Micropterus,
Here's something you may wish to consider. It's only a 'theory' of mine, but it is based on some facts....
Most baitfish have eye colors that tend to clearish or darkish iris with some kind of colored ring around them. The pupils tend to look black. For the outer 'ring' I've seen red, yellow, brown, black, and a purplish blue, depending on the baitfish (I include young gamefish in this 'category' as well). I'm sure there are myriads of these outer ring colors...
Now when any baitfish receives some kind of trama, like being 'hit' by a gamefish but not killed outright, some of the most fragile blood vessels are in the eyes (just like us, sort of). So, a baitfish so injured could show some RED in the iris.
We know, from many studies, that bass (especially), as well as other game fish, are genetically predisposed to striking (eating?) injured prey. Part of how nature works, killing off the injured so the strong survive, etc..
So, the theory is that a RED iris will add some hint of 'injured' to the look of your offerings. Probably a small thing, certainly, but maybe worth the effort since it 'could' work and it certainly won't 'hurt'. Could be just another 'key' that helps the bass decide to hit your fly rather than the abundant natural prey all around it...
Lately I've been going to the bother of putting three colors on streamer eyes, white, chartruese, or yellow for the outer ring, with red for the iris and then a black pupil.
Can't say for sure that it helps, but they sure look pretty. They do seem to catch fish, too.
I just 'paint' mine, using the back end of drill bits (I bought a cheap set at the dollar store) to get the proper sizing.
Good Luck!
Buddy
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