Big bait or small bait

[T-rig]

I'm confused! Some guys say that Bass in winter mostly take large baits due to their metabolism beeing slowed down therefore they prefer large baits to make it worthwhile their effort to move and not waste to much energy.

Others say that bass prefer mostly small baits for the same reason as above (slow metabolism), because they can't digest big meals. Which is true???

The lake i fish very clear and deep with mostly rocky bottom. The water temp. is around 45. I can see quite a few bass around but they ignore everything!

What should I use? I know I have to fish slow and I do that. I drag craws and other softbaits along the bottom (up to five minutes on one cast at times).

Please help, thanks!

[roadwarrior]

They "prefer" both at different times.

The "traditional" view is smaller baits in the winter, but I find big baits effective throughout the year.

Specifically, I have had some success recently with a 6" Senko worked VERY slowly. I think another productive option might be a jig with trailer.

[T-rig]

Thanks alot! Did you fish the Senko weigthless and which color did you use? Thanks!

[Vyron]

i think he was using t-rig weigtless and black with blue flake

[roadwarrior]

Correct. Black with large blue flakes (021). I only fish a few colors, the others are 194, 208 & 297.

[FIN-S-R]

Put together a pretty good sack with both big and small stuff the other day, and I think this is pretty typical....

Early A.M. overcast and windy-Big Cranks, and I mean the Bigger Deeper the better, had 2-4lbers and a 6lber by 9:00.

Fast Big Bite died around 10 with clearing skies and low wind.

Went big and slow and caught a few

Clearer and calmer big slow bite died

Went small and slow caught a few more

High Sky and no wind by early afternoon, and bite shut down

Went to tiny dropshot fished painfully slow and caught a 3 and 4

Just Match the conditions!!!

[Siebert Outdoors]

This is one of those questions that I dont think there is a "fact" answer too.  Just what has worked for you in the past.  Some how I can go out and throw a 5" rogue and catch a 6" fish.  Or I can throw a finesse jig and catch a 6lb fish. :-?

I believe this question there is no true answer to except the generalized answer of its all in Location you fish and the speed at which you fish combined with the conditions at the present.

[Infidel.]

Everyone is right, it just depends on what the fist want at the time.  Of course I like what Skinny Bear says, "Elephants eat peanuts!"

[jomatty]

i asked the proffessor that same question and he answered that he usually goes big in the winter.  he said usually so obviously there is room for both presentations.  check the ask the professor forum for his full answer.

matt

[Craig_Baugher]

Winter is like any other season:  Spring, which is broken up into Pre-Spawn, Spawn, and Post-Spawn; Summer, which is broken up into Summer, and Peak Summer; Fall, which is broken up into Early Fall, Fall, and Late Fall.  Winter can also be broken up into sub-categories; Early winter, Peak Winter, and Late Winter.

Early and Late winter are transition periods, and depending on where you live in the country, and what type of winter you are experiencing, can determine what lure sizes are best.  Typically, early and late winter, bass will still go after bigger lures, where during the peak (when the water is the coldest), smaller finesse lures rule.  In the North, Peak winter can last two to three months; in the South, peak winter may only be 2-3 weeks.

Another reason is; most people feel comfortable going small, because smaller lures catch numbers, and when fishing is tough, it simply makes sense to go for catching anything, versus catching nothing.

[T-rig]

Thanks Craig! Very informative indeed!

[RoLo]

On balance and throughout the year:

Small Lures: "Tend" to catch both Small & Large Bass

Large Lures: "Tend" to catch mostly Large Bass

It's nearly impossible to confirm that large lures catch more large bass than small lures,

but it has been confirmed that small lures catch more bass than large lures.

Roger