects of the water between the fishing lure and the fish for a nominal presentation distance.

Abstract: An exemplary fishing lure includes a blade having on its rear-facing or inner surface one or more detail elements, such as an eye-shaped marking or dot, behind which is a background surface finish. Desirably, the detail element contrasts in underwater shade with the background lighting afforded by the surrounding water and the background surface finish likewise contrasts with the detail element thereby increasing that element's visual prominence per the optical principle of figure and ground to a fish just behind the lure moments prior to strike. Also, an inner surface finish behind and contrasting with the background surface finish increases the lure's visibility to a fish initially moving into alignment behind the lure while an outer surface finish contrasting with the background lighting increases the lure's visibility to a fish first noticing the lure while swimming a distance off to one side.