The thread in this section about the 20lb Japanese bass proves a point about bait size in relation to fish size. Japan has arguably some of the most pressured fishing waters in the world, yet a 4" bait on a 1/16oz jighead took this fish.

The point is, don't be afraid of small baits. I myself have caught many nice fish on UL using 2" senkos and other small baits. Of course I get my fair share of dinks, but a bent rod makes me happy.

I'm not saying UL is the way to go, it's not for everyone, but consider downsizing in both bait and line when the bite is tough. Don't get locked into a "big bait only" mindset. My buddy is a master of slider fishing and I can't tell you how many big bass and pickerel he's landed over the years. Give him a 4" slider worm and a 1/8 oz slider head and he's unstoppable. He fishes regular 6lb mono mostly on a spinning outfit.

Does it work all of the time ? NO ! but what does ?

When the 12" worms aren't getting it done, try going the other extreme. As long as you use decent gear and a reel with a smooth drag, you won't lose any more fish than you normally would.

No way have I abandoned my bc rig, there's always going to be a time for that. Just have another option, that's all.

i bet it was a bed fish.

I agree with Bilgerat.  Some of the largest bass I have caught have been on small baits.  Holds true for other species as well, in the brine DOA jerk shads or bass assassins rule, many do a great job on fly.  Although some days nothing seems to work better than a windcheater.  Some days it just takes time to figure it out. 

I can't seem to muster up the desire for a b/c.

my largest fish were caught on fluke jr's and 4" senkos. ive tried throwing larger profile baits and 10" worms but ive never caught a thing on them.

All the bass I have caught over 9# have been with a Zoom finesse worm. I dont' use wimpy line though-20# minimum.

I love big jigs, 10-12" worms, brushhogs, 8" lizards, etc. and will use them anytime the fish will let me. I have learned that sometimes a light/small bait will work when my preferred big baits won't. When things get tough 6# line, and a Zoom finesse worm on a 1/8 oz shakyhead has saved the day more than once.

my largest fish were caught on fluke jr's and 4" senkos. ive tried throwing larger profile baits and 10" worms but ive never caught a thing on them.

How do you fish your fluke Jr's? I've only used them for dropshots, but I've wanted to use them more. I'm thinking of putting them on a splitshot rig.

A buddy of mine has picked up an 8 and 10+ pounder with a 2" tube. You just never know who's staring at that finesse plastic when you drop it in the water.

The big bait big bass debate will always be there. The fact is more giant bass have been caught on 3"to 4" live crawdads. When big bass are targeting large size bait fish like golden shiners or stocked rainbow trout, then lures that closely look like those bait fish work.

I have caught a hand full of DD swimbait bass, several hundred on jigs that resemble crawdads.

If the DFG starts to stock the lakes I fish with planted trout again, I will fish with 7", 8" and 10" swimbaits, plus continue to fish my jigs. Give the bass what they want to eat and don't restrict your lure choice.

WRB

my largest fish were caught on fluke jr's and 4" senkos. ive tried throwing larger profile baits and 10" worms but ive never caught a thing on them.

How do you fish your fluke Jr's? I've only used them for dropshots, but I've wanted to use them more. I'm thinking of putting them on a splitshot rig.

i fish them weightless t-rigged on light spinning gear just like the big flukes. maybe with a 1/32 or 1/16oz weight. i also like em on the split or drop shot.