Does profile matter ?

[Ketchn]

AND btw, yesterday was the big bait day if you are that person , just saying .....

[Micanopy]

It is always best to call ahead and ask them. I mean sometimes it’s pizza, other times they want chicken wings. I tend to show up with tacos, and if they don’t want them, well they can starve.


I have several shad specie in my lakes. Hard to match those.

[Ketchn]

It is always best to call ahead and ask them. I mean sometimes it’s pizza, other times they want chicken wings. I tend to show up with tacos, and if they don’t want them, well they can starve.


I have several shad specie in my lakes. Hard to match those.

sometimes it be that way , nope don't want Italian today , need me sum Texmex con salsa

[Spoonminnow]

Ketch, I'm sure you don't want to hear what I gotta say. You'll be reading the reply until tomorrow! LOL

(not really, though size, shape and action in combination is my forte...)

[Ketchn]

Ketch, I'm sure you don't want to hear what I gotta say. You'll be reading the reply until tomorrow! LOL

(not really, though size, shape and action in combination is my forte...)

I love to see how others try to ketch fish and banter is my second specialty, bring it on dear sir .....

[Spoonminnow]

Ok K you asked for it!

First off, the following is based on years of making, modifying and testing lures in many different waters in different seasons - including under the ice. Consistent preformance is based on a lure's combination-of-elements - whichis everything! They are:
size
shape (body and tail)
...both of which determine a lure's action when the right presentation(s) is used. That's pretty much it.

Goodbye

[Spoonminnow]

And you thought I was done!

I understand most of this is basic Ketch, but bear with me and especially for those lacking your vast experience. : )

Fish are fickle - #1. A lure or lure set that worked great in spring may not post-spawn. I've caught many a small fish on lures half or more of their size - especially bass. Predicting fish aggression levels is almost impossible until a lure or lures start catching fish. The higher the level, the larger the range of lure sizes; less aggression means smaller & slower.

When it comes to lure action, just because a lure is almost 3" long doesn't mean it won't catch fish of any species BTW.
This one is almost 3" long but catches fish 4" and larger:


I caught this size crappie any time I cast it on the day used:


...as well as many sunfish no longer than 5" or 6":


The quivers of the tails made the lure appear smaller, but the their subtle tail vibrations shouted attack me! which lures are supposed to do last time I looked. (BTW, match the hatch with those shapes if you can.)

Again, fish aggression level determines the lure size, shape and action cast. This small sunnie bit off more than it could chew (that is if fish could chew):

and not just sunfish or crappie:

Quite a mouthful if you ask me - even if you didn't. ; )

But on those days, size wasn't crucial beyond a certain length, but the flapping in-your-face tail was more that the fish could ignore. (If someone waved a big flag in my face they'd have h*** to pay! Eating it wouldn't even have crossed my mind.)

There will always be available those universal-conditions lures that get the highest number of strikes from small and large fish alike. The Crappie Magnet is one. Something about the size and straight thin, double-tails when used with a slow retrieve really brings out the JAWS in fish! I even attach the tails to one of my molded bodies preferring a larger body for that silhouette/action most fish can't allow to pass by.

(Note the clear non-color which does as well as any other.)

Of course my choice of jig weights for most small plastics is 1/32 - 1/16 oz.

Jiggers should always include jig weight in the combination-of-lure-factors. The heavier the jig the faster the retrieve. You can't go slow enough IMO (unless you know the exact time of your passing. Morbid, but I couldn't resist.)

When it comes to beetle-spin type lures, you don't have much of a choice - steady as she goes. Which strongly suggests that lure speed is crucial and must be matched to lure action and size.

(BTW Your line must be supple enough and light enough to allow good lure action no match the lures chosen. No 50 lb test mono for these lures!)

So in conclusion lure size is only one important element of angler choice / fish choice - this one the ultimate determinant.

Guess I'll go fishing and spend less time choosing lures (and writing) and more time fishing.

[Spoonminnow]

Ketch, I would like to see the lure on the jig used to catch those bass - if you don't mind.

[Ketchn]

Ketch, I would like to see the lure on the jig used to catch those bass - if you don't mind.

the river bass liked this bait was that day , 2 inch fat body chart and green/ lemon lime ,1/16 number 4 sickle hook.....

[Spoonminnow]

Ahhh yes - spike tail. One my all time favorites.
Thanks