Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 8/26/2007 3:47:25 PM

general length of baits for species
panfish and stream trout: 3" or less
bass: 2 1/2"-7" (largemouth enthusiasts may use worms as big as 12")
pike and muskie: 4" +
walleye: 3"-5"
trout(not steelhead): 2"-5"
I only put species you are most likely to encounter or go for using lures.Im sure davesett will make a better list <!--graemlin::rolleyes:--> <!--graemlin::cool:-->

Originally posted by: davesett2000 on 8/26/2007 3:35:04 PM

Here’s a topic that we’ve kind of skirted around over the last couple of years…the basic multi-species tacklebox.

I’ve had a lot of friends ask me over the years about how they should augment their current batch of tackle to help make them more effective fisherman.

I remember as a kid that both my Dad and my Grandpa would from time to time show me a bait that THEY used as youngsters….and would suggest giving something similar a try. Of course, many times I got the big ‘ol skunk while doing this, but I also learned how to use many of those baits, and more importantly, basic use of several different categories of baits. It’s my thought that each fisherman should have a good variety of stuff in their box if they are going to be a successful multi-species angler.

For that matter, even a bass fisherman should have a good variety of these various categories of stuff to use when the time is appropriate.

Here are what I consider to be the Main categories….

Topwater

I include MANY different styles of baits in this category, and there are sub-categories such as…

1. “Chuggers” (cupped-faced baits) like Hula Poppers, Pop-R’s, Skitterpops, Storm Chugbugs, Heddon Lucky 13’s, and even Jitterbugs are part of this group. Real “oldies” in this group are the Heddon Chugger, Bass Oreno, Creek Chub Mouse and Darter.

2. “Prop” baits have either one or 2 propellers on them, and examples are Skitterprops, Smithwick Devil’s Horse, Heddon Dying Flutter, Luhr Jensen Nip-I-Didee and Heddon Torpedo among others There’s even a version of a Zara Spook with props on it now.

3. “Walking” / Twitch baits include Heddon Spooks, Lucky Craft Sammy’s and Rapala’s Skitterwalk among several others. The only action these baits get are from what YOU do with them…with your rod and cranking on your reel handle.

4. Buzzbaits

5. Floating softplastics, or any number of ways to rig them that causes them to stay on / near the top.

Next up are Minnowbaits, and I include anything that looks long and slender like a minnow in this category, such as:

1. Floating / shallow diving minnows like the Original Rapala, Bomber Long A, Cordell Redfin, Storm Thunderstick, Smithwick Rogue’s, Rebel Floating Minnow, floating A.C. Shiners, and several Diawa, Yozuri and Lucky Craft minnows.

2. Deep diving minnows include the Storm Deep Thunderstick, Rebel Spoonbill, Smithwick Deep Rogues, Rapala Down Deep Husky Jerks and Bomber Deep Long A’s.

3. Countdown type minnows like the Rapala Countdown and such, which sink at a controlled rate.

I ALSO consider “jointed” minnows, suspending minnows (like a Husky Jerk) AND “slashbaits” like the X-Rap minnow in the “Minnowbait” category….but the lines of division are becoming increasingly small.

Crankbaits

Let’s face it…there are probably MORE types and styles of crankbaits than just about any other type of lure except soft plastics <!--graemlin::o-->

But I DO divide crankbaits into BASIC categories….Shallow divers…Medium divers…Deep divers. From there I tend to also divide them into clear water / dirty water categories. Let’s face it, a firetiger pattern will more than likely be seen versus a plain silver or gold pattern. And some colors are just plain better seen in certain colors of water.

To top it off, there are also “fat”, “flat” and suspending varieties of ALL of those.

There’s a multitude of companies that make various versions of these…to include Rapala, Bomber, Heddon, Lucky Craft, Strike King, Cotton Cordell, Bill Norman, Storm, Mann’s, Rebel, Matzuo, Daiwa, Lew’s, Salmo, Excalibur,

Heavy Metal

In this group, I see all spinners (including inlines (Mepps, Panther Martin, Blue Fox, Roostertail), weight forward (Eearie Deary) and spinnerbaits (Strike King, Terminator etc…).

I also consider all spoons in this group with a good number of makes such as Eppinger, Luhr Jensen, Kastmaster.

I include blade baits and jigging spoons in this category too.

Jigs

Whether they have bucktail, plastic skirts, plastics or any combination thereof on them, these have to also be included in the box. Possibly a bit tougher to learn how to use then many other baits, they nonetheless can be deadly.

