Pick the Right Bait
Size & Hook Guide
A quick reference for matching bait length, hook size, and presentation. These are starting points — match the hatch and adjust to the fish.
| Length | Pairs with | Best for | Hook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" – 2.75" | Crappie jigs, panfish heads | Crappie, bluegill, perch | 1/0 – #4 light wire |
| 3" – 3.5" | Drop-shot, Ned rig, small shaky head | Pressured smallmouth & bass | #1 – 2/0 finesse |
| 4" – 4.5" | Wacky rig, finesse Texas rig | All-around bass | 1/0 – 3/0 EWG |
| 5" – 6" | Texas rig, Carolina rig, jig trailer | Largemouth in cover | 3/0 – 5/0 EWG |
| 7"+ | Magnum Texas rig, swimbait head | Trophy bass, big-fish hunters | 5/0 – 7/0 EWG |
Quick rigging tips
Texas Rig
Bullet weight pegged or free. Use an EWG hook sized so the gap clears the bait's body when pinched.
Wacky Rig
Hook through the egg sack with a small octopus or weedless wacky hook. Add an O-ring for bait life.
Drop-Shot
Nose-hook with a #1 or #2 drop-shot hook. Leader length 12–24" depending on how high the fish are sitting.
Ned Rig
1/10 oz – 3/16 oz mushroom-head jig, half a stickbait, slow drag with subtle hops.
Jig Trailer
Match the trailer color to the jig skirt. Trim the body so the appendages frame the jig's silhouette.