Does it Matter?

[Larry Francis]

I know what I believe in my heart and soul. But, a Friend (loosely used) is trying to convince me that the difference in the thickness of these 2 worms is the reason I should switch and use what he believes is best. I know that confidence plays a huge role in fishing and you need to fish your confidence no doubt. He is telling me the difference in thickness of these 2 worms makes all the difference. (not really talking about the color as the both have the same colors, it is just not the same in the pic.) I say that a fish would never notice this small of a difference in a worm.

Just curious what others think about this train of thought. Do you believe it matters that much ? Or at all?

[J.W.]

I don't think a fish is going to be able to tell the difference based on size alone, but does the action look any different? Fall rate? Those things could definitely matter, and could potentially be affected by the size, I reckon. Especially if fishing it weightless. Try 'em side by side in clear water and see if you can tell a difference in how they act.

That said, if you're catching fish on the bigger one, keep doing what you're doing. Personally, I fish the smaller size most of the time, but it's like you said, just a confidence thing. I might would do just as well with the magnum trick worms, but I never throw them because I've gotten bit in the past on the regular size ones. We all do that kind of thing, sometimes to our benefit, sometimes to our own detriment.

[Donald Garner]

Most of the baits I used are based on seasonal techniques and patterns.  There have been times when I've switched size baits due to the situation changing.  I like starting out big and working my way down to smaller baits.  This includes colors also in my soft plastics choices.

I let the fish tell me what they want and how they want it.  Sometimes you have to make a small change.

I'm with J.W. here > Try'em side by side and see what the action is?

[Smallie_Stalker]

That is not enough of a difference to matter IMO. I think J.W. is spot on.

IF that slightly smaller worm IS outcatching the bigger one it's other factors.

Are you both using basically the same setups to fish them? Line size (diameter)  for instance will affect action, fall rate etc.

I really can't see it being that small of a size difference to matter.

Just my $.02

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[Wizard]

What bass can feel is the hardness of a worm. Back in the day, worm plastic formulas produced a hard, firm worm. Modern plastic formula is much softer and more lifelike than the past. Most any older angler will say you catch more bass on the softer worm.

Wizard

[njpaulc]

Yes, no, maybe....Some days it will make a difference, some (most) days it won't and the difference could go either way.  More bites on the fat one one day, more bites on the skinny one the next.  Water clarity, temperature, light penetration, presence and type of bait, all will make a difference some time.  The one absolute in fishing is that there are no absolutes.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Yes, no, maybe....Some days it will make a difference, some (most) days it won't and the difference could go either way.  More bites on the fat one one day, more bites on the skinny one the next.  Water clarity, temperature, light penetration, presence and type of bait, all will make a difference some time.  The one absolute in fishing is that there are no absolutes.

^^^ This ^^^

Bass can be really finicky sometimes when it comes to colors and shapes of baits. Fortunately this doesn't happen  ALL the time, but I have witnessed this phenomena often.

[bigjim5589]

Comparatively as to visual difference there isn't much, but actual volume there probably is a bigger difference than you realize.

However, as has been said, that's going to change the fall rates between them depending on other factors like the line & hook used as Smallie was asking about. A slimmer profile with everything else the same, should fall faster than the fatter profile plus a slimmer worm may have a different action.

Those two worms are not exactly the same design either, although close, so might have a slight action difference. There's no way to tell just by looking at them.

I actually dislike these comparisons for two people fishing side by side, because even with exactly the same bait & setup, there's no way two people are fishing exactly the same in reality. There's going to be something different because there's two people involved. People aren't casting their baits in the same spots, which is one difference. Even one person, with a rod in both hands can't fish them both exactly the same. It's a silly presumption to say that these comparisons are the same. 

I also agree that one worm may out produce the other, sometimes, but nothing is ever going to be that consistent to say one will always out produce the other. It's better IMO, to have a variety & see what is working at any day & time.

That also keeps the lure makers in business!   

[Larry Francis]

I agree with most everything said here. Line and hooks all play a role. I just don't see that worm making a difference that is everyday every time like he is claiming. I believe it may go the other way as much as it goes his way. Details are the key. I have fish tournaments thinking I found the magic bait that day. Only to find out others caught them to on different colors or sizes. 

Great discussion All.

[Oldfart9999]

With line, hook, weight and rod/reel being the same along with the same person using them, discount color and you're left with different fall rates AND different vibrations and actions. Some days it matters, some days it doesn't.
Rodney

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[Rusty63]

The biggest difference is in the confidence level each angler puts into each bait. Both of the baits catch fish but which one does the user have confidence in.