Best Drop Shot Baits For Smallmouth (2024 Update)
If you’re looking for the best drop shot baits for smallmouth fishing, you’ll want to consider a few factors before making a purchase. Smallmouth bass can be picky eaters, so it’s important to choose drop shot baits that mimic their natural prey. You'll want to pay attention to the size, color, and action of the bait to make sure it matches what the smallmouth bass are eating.
When choosing drop shot baits for smallmouth, it's important to pay attention to the water conditions and the time of day. Different baits work better in different situations, so you'll want to choose a bait that matches the water temperature, clarity, and depth. Time of day can also play a factor in what bait works best. For example, smallmouth bass tend to be more active during the early morning and late afternoon, so a more aggressive bait might be best during those times.
Are you tired of getting skunked on every smallmouth fishing trip? Are you looking to up your game and catch more fish? Investing in the right drop shot baits can make all the difference. But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn more about the factors you need to consider before buying drop shot baits for smallmouth, and find answers to all of your questions.
10 Best Drop Shot Baits For Smallmouth
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1
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It is ideal for bass fishing and other similar types of fishing, using drop shot fishing lures and plastic crappie baits.
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2
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Ideal for fishing bass, trout, pike, walleye, and crappie with a soft swimbait lure in drop shot or jerk shad styles.
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3
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This product is ideal for bass fishing with its ready-to-use design including hooks and sinker weights.
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4
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Ideal for fishing bass, trout, walleye, and crappie with a soft plastic swimbait that resembles a shad minnow.
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5
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This product is ideal for fishing bass with drop-shot rigs and finesse jigs due to its soft plastic construction.
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6
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The product is ideal for catching bass using drop shot techniques.
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7
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The product is ideal for catching fish using a drop shot technique with 4.2 inch bait.
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8
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It is ideal for fishing with Texas Rigs, Shaky Heads, Drop Shots, bladed jigs, and Swim jigs using soft plastic bait.
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9
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The product is ideal for anglers who want a snagless sinker rig for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
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10
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Ideal for bass fishing with soft plastic worms that have scent and floats, suitable for drop shot finesse techniques.
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1. Shadswim Soft Plastic Lures For Bass Fishing
The fishing enthusiasts out there will love this ultra-realistic lure. It boasts a remarkable level of detail, including scale patterns, gill plates, 3D eyes, and flash foil inserted in the belly, making it a highly attractive option for fish. The lifelike swimming action of this lure is truly impressive, thanks to its hard-pounding paddle tail that creates enticing kicks and wiggles, driving fish crazy and luring them to attack.
This lure is not just visually appealing, but also versatile. It works great for drop shotting, and is also ideal for weightless, weedless rig. Even the easiest rig will make it a bass magnet, making it a must-have for any fishing enthusiast. The size of this lure is perfect for bass and other general freshwater species and rock fish.
The high-quality silicone material used in the construction of this lure ensures its durability, making it ideal for use in a variety of fishing conditions. So, if you want to increase your chances of reeling in the big one, this ultra-realistic lure is definitely worth considering.
2. Soft Jerkbait Fishing Lures For Multiple Species
Introducing the Lifelike Swimming Shad Soft Plastic Lure – the perfect tool for all your fishing needs. This soft plastic bait is designed with a tail split that brings an incredibly realistic swimming action, closely mimicking the appearance and motion of a real bait fish. The super soft material is enticing to hungry fishes, making them unable to resist its allure.
The shad soft plastic lure features ultra-realistic details, including a highly detailed fish scale pattern, fish gills plate, and ultra-realistic 3D eyes. With flash foil in the belly, it provides reflection under the water, making it more attractive on days when you need that extra flash to attract bites.
This shad lure is easy to set up, and you can fish it with either a weightless hook, jighead, or small weighted hook. You can also rig it up as a dropshot, Carolina, Texas, shakey, or wacky with an extra wide gap hook, making it versatile and multi-functional.
This soft plastic bait can imitate a lot of natural looking motions, and fish of all sizes will attack them. These soft baits are great for bass, trout, panfish, crappie, rockfish, mackerel, smallmouths, and stripers fishing. With its ability to attract a wide range of fish species, this shad soft plastic lure is a must-have for any fishing enthusiast.
The Lifelike Swimming Shad Soft Plastic Lure is made of high-quality soft plastic that is durable and flexible, ensuring that it doesn't tear easily. The lure comes in a variety of colors, including 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 08, 09, and 10. The different colors allow you to choose the perfect shade for the specific fish species you are targeting.