Soft Plastics

I saved this group for last for one simple fact. Not only can you fish them plain on a hook, but you can also add them to EVERY single one of the above groups of baits as “enticers / enhancements”. All you need is a little creativity. Just be careful to keep the soft plastic from sitting on a painted hardbait for any length of time as they will eat into a paint job many times <!--graemlin::(-->

I’m going to leave out the “hooks and bobbers” per se here…but let’s face it…there are times when live / REAL bait is the ONLY thing that will catch fish.

At the same time though, there are a myriad of times when a bait from any of the other categories will be the “flavor of the day”. The key to it is to 1st learn HOW to use each style of bait, then try to pick a time when they can be productive.

Originally posted by: mr bill on 8/27/2007 7:46:10 AM

nice list there davesett2000.

you must have looked into my fishing closet with all my plastic totes and bags <!--graemlin::D-->

panfisherteen, as for sizes, generaly speaking you are right, but as always there is an exception to all rules <!--graemlin::p-->



life member nahc, nafc, nra/ila
life scriber in-fisherman mag.
rapala field tester
member of Eaton Rapids Sportsman Club

Originally posted by: Yellow Bear on 8/27/2007 8:57:12 AM

Howdy there Davesett.
Great topic.

As a multi species kind of guy I like the list you put in here but your box covers much more than the basics.Of all the baits listed there is one that will do it all (IMHO)and that would be the jig. Deb and I catch everything from Bluegill and Perch to Walleye and big Rainbows on Jigs. A good selection of jigheads in different sizes, shapes and colors along with grubs from 1/2 inch to 4 inches is what I use most often. Curly tails like the Mr Twister and Kalins, tubes from culprit. Now don't get me wrong as I have most of the baits on your list but 75% of the fish we catch hit jigs.
This will make a good topic to discuss around the campfire in 2008, <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: lbt on 8/27/2007 10:14:37 AM

<!--graemlin::cool:--> topic dave

I'v quoted it before

"jigs are the only lures found in U.S. military survival kits. enough said?"

for any water any where, if time is the only thing you got, JIGs will catch somthin'(be~it fish are in the water)...not the fastest way at times or the most productive, but they work...if you add live bait to a jig it becomes a even better bait

i don't use jigs much but have caught bass, trout,and pans on crappie jigs...i am dissapointed with my bass jiggin thO

i have also caught trout, bass and striper on in~line spinners...

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 8/27/2007 10:39:45 AM

quote:

panfisherteen, as for sizes, generaly speaking you are right, but as always there is an exception to all rules <!--graemlin::p-->

Originally posted by: Yellow Bear on 8/27/2007 4:12:12 PM

Yo panfish, how the heck you been?
Try this sometime.
Take a 3 inch Twister tail and rig it up on a Mr Twister Keeper hook or simular style.
Weight less. Swim it on top around Pad fields or over the Grass Beds.
Take the same Rig and let it sink and swim it slow, just over the top of suspended fish.
In the warm water periods it works great in the shallows as a jerk bait.
Now I know that its not a true Jig,but the idea game from the jig.

lbt,
I been reading your words for sometime now.
I am glad you joined the NAFC and would like to make sure you get a big HOWDY from up North.

You need to try a jig more often.
I think a Jig will outfish most any other bait out there. A lot of the baits that are on Daves list,I have, but hardly ever throw them. From time to time I will think to tye on a Crankbait, but I allready have a Jig. I can do the same thing with a Jig as I can with a Crankbait. I can liten up the weight and swim like a Spinnerbait.Now I admit that these baits work good in my area, but when I travel theres one box that allways goes. <!--graemlin:;)-->

Wifes out of town, Sorry if I rambled,LOL.

Originally posted by: panfisherteen on 8/27/2007 6:47:25 PM

im doing good yb.another good bait to try is a powerbait trout worm on a 1/32 oz jighead,i caught some fish yesterday after we had a cold front went through.i call it a mini-jigworm,although if you go for bass id suggest uping the worm 2 4" or 5" and using a 1/16 or 1/8 oz jighead

Originally posted by: davesett2000 on 8/27/2007 7:33:41 PM

quote:

Wifes out of town, Sorry if I rambled,LOL.

Originally posted by: lbt on 8/27/2007 11:03:20 PM

i hate jigs dave! realy! i know alot of lures will out fish jigs on a give'n day 'BUT'....
if i was stranded on a island with fish i didn't know or in the frozen outback staring at a ice hole, i would want a jig...and may be some worm/magits tidbits to add to it...

