Is there a preferred time of the year when you downsize your lipless crank baits say from 1/2 oz. ~ 3/4th oz. down to 1/4th oz. ? ... Most of my lipless crank baits are 1/2oz. so thinking about adding  SK Red Eye Shad 1/4th oz. models in Chilli Craw and Blue Chrome for starters . 

I start at 1/4 oz & go up from there.

 

I throw 1/4 oz in shallow water or when the grass is just below the surface.

I fish them more in the early fall when they're really keying on newly hatched shad. Not normally a big "match the hatch" guy, but this is one of those times.

 

Winter/late winter early spring. Some cold days around here it’s the small lipless and the beetle spin if you want to actually catch anything. 

I got the idea for the topic based on some pros who were throwing downsized lipless cranks in pre-spawn . I usually think of downsizing baits due to fishing pressure -  but it may also be a match the hatch deal in pre-spawn with lipless cranks ?

The 1/4 oz. Rat-L-Trap is my primary lipless. All season bait size for me but I do upsize to the 1/2 oz. with great results. The bait is not twice the size. Slightly bigger. 

Not necessarily an downsizing thing or match the hatch thing for me.  I like them during prespawn when fish are shallow and I need a lipless bait light enough to be effective in the depth of water I'm in.  

2 hours ago, RichF said:

Not necessarily an downsizing thing or match the hatch thing for me.  I like them during prespawn when fish are shallow and I need a lipless bait light enough to be effective in the depth of water I'm in.  

*I'll buy that - sounds logical ... Another reason to feed the bait monkey !

I use small rippin rap in April here in Jersey. Your mileage may vary.