The soft and life-like baits work great, and the package comes with three different sizes to choose from: 7.5cm/2.95" x 1.8g(1/16oz) x 6Pcs, 10cm/3.93" x 5g(1/6oz) x 5Pcs, 12cm/4.72" x 8g(2/7oz) x 5Pcs. This provides you with various options to select from depending on the size of the fish you are targeting.
3. Drop Shot Rigs For Bass Fishing Ready Rig With Hooks And Sinker Weights
The Drop Shot Rig has become a staple in the world of bass fishing, proving successful in highly pressured lakes across the West. Considered a finesse technique, this rig can be fished deep, shallow, and anywhere in between.
Drop Shot Fishing is an effective technique that keeps your bait or lure off the bottom and can get it deep quickly. It has become the go-to technique for fishing soft plastic lures, specifically for largemouth and smallmouth bass. There are many ways to rig it up and use it, but the name "Drop Shot" comes from its ability to drop fast like a shot to your desired depth.
The XFISHMAN Drop Shot Rig Kit simplifies the rigging process with all the necessary components in one durable and convenient package. With just one knot, you can hook up a worm set and catch monster bass.
This kit contains expertly selected hooks, weights, Fluorocarbon line, and a swivel, along with pro tips and advice to help you catch the big ones. It's perfect for bass fishing and is easy to use for both beginners and experienced fishermen alike.
Measuring approximately 4" x 7", each kit is large enough to hold everything you need for a productive day on the water, yet small enough to fit in your pocket or small tackle box. The XFISHMAN Drop Shot Rig Kit is a must-have for any angler looking to up their bass fishing game.
4. Proshad: Soft Plastic Paddle Tail Swimbait
Introducing the SWIM BAIT LURES Soft Fishing lures, a perfect addition to any angler's tackle box. These lures are designed with a split fork tail that creates a natural swimming movement of baitfish, making it irresistible for hungry fishes. Additionally, the sequins inside the lure's body reflect light better in the water, further attracting fishes towards it.
The SWIM BAIT LURES have undergone an upgrade and now come with a 3D body that mimics the look of baitfish. The shad soft plastic lure has ultra-realistic details that include fish scale patterns, fish gill plates, and 3D eyes, making it almost indistinguishable from real baitfish. The lively split fork tail and sequins inside the body add to the lifelike appearance of the lure, making it more effective in attracting fish.
Made from high-quality soft plastic, these lures have excellent elasticity, making them durable and reusable. They are bite-resistant, and fishes find it challenging to tear them apart. The lures are designed to withstand the rigors of saltwater and freshwater fishing, making them versatile and suitable for a wide range of fish species.
The SWIM BAIT LURES come in eight different colors, including 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, and 08. Depending on the fish species you want to catch, you can choose the right color of the shad lure. The lures are available in two different sizes, 10cm/3.93" x 5g(1/6oz) x 5Pcs and 12cm/4.72" x 8g(2/7oz) x 5Pcs.
These lures are compatible with Jig head rig and other rigs, making them suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques. They are ideal for catching bass, panfish, pike, walleye, perch, musky, redfish, crappies, trout, striper, mackerel, catfish, carp, and more.
5. Yum Finesse Drop-Shot Bass Lure: Warning Shot.
This particular fishing lure is a must-have for any angler looking to reel in even the most elusive bass in any clear-water environment. The lure boasts a unique design, featuring a ribbed body, flat bottom, and an elongated, thin blade-like tail. These features allow the lure to move and wag with every slight movement of the current or twitch of the rod tip, making it a highly effective tool for catching fish.
Crafted with precision and care in the United States, this lure is made with only the highest-quality materials to ensure it is both durable and effective. Its design has been carefully honed to perfection, allowing it to mimic the movements of a real fish and attract even the most finicky bass.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or just starting out, this fishing lure is an essential addition to your tackle box. Its unique design and exceptional quality make it a reliable and effective tool for catching fish in any clear-water situation. So why wait? Add this top-quality lure to your collection today and start reeling in those big bass like a pro!
6. X Zone Pro Slam: Winning Bass Drop Baits
The X Zone drop shot lure is a highly effective option for fishing enthusiasts looking to up their game. This particular lure was used by Brandon Palaniuk to win the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series Lake Champlain event, making it an excellent choice for those looking to catch smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and walleye.