Originally posted by: lbt on 8/28/2007 10:33:13 AM

quote:

Originally posted by Yellow Bear:


lbt,
I been reading your words for sometime now.
I am glad you joined the NAFC and would like to make sure you get a big HOWDY from up North.

Originally posted by: turnip on 8/28/2007 5:10:35 PM

Well I guess I could add my two cents. I have found that the most versitile bait for multi species is the jig with a twin tailed grub. And so far it works in the North East, the Upper Pin. of Michigan and Pa. I have managed to hook many different species in the same body of water.

But I do understand what Dave is saying. A good starter, multi species box will have a little of each item in it. Because as we all know, On any givin day, something will not work! <!--graemlin::rolleyes:--> <!--graemlin:;)--> <!--graemlin::D-->

Originally posted by: turnip on 8/30/2007 4:45:54 AM

Ok, lets talk about the time of year and how that impacts our choices for a "multi species" box. Some of the items mention so far I would not carry in my box, depending on the time of year.

In the fall I would be looking for minnow baits to attract walleye. And larger crank baits for bass. The size of jigs I would normally use for spring panfish, now changes to a larger size...Hmm, what else?

Originally posted by: lbt on 8/30/2007 8:49:32 AM

well i think my suspending lures have caught/hook'd more diffrent fish than any i use...all bass types(3), striper, carp in spawn mode & either a salmon or a big brown trout(not sure but it was big) took a bite of one but then spit it(barb less <!--graemlin::mad:-->)

and Senkos are next with a salmon, squaw fish, and all bass types, buddy has caught a cat on them too...no striper yet

Originally posted by: davesett2000 on 8/30/2007 9:05:22 PM

quote:

Originally posted by turnip:
Ok, lets talk about the time of year and how that impacts our choices for a "multi species" box. Some of the items mention so far I would not carry in my box, depending on the time of year.

In the fall I would be looking for minnow baits to attract walleye. And larger crank baits for bass. The size of jigs I would normally use for spring panfish, now changes to a larger size...Hmm, what else?

Originally posted by: Yellow Bear on 8/31/2007 7:11:47 AM

Back when I got started I was taught the big baits in the spring small in the fall. The theory was that fish in cold water don't move much. They want something that would be a meal without having to chaise it very far. Now days I have to agree with Dave that presintation is the key.

One thing that is not on your list that is a main stay in my box is good ole Pork.

Originally posted by: JustDave on 9/1/2007 7:10:15 AM

Great discussion. Although I have quite a few of the items already discussed above, one thing I have to say is there is no way it's fitting in one tackle box. Over the years, as I try different methods for different species, I have to keep buying boxes. As I don't often fish for too many different species on the same trip, I rotate boxes frequently depending on where I'm going and what I'm fishing for. If I happen to forget something, guess what, I buy more, which requires additional space. <!--graemlin:;)--> Then there are the boxes I've had willed or given to me. Speaking of rambling.
JustDave

Originally posted by: wellsley on 9/3/2007 5:16:05 AM

Well I have to disagree with you JD. It will all fit in one tackle bag. Curt Gowdy used to do a tv show on that show they would go on safari and they had what was called a gun bearer. <!--graemlin::p--> I'm thinking about advertising for a tackle bag bearer. It seems my tackle bag weighs 100lbs. <!--graemlin::p--> I have many of what Dave suggests to have in the tackle bag. But because I like to fish for large toothy critters I have some large heavy tackle. <!--graemlin:;)--> Its always what you don't bring that the fish are hitting on. (at least its a good excuse) <!--graemlin::p-->

Originally posted by: mr bill on 9/13/2007 7:09:20 AM

justdave, i have about 30 boxes with different baits, different sizes of the same baits and anything else one could think that would go into ones boxes <!--graemlin::D-->
frank, yes the one box that you have to leave home because just no room in your three bags or the weight is just way too much for you to handle, will always have the baits the fish want <!--graemlin::D--> <!--graemlin::D-->



life member nahc, nafc, nra/ila
life scriber in-fisherman mag.
rapala field tester
member of Eaton Rapids Sportsman Club

Originally posted by: davesett2000 on 9/13/2007 8:30:16 PM

Talking about boxes....ask Pete or sscasteel about all of mine <!--graemlin::rolleyes:-->

I'd have to have a golf cart to hall them ALL <!--graemlin::eek:-->

At the same time though...persons who are going just past the beginning phase won't need much....maybe a firetiger and a "natural" color of each of the different styles. From there, it's up to the individual as to how far they want to go <!--graemlin::)-->