Bait Size

[Breas]

When should you be thinking large baits and when should you downsize?

[luv2wade]

I always try larger baits first especially in stained or muddy water. In my experience, I have caught large and small fish on large baits. But, I let the fish tell me what they want. If I don't get a lot of bites I will start downsizing. Also, if there is a bunch of small baitfish in the area I am fishing or if I think the fish are in a negative mood like after a really hard front then I will start going smaller. Sometimes in crystal clear water where the fish can see the bait real good I will also use smaller baits. In conclusion, there are no hard and fast rules. Every time on the water it is trial and error until you dial in to what the fish are wanting. That is what makes fishing so much fun.

[Breas]

Thanks for the reply. I'm thinking more in terms of seasonal. When and how often is the shad hatch. When should I expect to up size or downsize seasonally.

[PBUG2009]

spring use smaller baits, and go bigger as the year goes on

[The Lip RIPPERS]

Crappie usually feed on larger shad in fall so start out large, if you are getting hits and missing them then drop down in size or go with a lighter head weight for a slower fall presentation. Like Luvtowade stated, just have to let them tell you what size they are feeding on.

[Breas]

Okay thanks... I was thinking there was more than one hatch like maybe early spring and again mid summer or early fall.

[yikess]

I'm using minnows right now that are so large they will give a shad a run for their money on the MS big four.:D

[skiptomylu]

If I was not stuck with my boat in the slings and no water under it I feel sure that I would be out pulling a 1/32 Oz. Roadrunner. Spring and Fall that works for me most of the time. In Summer I fish a 1/8 or 1/4 Oz. hand tie.

Skip

[Locator79]

I usually always try to use 1/16th. If the wind is blowing, or I need to get deeper, I use 1/8th. If I'm getting short strikes, and missing fish, I downsize until I start putting them in the boat.