Alton Jones Article

Just read a interesting article in the last Bassmaster from Alton Jones on using big lures on a tough bite. Basically the article stated that Alton uses a more subtle bait but usually will not downsize when he fishing gets tough from pressure or weather. For example switching from a 7″ brush hog to a 5″ tube for less action on the bait. Myself I have always downsized and used lighter line to get more bites in these situations. Has anyone tried this before?

It is hard to relate to this considering I typically fish slow and deliberately. My buddy, who likes to crank and motor gets ticked. He comments “did you bring your hooks and plastic worms?” It is hard to switch when it consistently produces! I have a variety of lures in my box, but I usually end up texas rigging some sort of plastic and pitch it into the thick stuff!

Ifished a tounament in northern Michigan once. The water was gin clear with a really bad cold front. The bite was allmost nonexistant in practice. The only fish we could catch was deep with 4″worms and super light line.Iwas paired up with the eventual winner.Was i ever surprised when he started slamming hawg smallies by burning 3/4 oz spinnerbaits over 30 fow. Go figure! My advice, try everything no matter how stupid it might be! To this day I’ve never had that pattern pay off since. Maybe someday!