Big bait vs Little bait

[Earl W Story]

 Two weeks ago at a 130 acre lake the fish were taking just a pinch of worm, less than a half inch. This past weekend at a 160 acre lake you needed at least half a nightcrawler to get a bite. Any thoughts on this from your own experiences? 

[John Sheehan]

My thoughts ,for what they're worth: Bigger baits often catch fish that are competitive and hitting and chasing away other fish .One ends up catching them but I think that's not necessarily the size they are FEEDING on .I try to throw a variety of sizes until I get what I think are feeding catches .This time of year I think a lot of fish are in high gear so the sizes are more varied than cold water periods and smaller baits . Big 'search' baits are a great way to get interested fish over to your spot as long as your not scaring them away with too much unnatural commotion.

[Jeffrey D. Abney]

I always make my decision on bait size in relation to water temperatures......One example would be late Spring and throughout the Summer I fish 1/32 ounce jigs and Fall/Early Spring I use 1/64 to 1/80 and even 1/100 ounce jigs....I down size as the water temperature drops....and I start the transition around 66 degrees......It may not apply everywhere but it has worked for me.......I don't catch a substantial amount of sunfish in the winter but the ones I have caught recently took a very small offering.....

[Leo Nguyen]

John and Jeffrey touched base on the feeding and preference of the baits, water conditions, and feeding preferences. During cold days, you can dance a full size nightcrawler in front of the fish, and it won't take it. Lockjaw effects, as well as low metabolic stages will prevent the offset of the bites. However, during the competitive feeding period, such as full moon period, periods of warm water before the cold seasons (icing over), it doesn't matter what you present, they will take any opportunity to feed.

Everything boils down to presentations during the season you're fishing, and the different waters you're fishing at. The more experienced fishes will be weary of the presentation you're using. There are tons of factors at play, but all boils down to is the experience you have in presenting the offering, knowing the species, their feeding preferences, and what's available for the waters at the certain seasonal conditions. Massive trial and errors on your part. This is why log books are very handy as you hit the waters around your areas. Trend analysis will yield the greatest source of knowledge and wisdom to your big vs little baits argument. It's never one size/bait fits all.

[Joe Angelucci]

I'm a big fan of small baits and small presentations. I've had my best year of fishing to date using mostly hooks size 20 - 32 , micro plastic ice fishing baits, and one lb test line on 5 foot to 10 foot telescopic poles. All fishing done from the bank.

Most of what bluegills eat is rather small in size. I'm not looking for huge fish, just a fish on the line.... dinks and all.

[Leo Nguyen]

WOW Joe. 20 to 32? You are truly a patient man after any game.

[Joe Angelucci]

Leo

You would be surprised. Google Micro fishing if you get a change. Opened up a new world of fishing for me. 

[Leo Nguyen]

Thanks Joe. Will definitely give that a try for a season or two. Just don't want to increase the chance of gut hooking these beauties before they have a chance to grow into monsters.

[Joe Angelucci]

I've had less issue with the micro hooks than using #6 / #8 Aberdeen. Most hook ups are at the lips. I use a pair of micro needle nose pliers and only one issue out of 400+ fish this season to date. 

[Leo Nguyen]

You convinced me to try it out. Will set up gears for micronize fun.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

I've gone micro, finding gut hooking was usually an issue with worms. Flies airways seem to lip hook.
Jim with you Joe - I've started to shift to some smaller hooks.

[Leo Nguyen]

You got great experience on your side Mike. In our waters, it doesn't matter if you present small or larger, they attack the bait equally. However, it has to be certain colors, and taste preference, which I've noted throughout the years. I have 2" to 5" gills take on artificials that equal to and larger than them. Same for live baits. The equal amount of the reverse is also true, where 6" to 10" gills will strike flies that are on size 16 to 20, dancing below a float, smack dead in a huge schools of various sizes. Small ones will just ignore the flies, or small worms, while the larger ones decided to sneak up and gulped the presentation down.

[Joe Angelucci]

Mike

Your spot on, small baits seem to work for all size bluegill. Hook size usually sorts the small fish from the bigger.