Match the hatch” are words successful anglers hear in their sleep. Hours are spent studying the local waters, determining the favorite local food sources, and then finding a near-perfect match lure. All in the name of giving a fish the perfect fake meal that will entice a bite.

But then there are times when all the best advice and years of practice go out the window. If you find yourself getting skunked on the ice this year, it is time to throw that box of time-test lures aside and reach for something funkier.

When my girls were little, they knew I loved fishing, and every Christmas or birthday, I could expect them to feed my addiction by adding to my lure selection. The problem was they didn’t know anything about selecting tackle. Instead of duplicating what I already had and giving me more of what I already used, they had a different tactic. They picked lures that were pretty.

Over the years, I acquired a selection of brightly colored, very flashy lures that I was sure would never see the water. But I never got rid of them either. Not only were they sentimental, but somewhere in the back of my mind, I thought, “You never know.”

Although none of those bright pink and purple lures, many with flashy glitter or stickers, are a staple of my fishing tactics, they occasionally get used. One of the best times to do this is when the hard water bite has died, and nothing else is working. Adding a bit of bling can be a game-changer.

Winter water conditions are unique. The lower temperatures cause the fish to be lethargic, and the visibility also changes considerably. This combination means that fish are often reluctant to chase a potential meal that may not be worth the effort. Adding some flash and color can break the doldrum.

There are many reasons a fish will strike. The first is to feed. This is what most fishermen key in on, and it is for a good reason. But they also strike out of defense, especially when guarding a nest, and curiosity. Although a bright purple spinner or jig may not resemble a meal it does peak a fish’s interest.

You do not need to rely on your daughters’ sense of pretty when adding more attractive lures to your winter tackle box; besides pink and purple (which my daughters had an affinity for), fluorescent yellow, blue, and green are good options. It is even better to combine multiple colors–a fluorescent blue spoon with a purple accent and yellow or pink with rainbow spots. The possibilities are almost endless.

Color is also not the only way to spice up your lure. A small blade, some bucktail, or even a strip of reflective tape can change almost any lure into fish jewelry. Try something, and if it doesn’t work, try something else. If the fish are not biting anyway, what do you have to lose?

As with any lure, be ready to switch out at a moment’s notice. If the fishing turns off after a few bites, try downsizing or switching to a different color. It may even be time to switch to a more natural presentation. Often, the bright colors and flash will draw fish in, but upon closer inspection, they realize that what you have is not a meal. This is when a quick switch to a minnow, grub, or more natural-looking lure can close the deal.