Do Bigger Baits Catch Bigger Fish or Does It Really Matter?

Many beginner fishermen believe that using bigger baits will help them catch bigger fish. After all, it makes sense – bigger baits mean bigger catches, right? Well, as with many things in life, it’s not quite that simple. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using bigger baits so that you can make the best decision for your next fishing trip.

Fishing with Bigger Baits May Not Mean Bigger Fish

One thing to consider is that it’s not always about the bait you’re using when it comes to size. You’ll also need to consider the fishing tackle that you’ll be using. How and where you’re fishing can also play a role. Ice fishing or kayak fishing usually means you’re limited on space and simply don’t have the room to store massive amounts of large bait.

The Pros of Using Bigger Baits

There are a few advantages to using bigger baits when fishing especially when it comes to Bass fishing. First and foremost, bigger baits simply catch bigger fish. This is especially true if you’re fishing in a body of water where there are a lot of smaller fish.

By using a bigger bait, you can avoid wasting time catching fish that are too small to keep. Additionally, big baits tend to be more enticing to predators such as larger Bass – after all, who wouldn’t want a large mouth Bass? – so you’re more likely to attract the attention of larger fish with a big bait. Finally, big baits last longer than small baits, so you won’t have to keep replacing your bait as often.

Even for anglers which only fish in the same lake time after time, moving to a larger bait can help to land larger fish. Trying different size baits and testing what works best is always better even if you think you’ve got the area figured out.

The Cons of Using Bigger Baits

Of course, there are some drawbacks to using big baits as well. The first is that big baits can be more expensive than small baits. If you’re on a budget, this might not be the best option for you. Additionally, big baits can be more difficult to use than small baits. This is because they often require special rigging or equipment, which can be challenging for beginner fishermen. Finally, big baits can sometimes scare away smaller fish, which means you might miss out on potential catches if you’re only targeting larger fish.

Do Small Lures Catch Big Fish?

Now that we’ve looked at the pros and cons of using bigger baits, you might be wondering – what about small lures? Can they catch big fish? The answer is yes! In fact, many experienced fishermen believe that small lures are just as effective – if not more effective – than big baits. This is because small lures are often more realistic, which means they’re more likely to fool a fish into thinking it’s a real meal. Additionally, small lures can be easier to use and less expensive than big baits. So, if you’re looking for an alternative to big baits, small lures might be the way to go.

Target Species Will Play a Role

For a catfish, a very small bait will not have the same affect as a larger bait. Many believe it’s because of the scent given by larger baits rather than the bait size themselves. Most catfish baits that are used have some size to them even if it’s mass produced such as bait tubes. For other fish, smaller baits seem to work better.

Consider fishing for Blue Marlin. Typically the bait or lures used are much smaller in size proportionate to the fish. Many times multiple lures are used as well which mimic a school of fish. This is usually because it better mimics the environment and how the fish feed in the wild. Just look at some of the Blue Marlin that are caught on this setup.

Bass however are different. They still feed in the environment but they consider eating anything that can fit into their mouths. Which means a large bait can work even on a medium sized Largemouth Bass. Getting information, tips and news about the area you’re fishing and the environment can help you choose the best bait and gear.

If you’re fishing for something like Yellow Perch however, using a larger bait can restrict your catch. Smaller baits can be better when fishing for Yellow Perch or other panfish because they simply have smaller mouths and that is the food they eat normally. If you use a bait that is too small or tackle that is too small you may end up catching fish that are smaller. If that happens beef up your tackle a bit to discourage the smaller fish from biting.

The Bottom Line

So, what’s the bottom line? Do bigger baits catch bigger fish? The answer is yes… but it’s not always that simple. If you’re just starting out, we recommend trying both big and small baits to see what works best for you. And who knows – you might just be surprised at the results!

So, should you use a bigger bait the next time you go fishing? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what type of fish you’re hoping to catch. If you’re looking to reel in a big one, then using a bigger bait might be your best bet. However, if you’re trying to catch smaller fish or you’re on a budget, using smaller bait might be the way to go. Experiment with different sizes and types of bait until you find what works best for you – happy fishing!