bullet weight size question

[32251]

When using bullet weights on a Texas rig, what conditions dictate what size of weight you use.

When do you need the large 1/2oz and when the smaller sizes.  Thanks

[roadwarrior]

Current, wind, depth and the buoyancy of the bait. I also like my weight to appear to "match" the bait.

 

 

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The main factor for me is the weed base you are fishing.  If I want the bait to get down in the weeds so I can pop  it out, I'll go a little heavier (1/8 and up).  If I want to get it down but not penetrate (rest on top of weed bed), I go lighter (1/16-1/8).

If you are looking to punch it through thick, floating matt, go 3/4 and up.  1 oz is common for punching.

Second factor would be the depth you are fishing.  How fast do you want it to get there (are you targeting fish on the bottom? you want it to get there quicker) if you are targeting fish that are suspended in the column, you want a slower fall to keep it in front of them longer.

3rd would be, how do the fish want it.  If they are hitting something falling slowly, less weight,  something fast, more weight.

Lastly would be to adjust these guidelines according to the buoyancy of the bait you have on.

[jwo1124]

I actually just posted a thread similar to this the other day. I have always heard when using a texas rig use the lightest weight possible. The reason for this is to give the lure the most natural appearance and action possible. But then I heard that sometimes the fish are going to want a fast drop, which would call for a heavier weight. Low Budget seems to have the right approach. When fishing a plastic take into consideration its size, the depth you are fishing, the cover you are fishing, and the eastimated mood of the fish(aggressive, neutral, negative) I bring this into account, because if youa re working with neutral or  negative fish, you are going to have to offer a more natural presentation.

[gatrboy53]

there are a few concepts to consider.

getting the bait to the bottom.i know in fla.in most instances the less weight the better.the bass want a natural acting and slow falling bait.but in some conditions they want a quik fall (reaction bite) or are relating to the bottom only.

depth your fishin.anything over 10' you need to go up in weight.the fall is too slow w/o weight in deeper water.

current and/or wind.the worst thing fishin plastics is not to be in contact w/ the bait.you dont want it draggin or to have big bows in your line.

i usually start w/o any weight or a slit shot rig.one might think the bass dont care but i have found that on a given day you'll get bit better w/ no weight ,or a slit shot, or even a heavy weight (1/8 for me)you just have to let the bass decide what they want and dont get locked into fishin one way.

[HookMaster]

The main factor for me is the weed base you are fishing. If I want the bait to get down in the weeds so I can pop it out, I'll go a little heavier (1/8 and up). If I want to get it down but not penetrate (rest on top of weed bed), I go lighter (1/16-1/8).

If you are looking to punch it through thick, floating matt, go 3/4 and up. 1 oz is common for punching.

Second factor would be the depth you are fishing. How fast do you want it to get there (are you targeting fish on the bottom? you want it to get there quicker) if you are targeting fish that are suspended in the column, you want a slower fall to keep it in front of them longer.

3rd would be, how do the fish want it. If they are hitting something falling slowly, less weight, something fast, more weight.

Lastly would be to adjust these guidelines according to the buoyancy of the bait you have on.

I couldn't explain it better myself

[FishTank]

I have a hard time flippin so to make it easier on myself I use a heavier bullet weight 3/8oz or 1/2oz.  It makes this casting technique easier, especially when their is wind or heavy cover.

[TrickyVT1887]

For me personally when choosing weight size specifically for T Rigs, I will go with the smallest weight I can get away with, normally starting with 1/8oz and if I can get away with it I will use 1/16 oz. When the wind picks up or i need to fish a little deeper I'll move up to 3/16 then 1/4. Typically the only time I use over 1/4 for a T Rig when flipping grass, Normally if I need a T Rig over 1/4 oz I start throwing a jig. I throw my light T-rigs 1/16-1/8 on a spinning set up with aG-Loomis 6'6" Med IMX with 8lb P-Line CXX and a 1500 Shimano Symetre. My heavier rigs I throw on a G-Loomis 6'8" MH MossyBack with 12lb Izor-Line Platinum XXX on a Curado 200B.

[Catt]

What conditions dictate what size of weight you use?

1. Wind

2. Current

3. Vegetation

4. Time of Year

5. Rate of Fall

#5 is the most important  

Texas Rig: 3/16 to 5/16 oz; favorite 1/4 oz

Jig: 1/4 to 5/8 oz; 3/8 oz

Carolina Rig: 3/4