Scuds do 'straighten' out to some extent while actively swimming, but even
while swimming retain a slightly curved profile. Scuds at
rest/drifting/dead, exhibit a more tightly curved profile -- to an even
greater extent than your typical scud hook.

I tie all my scuds on scud hooks (e.g. TMC 2487), but I don't think it
matters all that much.

As to color, the color of the scud depends on what it's been feeding on.
Olive/Gray/Tan are typical (Tan being my favorite in bright conditions and
gray in overcast). When scuds die, their shells turn orange like other
crustaceans -- lobsters, crayfish, etc.

Why pink imitations work, is anyone's guess, but they do work. Scuds carry
pinkish eggs when pregnant., but perhaps it's just easier for the fish to
see.

Maybe it just works because pink "looks tasty".

O C


"jeffc" wrote in message
...
I've seen many scuds on curved hooks. I've read straight hook scuds are
best because supposedly that's how they look when in free water. True?

I've seen many gray/olive scuds. I've seen many flies in pink. I've read
when they die they pick up this hue (makes sense.) True?