The lure's unique design mimics a wide variety of forage, such as minnows, shad, shiners, sculpin, gobies, and leeches, making it an irresistible choice for fish. Its flat bottom and rounded nose create just the right amount of action with the smallest amount of movement, ensuring that it catches fish without much effort.
These dropshot worms for fishing are versatile and can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, including drop shot rigs, Ned rigs, split shots, and more. They are not just smallmouth lures, but also work great for catching large mouth bass, spotted bass, and other fish species.
X Zone, the manufacturer of the lure, has its roots in the northern lakes, where anglers have been using these drop shot baits to catch big smallmouth bass for years. The finesse worms for bass fishing come packaged in a special tray to maintain the integrity of the bait's shape, ensuring that it is always in top condition for use.
7. Z-Man Z Man Ts 42 Pk 5 Elaztech Trick Shotz Drop Shot Bait 4 2 '
The drop shot technique has never been easier with this specially designed bait. Crafted with super-tough ElaZtech material, this bait is highly tear-resistant when nose-hooked, ensuring maximum durability and longevity. The buoyant material of the bait allows it to maintain a natural tail-up posture, preventing it from sinking to the bottom on a slack line.
This bait is impregnated with salt, ensuring an irresistible taste and texture that will attract even the most hesitant of fish. Available in 10 different colors, you can choose the perfect hue to match your fishing needs. Each pack contains either 6 baits (measuring 3.5 inches) or 5 baits (measuring 4.2 inches), making it a great value for any angler.
Whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater, this bait is sure to help you catch more fish and improve your overall fishing experience. So why wait? Add this versatile drop shot bait to your tackle box today and start reeling in the big ones!
8. Feijioe Small Fishing Lures: Versatile & Effective!
Introducing the feijioe Fishing Lures, the perfect choice for fishing enthusiasts who want to catch more fish. This versatile soft plastic bait is designed to create an exaggerated and vivid swimming action under the resistance of flowing water, attracting the predator's attention. Its unique bellows design allows for various assembly options, including Texas Rig, Shaky Head, Drop Shot, and even as a trailer on bladed jigs, swim jigs, and spinnerbaits.
The feijioe Fishing Lures come in colors that have been verified by multiple tests and have sequins in the bait. When coupled with the swing of the bait, it reflects light in different angles, attracting fishes in all-round directions. This bait's irresistible temptation is sure to catch the attention of any fish.
This bait can be used in a wide range of waters, including coral reefs, lakes, creeks, estuaries, rivers, freshwater, saltwater, and even under ice in winter. Its realistic swimming action is super suitable for bass, perch, panfish, pike, striper, walleye, trout, musky, mackerel, redfish, or more predatory fish.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, the feijioe Fishing Lures are perfect for anyone who wants to catch more fish. Upgrade your fishing experience with this innovative and versatile soft plastic bait that can be used in different ways to attract a wide variety of fish. Don't miss the chance to add this fantastic bait to your fishing gear collection.
9. Skinny Snagless Fishing Sinkers By Reaction Tackle
The Reaction Tackle Drop Shot Weights are an advanced and convenient solution for anglers who don't have time to fuss with complicated knots. These fishing sinkers feature a smart V shaped eyelet that allows for easy weight changes without having to retie or make up a new rig. This makes them a cut above the rest, especially if you're looking for a hassle-free fishing experience.
With a wide range of choices available, you can find the perfect bulk pack of fishing sinkers and weights or a complete drop shot rig kit that includes everything you need for fishing almost anywhere. Whatever your needs are, Reaction Tackle has the drop shot kit and pencil weights for you.
These pencil weights fishing sinkers are engineered with a quality swivel that gives you greater movement and eliminates fishing line twists. The smart swivel head is a standout feature that sets these drop shot weights apart from others on the market.
The solid lead design of the drop shot fishing weights makes them ideal for use in both salt and freshwater. They have a polished surface that gives a premium feel and smoother entry, ensuring that Reaction Tackle's drop shot weights for fishing are top of the line.
The thin shape of Reaction Tackle’s pencil sinkers gives you greater choices over where you can fish. The streamlined design of these drop shot sinkers has been engineered to easily slide free from rocks, weeds, and submerged logs. This means that you'll experience fewer snags and can focus more on reeling in your catch.
