Why I include smaller fish in the count

[Spoonminnow]

Granted, fish over a certain size are usually worth counting by many whereas dinks not so much. But in my case, I am constantly testing new lure designs or modified lures and need to see which p.o. fish most from the smallest to the largest. Numbers tell me the lure wasn't a fluke and can be counted on regardless where I fish. This small sunfish and many like it banged this soft plastic that had a tail shape I wasn't confident in.


Soon after a monster sunfish (10" long) and a foot long yellow perch were caught on it. Numbers caught on one design/size combo tell me that fish in general, regardless of species, are more apt to be aggressive once the lure enters its space, such as this 1 3/4 lb catfish that hit the same lure on the same day:


...and this 2 lb bass on the same outing:


Of the 60 fish that included dinks in the count that were caught a couple of days ago, example-photos of lures in the fish's' mouths are valued for future reference and because the memory isn't what it once was. To me lure design is everything and a fascinating challenge to not only dispel misinformation as well as personal misconceptions when it comes to what fish strike.

[Just_Bass]

That look like one of VMC plastic. Can’t think of the name right now, it come in jig head package.

[DockShootinJack]

Nice fish

[BobC]

Real nice, Spoon. Your various experiments give good advice and suggestions to us. Someone has to do it! On!
Bob

[hdhntr]

I love to ketch fish and some are bigger than others but still the lil boy in me is thrilled for each one.

[TheRo0sTer]

I include dink counts in my count. Typically I'll state 50 dinks with 9 keepers. I'm not doing any R&D, but I'm learning what works when rigging. Take mental notes and making sure we track what is working color and style wise. It is an ever learning curve when it comes to jigs, skirts, depths and temps.

[Spoonminnow]

I love to ketch fish and some are bigger than others but still the lil boy in me is thrilled for each one.

I include dink counts in my count. Typically I'll state 50 dinks with 9 keepers. I'm not doing any R&D, but I'm learning what works when rigging. Take mental notes and making sure we track what is working color and style wise. It is an ever learning curve when it comes to jigs, skirts, depths and temps.

My views exactly!