Instead of varying size lures from 1/32 oz. for blue gill to 1/2 oz for bass are there universal lures that catch a vast array of freshwater fish? I read another article on here that stated 1/16oz. roadrunners catch them all...any other lures on the market similar to this?? Also, rod setup recommendations for this so-called "universal lure"?

2" to 3". The 3" will weed out smaller crappie and 'gills.

I've caught BIG bass on small baits. Happens for me every season, it's no fluke.

Go with a light power spinning rig. 6 # test. You'll have a blast.

Certainly small fish take big lures and big fish take small lures, but I wouldn't want to use a one-size-fits-all approach. If I'm after a small-mouthed fish like bluegill, the small lure will catch more.

If I'm after bass I'll usually want something bigger because aggressive fish might more readily hit the larger lure plus I think I'd lose fewer fish than I would on the lure with the small hooks.

3" might be "universal". Silver Buddy, Gay Blade and single tail

grubs on a jig head are the ultimate lures. Floating Rapala,

Zara Puppy, and small crankbaits are other hard bait suggestions.

The soft plastics that come to mind are Rage Tail Baby Craw,

5" Senko, Fat Ika, Kreature, 3" single tail grub and Slug-Go.

Another finesse bait that has been killer for me is the Rage

Tail 7" Thumper.

8-)

I found I can and do catch a ton of P-Seeds, Rock Bass, Crappie and SM/LM with these baits.

2 3/4" Yo Zuri Pin's Minnow.

1/16 and 1/8 oz Roadrunner heads with Tiny Ika Trailer.

The smallest Heddon Torpedo.

Baits in the 1/8 to 1/4 oz. range and a rod in the med-lite range with a 1000 size reel. JMHO

If I were looking to catch multiple species on one lure, I'd have to go with an in-line spinner. Mepps, Panther Martin (my fave) or Rooster Tail in 1/16 to 1/4 oz. sizes. They'll catch anything that swims.

Tom

Mepps anglia #2

Single tail grub 3"

Jitterbug

On these 3 lures i have caught perch, sunfish, rock bass, smallmouth, largemouth, pike and even a 7lb bowfin. The mepps inline spinner is the most underated lure that exists. They are overlooked by many anglers.