I recently went to Walmart and seen several Rapala xrap Slashbaits on the shelves and picked up a size 6 in olive green color.  Was wondering when is it good to have bigger jerkbaits or smaller ones? Would you throw the size 6 on a baitcast outfit or a spinning? I've searched online and this site several days now, and couldn't find my answer, so any help would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks, 

Templeton

A 6 is pretty small. I think it would be tough to throw that on a baitcaster. I use them with a spinning rod. I go with the smaller X-Raps for smallmouth in the spring during prespawn. After caching a few bass that were spiting up tiny minnows, we switched to smaller jerkbaits like the #6 X-Raps and Lucky Craft Pointer 65's. For 3 or 4 days in a row, those little jerkbaits outfished the bigger ones 10 to 1. It pays to have a few in your box for those times they just want something small.

I use the size 4 (about 1.5") for trout and I absolutely SLAY them! I like the size 10s myself.

Clear water when the baitfish are very small is a good time to fish the smaller sizes. I've actually done very well on some surprisingly sturdy largemouth with the olive colored size 4 Xrap. It can be cast with a baitcaster but it's way easier to do with a spinning outfit. The 65 Pointer by Lucky Craft is another bait I fish quite a bit, always on spinning gear. I've caught some really nice fish up to 4-5 pounds on them as well. They're fun to fish because you can really catch anything on them. 

What about in terms of color?

Hot Mustard Muddler for trout in size 4, Goby (if they still make it) size 8 & 10.