match the hatch or imagination at work?

[senkosam]

Instinct - the way people or animals naturally react or behave, without having to think or learn about it:

Humans have memories that aid in making decisions - right or wrong - based on instinct. Fish don't have the luxury of a short- or long-term memory (though many would disagree). They see a buddy just caught on a lure and go after it anyway followed by a doz. more dumb-as-dirt fish from the school. A bass can stare at a skirted jig waiting to pounce never once considering the fact that it might not be digestible much less is recognizable. Heron instinctively know that a fish doesn't have a clue about the big head and super-fast beak looming overhead getting ready to make it a quick meal.

Humans recognize or know before acting (unless really drunk).
Fish feel/see and then strike lures, minus any thought or memory dictating caution.

Again: KISS when choosing lures and lure colors considering that the last S in KISS applies to all fish with zero IQs. (Sorry fly tyers.) Remember, it's instinct that helps us choose the right lures - imagination not so much which ultimately limits choice.