Lure Weights

[Alan]

I am fairly new to using lures, growing up and fishing from time to time up to about 4 months ago, I have always just used a hook with some bait and a bobber. But now I am way more interested in using lures. I have plenty of luck with just picking up some small spinners for panfish, and some larger spinners for the Northerns and bass.

But when I am looking thru a catalog, like cabella's master fishing cataolog, they have all different weights by the lures for you to choose from. i.e. 1/4, 1/8, 1/16 etc...now I know the higher the number, the smaller the size of the weight. But for the novice like myself, how do I know just how big a 1/4 ounce, or 1 ounce lure is? Would I want a 1/16 ounce for panfish, or a 1 ounce for say pike? When I am looking thru a catalog, and looking for lures to catch 4-6 pound bass as a example, what size should I be looking for? Or for crappies?

If their is a method or system or even a chart that one could reference when searching for lures, could someone explain or point me to it? Cause, I am kind of lost in this area.. And in the stores, you can see the true size, but from a catalog, you just see pictures.

Thanks...

[MinnesotaMongo]

This is a bit of a roundabout way of answering your question - but your bait shop should have some really decent DVDs out on this topic. I know that I purchased my son DVDs on panfish, bass, walleye - all between 12 and 15 dollars a piece, and he learned a LOT about lures, location, etc.

I would recommend the Infisherman and Angling Edge videos. They are very imformative - and a lot of FUN.

Again I know this doesn't answer your question - but it should make you a more well-rounded fisherman. Have fun!!!

BTW - good panfish lures are ice-fishing jigs. Think mouth size more than anything....

[lookincalifornia]

you may also want to consider line weight. anything over 10 pound test might be difficult to throw a lure weighing less than 1/4oz.