How They Dye Spikes for Fish Bait

Spikes and other species of insect larvae are popular fishing baits. Most of the time, the natural white or off-white color of these little maggots are very attractive to fish. Some anglers believe they have even better success by using spikes that have been treated to turn them some other color such as red, orange, blue or purple. If you want to try some colored spikes the next time you go fishing, you can dye them yourself.

  1. Internal Dye

    • Spikes and other insect larvae are actively feeding. If you switch them over to a food that is brightly colored, it will change their color. Adding food coloring or packets of flavored drink mix to the food medium will gradually make the spikes begin to look pink, green or some other color.

    External Dye

    • Since spikes can't survive underwater for long, it's not possible to make up a liquid dye, then soak them in it for any length of time. However, you can dunk them in a dye solution for a few seconds, remove them and let them dry thoroughly -- then repeat several times. Common food coloring makes a good dye.

    Paint

    • You can paint your spikes. It's not good for them and may actually kill them eventually, but you are going to kill them anyway, when you put them on a hook. Lay a few out, mist a bit of quick-drying spray paint on them, and put them to use as soon as the paint dries.

    Other Tactics

    • Several companies make "artificial" spikes that are shaped and flavored to mimic real spikes. These plastic fakes come in colors and can be a substitute for the real thing on the days when using a specific color makes a big difference in fishing success. Most anglers impale their spikes on small jigs that are available in almost any color imaginable. Many times, you can use natural-colored spikes, but change the color of the jig and get the same result as using dyed spikes.