Big baits for big fish: Fact or Fiction?
Both. Or neither. I have personally caught really small fish on baits as big as they are and I’ve caught big fish on baits as small as a little black ant or a #16 Zebra Midge. I don’t believe that the size of the bait has much influence on what size fish you may catch. However, the size of the hook can. For instance, if you are using a really large 5/0 hook, then it is most likely that a smaller mouthed or sized fish can’t even get the hook into it’s mouth. While this may limit the number of hook-ups, it will surely weed out the smaller ones.
Larger fish obviously need to have a greater caloric intake and may be “wired” for larger food items. Larger fish like Salmon in the 15-30 lb. range are particularly fond of egg patterns and will often take a bead or egg about the size of a green pea. Baits this size also work on the itty-bitty ones, as the hooks are small enough for them. As to best answer the question “Big baits for big fish?”….. Sure, only if you want to miss out on most of the fun. 😉