This Is When To Change Lure Sizes
- By: Richard Thomas
- on
How do you know when to change lure sizes?
When should you change from a small lure to a bigger lure and vice versa?
To learn more about changing lure sizes, check out this video!!
When To Change Lure Sizes [VIDEO]
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One question we are constantly asked is: What lure size should I throw and when?
There are 3 main factors that come into play when selecting the right lure size.
#1 – Size Of The Bait In The Water
The size of the bait in the water as well as the amount of bait in the water is going to dictate your lure size.
Once you figure out the general profile and size of the bait, that will give you a good idea of what size lure you should throw.
“Match The Hatch” does give you a general sense of what profile to throw but not necessarily the right lure size.
For example, in the Southeast where I am fishing, there are lots of shrimp in the area and that is the primary source of food for hungry fish.
So the idea behind selecting lures is to maintain a shrimp profile but choose a larger size lure to throw.
A lure like the full-size Power Prawn U.S.A. helps to separate your offering from the wider population of shrimp in the water.
Predatory fish are hunting and dialing in on shrimp every single day so something that distinguishes and sets your presentation apart from the rest will pay off later on.
Simply up the size of your lure and make it stand out in the water.
#2 – Tide Cycle
Fish feed on different types of bait during different portions of the tide cycle.
The main reason behind this is access.
At low tide, fish are most likely feeding on smaller shrimp and mud minnows.
The smaller 2.0 series of paddletails are the ideal lure choice for low tide fishing scenarios.
Low tide commonly is a time when fish feel pressured and small bait profiles are best during this time.
As you move into the middle of tides, the same baitfish that predators were feeding on during low tide gets pushed up and into the grass and shorelines.
I find a larger profile lure like the Slam Shady BOMBER to work best during these times of the tide.
#3 – Conditions
If you are fishing early in the morning and the water is still on the calmer side, that is a good indicator to throw a small-sized lure.
A larger profile bait can spook off the fish in your area.
If there is more current and texture along the surface of the water, that is when I like to throw larger profile lures and sometimes even use a popping cork.
Fish’s lateral lines respond to and pick up all of the commotions in the surrounding water around them.
If there is a ton of bait in the water, the current is moving fast, and wind is also a factor, then it is best to go ahead and change your lure to a larger profile that will stand out amongst the rest.
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Conclusion
The main factors you have to be thinking about are the current size of the bait in the water, how much of that bait is present, and then what part of the tide cycle you are fishing in as well as the weather conditions.
If you think about these three things before and while you are out on the water, then you will have a plan in place for what lures you are going to throw.
Don’t overcomplicate things, just remember to think through your lure choices and match the hatch!
Do you have any more questions about when to change lure sizes?
Let me know your thoughts and opinions down in the comments section!
And if you know someone who wants to learn more about when to change lure sizes, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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Great Tips Richard!
Thanks for the tips Richard!
Anytime Mark!
Great info Richard as usual. Will keep this in mind for my next trip. Thanks
Thanks Terry! Good luck next time you’re out!
Fantastic info Richard! It’s tips like this that can really make a difference on catching just a few fish and REALLY dialing into a bite!
Absolutely! Appreciate it man!!
Richard – I agree with your approach to lure size and expect that those who follow your advice will catch more fish as a result. Great post – thanks!
Thanks David!
Thanks Richard. I’m Heading out tomorrow Here in SC. the wind will be 8-12MPH so I will try the bigger profile when the wind picks up. Makes perfect since.
Appreciate The info.
Awesome Chris, good luck!