Cant say that I agree with the use of the term "Versatility" in regards to bass fishing baits. 

 

Versatility, seems to be defined as how many different ways one can rig a bait.  The ever present mantra of - "Its so versatile you can Texas Rig it, Carolina Rig, use as a jig trailer, drop shot it, dead stick it, swim it through cover, rig it weightless, rig it this way, and that way"...........This not really a selling point for me, as most soft plastics baits can share that same kind of "versatility." and be rigged all those same ways...And...Quite frankly, I can do the same thing with a hot dog.

 

For me though, the value of "versatility" really shines more when a bait, appeals to multiple species.   When I can use a bait, that appeals to Largemouth, Small mouth, Crappie, White Bass, Pike, and target those species specifically.   Now thats versatility. 

 

When I can use the same bait catch freshwater fish, and saltwater species.  Now thats versatility.

 

Versatlity always means more to me, than just how many different ways you can stab a hook through the same bait. 

 

Just my 2 cents. 

 

 

Spoons the oldest lure is also the most versitile as you define it.

Tom

Just now, WRB said:

Spoons the oldest lure is also the most versitile as you define it.

Tom

Yes indeed

9 hours ago, WRB said:

Spoons the oldest lure is also the most versitile as you define it.

Tom

   Amen, brother!  ?   jj

Jigs are the ultimate versatile bait. 

On the Historic James River out of Richmond we lose baits to the stripers and bowfin.

 

Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, Chatterbaits, and plastics are all targets for the stripers and bowfin. Add in catfish and a smallie now and then and you have a lot of versatile presentations.

 

Head down river to the Chick River and you can add crabs to the list for plastics.

 

I do agree that spoons can be productive in fresh and salt water. I like to use live or fresh cut bait, squid, shrimp, blood worms, and sand fleas for salt water. I also will use the Gulp! shrimp baits as they work great for croakers.

 

Interesting thread.  Should be interesting to read what other guys use for both fresh and saltwater species.

 

 

 

It's obvious the most versatile ingredient to bass fishing is a...............hook.  ?

 

 

To me, versatility is about being able to deal with a diversity of water types, and conditions & circumstances. 

1 hour ago, Paul Roberts said:

To me, versatility is about being able to deal with a diversity of water types, and conditions & circumstances. 

To piggyback on this Paul. I think of versatility in terms of being able to throw all different type of baits with regards to the situation and the confidence to do so. I have a feeling that's what you're saying, so this might be redundant. 

 

Had I felt this way in my late teens I would have been a much better angler.

On 7/8/2019 at 11:14 AM, Heron said:

Cant say that I agree with the use of the term "Versatility" in regards to bass fishing baits. 

 

Versatility, seems to be defined as how many different ways one can rig a bait.  The ever present mantra of - "Its so versatile you can Texas Rig it, Carolina Rig, use as a jig trailer, drop shot it, dead stick it, swim it through cover, rig it weightless, rig it this way, and that way"...........This not really a selling point for me, as most soft plastics baits can share that same kind of "versatility." and be rigged all those same ways...And...Quite frankly, I can do the same thing with a hot dog.

 

For me though, the value of "versatility" really shines more when a bait, appeals to multiple species.   When I can use a bait, that appeals to Largemouth, Small mouth, Crappie, White Bass, Pike, and target those species specifically.   Now thats versatility. 

 

When I can use the same bait catch freshwater fish, and saltwater species.  Now thats versatility.

 

Versatlity always means more to me, than just how many different ways you can stab a hook through the same bait. 

 

Just my 2 cents. 

 

 

Keitech Swing Impact & Fats fits this. Specific size Fat 2.8" on 1/8 jighead all fish you mention. If allowed multiple sizes go down to 2" for bluegills and they go to 7.8" muskie realm there. 

I agree with @Paul Roberts and @whitwolf, versatility is about the angler, not the baits.

8 hours ago, Paul Roberts said:

To me, versatility is about being able to deal with a diversity of water types, and conditions & circumstances. 

 

Long before the news media started calling Larry Nixon the General his peers called him Mr Versatile.

 

Not for his ability to fish every lure in his tackle box but rather for his ability to quickly read changing water conditions & adapt often never changing lures.

The OP is about baits, not anglers...

 

A way I may define versatility in a bait is how well it can perform in a variety of seasons and conditions.  Already mentioned was a jig, perfect example.  Catches fish year 'round.

17 hours ago, QUAKEnSHAKE said:

Keitech Swing Impact & Fats fits this. Specific size Fat 2.8" on 1/8 jighead all fish you mention. If allowed multiple sizes go down to 2" for bluegills and they go to 7.8" muskie realm there. 

Completely Agree, I’ve been using the 2.8 fats, and 2” easy shiners for years.  With great success.

 

The Charlie Brewer Slider Minnow, has been even better.  Fantastic bait!  At 2 1/4”,  The perfect size and action to appeal to nearly all species, with the benefit of extra durability.  I’ve put my keitechs away for now in favor of using these.

19 hours ago, Pickle_Power said:

The OP is about baits, not anglers...

To clarify my above post: Agreed that, really good anglers can often make better, or wider, use of individual baits than less experienced anglers can. But, to me, "versatility" refers to the ability to make good use of a wide range of baits; Baits that each shine in certain places, conditions, and circumstances.