What color line to use in clear water?

Question
Hey Dan!
I do a lot of fishing on a crystal clear glacier lake in northern Maine mainly for small mouth bass.  I hear that it doesn't matter what color the line is since bass have a brain the size of a pea but I'd like to ask someone like yourself who has alot of experience.  What do you suggest?

Answer
Dave,
Crystal clear water is one of the most touchy types to fish in regards to line visibility.  It is important to use the smallest diameter possible, and a less visible color.

Diameter must be determined by cover being fished, as well as the size of fish being caught.  Any rough cover will make it necessary to use a larger diameter.  In the very clear Ozark Lakes, and strip pit lakes of Illinois we use 8 to 14 pound test, with the average being 10.

Color is clear and dark green, which is sometimes called low-vis green.

Everything must be kept as natural as possible, as clear water fish are easy to spook.

Many times I downsize lures for these conditions.

Hope this has shed some light on your question, and if you have anything further please don't hesitate to ask.

Best of fishing,
Dan