When it comes to choosing what size lure to use, the best strategy is to match the hatch. Typically in the winter and spring, baitfish are smallest, so we use 3-4″ lures. In late summer and fall, the baitfish are at their biggest, so we normally bump it up to a 4-5″ lure.
Does lure size matter?
Decreasing lure size usually has a minor effect on catch rates. In contrast, even minor increases above the size optimum can yield major decreases in catch rates. If your catch rate falls off after upsizing, you are beyond the preferred size. Downsizing the lure is in order.
How do I choose a lure weight?
The depth of the body of water
Small jigs are appropriate if you are edge or surface fishing. On the contrary, deep areas require heavier lures, so that they sink effectively to the fish you are targeting. As a general rule, we recommend a weight of one oz for every 100 feet of water.
How do you match lure weight to rod?
You need the weight of the total package: lure plus hook. Here’s an example: A 1/16 oz Owner Weighted Twistlock Hook plus a Slam Shady 2.0 paddletail weighs 1/4 oz. So you should be using a rod that is rated for 1/4 oz, not 1/16 oz.
Can a lure be too heavy for rod?
If you have too light of a lure, the rod will not load properly and result in a shorter cast. If you’ve got too heavy of a weight, the rod will load too much and have a sluggish cast. If you have the right weighted lure on, the rod will load properly and achieve optimal casting distance.
What is a size 2 lure?
Stick with your favorite producing fishing lure
The four sizes I purchase in a variety of colors are a size 1 1/32oz, size 2 1/16oz, size 4 1/8oz and a size 6 1/4oz.
Do you use weight with lures?
Yes. You can use weights with lures, but you need to keep in mind how much weight you should add and if it matches your fishing style.
What size lure is best for bass?
When using a spinnerbait as a largemouth bass lure the following lure fishing tips will help.
- In clear water use smaller size spinnerbaits no heavier than 3/8 ounce.
- If the water is stained or you’re fishing 20′ deep or more start no smaller than 3/8 ounce and go upward.
What size lures for medium action rod?
Rod Specification Example
A Medium Power rod with a Fast Action rating will typically sport a line rating of 6-12 Lb. and a lure rating of 1/8-5/8 Oz. If you are spooled with 10 lb line and a 1/2 Oz. lure, your rod will partially load up to your action rating.
Should I use a weight with a spinner?
Weights like 1/4oz and 3/8oz are ideal to keep the Spinnerbait higher up in the water column. If the bass are cruising the shallows in the spring or fall, these weights will allow you to keep the Spinnerbait above the grass, and will even give you the ability to “yo yo” them back to the boat.
Is lure weight same as sinker weight?
In fishing, the terms “weight” and “sinker” essentially mean the same thing and refer to a piece of metal that is used to sink a lure or bait to some level in the water.
What happens if you put too heavy line on a reel?
If you fish with line that’s too heavy, you increase the risk of breaking your rod. Getting the right advice from your local tackle store will take the guesswork out of choosing a balanced outfit and it avoids using the wrong gear for the job.
What does PE mean in fishing?
polyethylene
When applied to fishing, the polyethylene or PE rating is one of the ways of ranking fishing line. Simply put, it is a rating method that measures the diameter and approximates the strength capacity of braided fishing lines—as the only line type that uses ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers.
Do longer rods cast farther?
A longer rod will give you a longer cast. It’s really that simple. If power and action are the same, generally speaking, a 7-foot rod will cast the same lure farther than a 6-foot rod. Now if the lure is light, like 1/8 ounce, it can be a little more managable on a softer shorter rod than a longer rod.
Why can’t I cast far?
It could be that you need to better use the momentum of your dry-casting and pause longer during your forward / backward casts until your line rolls out straight in the air. Really feel the weight of the line drawing your rod back before shooting the line forward.
What fishing line casts the farthest?
Braid proved to be the better choice compared to traditional monofilament line in terms of casting distance for both experiments. The first test with a heavier weight showed a 7% advantage to the braid. And the updated test with wet lines that were both newly spooled showed a whopping 30% advantage for the braid.
Which is heavier 1/4 oz or 3/8 oz?
3/8 is expressed as 0.375 as a decimal and 1/4 is expressed as 0.25 in its decimal form. It is clear that the value of 3/8 is more than 1/4. Hence, it is bigger.
How do you pick fishing lures?
10 Tips For Picking the Best Fishing Lure
- Match the lure profile with the dominant prey species profile.
- When fish are oriented to a thermocline, lipped plugs are killers.
- Match lure color to the water color.
- Choose lures that make vibrations whenever you’re in discolored or muddy water.
What size lure is best for pike?
PIKE – Pike love spoons, especially in yellow, orange, bright red, and shiny finishes but around the 1 oz. size. Many people mistakenly try MUSKY lures but pike – in most instances – prefer much smaller baits than muskies.
Do you need a bobber to fish?
Is it better to fish with or without a bobber? If fishing live bait for trout, panfish, and bullheads, or you want to suspend your bait off the bottom, a bobber is beneficial to most fishermen. If you are fishing large bait for bigger fish or fishing on the bottom, a bobber can be detrimental to your fishing success.
Do you put bait on lures?
They consist of a weighted head and a tail made of feathers or plastic, which is used to conceal a hook. Often a piece of live bait or oil-based scent will be attached to the hook to make the lure even more enticing, though this isn’t strictly necessary.