What size weight to use for bass fishing?

[Glenn]

We get a lot of questions regarding how to choose the right size weight for Texas rigs and jigs. So I broke down the variables to come up with the definitive guide for picking weights. Detailed and straightforward, this tutorial explains the factors for selecting bullet weights and jig sizes to help you determine the right weight for any given situation.

 

Enjoy!

 

 

[scaleface]

I use the lightest weight I can cast and pitch efficiently   . How these guys pitch light weights on bait casting gear is a mystery to me . I need a 1/4 ounce minimum .

[Captain Phil]

Here in Florida any water over 8 feet is deep.  Many of our lakes have mud or debris filled bottoms, especially those subject to weed spraying.   For that reason, 1/8 or 1/16 oz. Texas rig weights are common.  Canal fishing requires more weight.  I use 5/16 oz weight for flipping Kissimmee Grass.  In thick hydrilla, I have used as much as 3/4 oz.  For Carolina rigs, I prefer 1 oz.  so I can feel the bottom.   Lighter if the bottom is covered with grass.  

[Mike L]

2 hours ago, scaleface said:

I use the lightest weight I can cast and pitch efficiently   . How these guys pitch light weights on bait casting gear is a mystery to me . I need a 1/4 ounce minimum .

It’s not that hard once you get the hang of it and your combo is set right.

All It takes is a little practice and a quick thumb
 

I pitch weightless senko’s with just a 4/0 hook and it’s heavy enough to get it to where it needs to be. 


 

 

 

Mike

[Catt]

Rate Of Fall ?

[scaleface]

42 minutes ago, Mike L said:

All It takes is a little practice and a quick thumb

I've been practicing for decades . 

[J Francho]

16 minutes ago, scaleface said:

I've been practicing for decades . 

Me too. 1/4 is pretty good. I need at least 3/8.  Luckily for me it's like Catt said: rate of fall, and fast is usually what they like up here. 

[Mike L]

59 minutes ago, scaleface said:

I've been practicing for decades . 

Didn’t mean to imply you haven’t. 
 

It took me a while to get it where I had enough success and confidence. 
If I tried doing it with say a trick worm and lighter wire hook, I’d still be working on it to reach the same level. 
 

I use a 3 power bait caster with a fairly slow action which helps 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[Big Hands]

My priorities when choosing a texas rig weight:

 

1) Can it deliver the bait to the target location in the conditions present?

If I can't get the bait to where the fish are, nothing else really matters.

If yes, proceed to #2, if no, select a weight that can or move closer so that it can and then proceed to #2.

 

2) Likelihood of becoming snagged.

Heavy weights can be cast further and will help to keep line straighter, which aids in strike detection, but could also result in becoming hung up more often, sometimes to the point of being unfeasible in some conditions. The shape of some weights could adversely affect the bait in this respect.

3) Ability to maintain contact enough to be able to detect a strike.

If I am trying to feel a strike (or even just feel the weight of a fish that has ingested the bait), or even just watch the line movement, and I am unable to do so, everything that comes after this seems irrelevant to me.

4) Rate of fall.

Rate of fall can impact the probability of bass striking a bait, but if I am not able to present the bait to the fish, or I can't detect the strike, there's not much point in worrying about the rate of fall IMHO.

5) Shape/profile as it relates to the overall silhouette of the bait.

This could be somewhat compromised to meet the above requirements.

6) Everything else.

 

This is for me, but I don't fish the same conditions as everyone else. I can accept that priorities could change depending on the conditions one fishes in.