10. Floaty Bass Worms: Scented Soft Plastic Delights.
Looking for a reliable and effective fishing worm to catch smallmouth bass? Look no further than Catawba Perch's 4-1/2" drop shot king. This worm is specifically designed to shake in the water with minimal effort, mimicking the flexibility of a real live worm.
To make it even more enticing for fish, Catawba Perch has added their signature scent attractant to all their worms – a feature that sets them apart from other fishing worms on the market.
Not only does Catawba Perch offer a variety of colors and sizes to choose from, but they also provide the opportunity to optimize your fishing experience based on the time of year and fishing conditions.
And with the added benefit of being made in the USA, you can trust that Catawba Perch's 4-1/2" drop shot king is a high-quality product that will help you reel in those smallmouth bass. Plus, with free shipping on orders over $25, it's even more convenient to stock up on your favorite fishing gear.
Best Drop Shot Baits For Smallmouth FAQs
Are there any specific techniques for presenting drop shot baits to smallmouth bass?
Yes, there are specific techniques for presenting drop shot baits to smallmouth bass. Drop shotting is an effective technique for catching smallmouth bass, especially in deep water. The technique involves rigging a soft plastic bait on a hook above a weight, allowing the bait to hang suspended in the water column.
When presenting drop shot baits to smallmouth bass, it's important to choose the right bait and weight. A small, finesse-style bait and a light weight work well for this technique. The bait should be presented in a natural manner, mimicking the movements of natural prey.
One effective technique is to slowly drag the bait along the bottom, allowing it to bounce and hop over rocks and other structure. Another technique is to lift and drop the bait, creating a subtle action that can entice strikes from wary fish.
It's important to pay attention to the behavior of the fish and adjust your presentation accordingly. Be patient and persistent, as smallmouth bass can be finicky and require a delicate touch. With practice and experience, you can become proficient at presenting drop shot baits to smallmouth bass and increase your chances of catching these elusive fish.
Can you use live bait for drop shotting smallmouth bass?
Yes, live bait can be used for drop shotting smallmouth bass. In fact, many anglers consider live bait to be the best option for catching smallmouth bass. Popular live baits include nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches. When drop shotting with live bait, it is important to choose the right hook size and presentation to match the size of the bait. It is also important to keep the bait alive and fresh, as smallmouth bass are very sensitive to scent and will often reject dead or stale bait. Another important factor to consider when using live bait for drop shotting is the depth at which the bait is presented. Smallmouth bass tend to stay close to the bottom, so it is important to adjust the depth of the bait accordingly. Overall, live bait can be a very effective option for drop shotting smallmouth bass, but it requires careful attention to detail and proper presentation.
How do you adjust your drop shot bait presentation based on the behavior of the smallmouth bass?
When drop shot fishing for smallmouth bass, it's crucial to understand their behavior and adjust your presentation accordingly. One of the most important things to consider is the depth at which the fish are holding. If they're suspended in deeper water, you'll want to adjust the length of your leader and the weight of your sinker to keep your bait at the desired depth. It's also important to pay attention to the mood of the fish. If they're actively feeding, you may want to use a more aggressive presentation, such as a faster retrieve or more erratic movements of your bait. On the other hand, if the fish are lethargic or inactive, a slower, more subtle presentation may be necessary to entice a bite. Additionally, the type and color of your bait can make a difference, as smallmouth tend to feed on a variety of prey species depending on the time of year and location. Experiment with different baits and techniques until you find what works best for the current conditions and the behavior of the fish.
How do you choose the right drop shot bait for different water conditions?
Choosing the right drop shot bait for different water conditions is essential to maximize your chances of success. When selecting the bait, consider factors such as water depth, clarity, and temperature.
In clear water, use natural-colored baits such as worms, minnows, or small baitfish imitations. These baits will look more realistic and natural to fish in clear water conditions. In murky water, use brighter or darker-colored baits that will stand out more and attract fish's attention.
Water depth is another crucial factor to consider when choosing the right bait. For shallow waters, use smaller and lighter baits that will stay near the surface. For deeper waters, heavier baits are more appropriate, as they will sink faster and reach the desired depth.
Temperature is also a vital factor to consider when choosing the right bait. In colder water, use smaller baits, such as worms or grubs, as fish tend to have smaller appetites in colder temperatures. In warmer water, larger baits such as crayfish, leeches, or larger worms, will be more effective.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right drop shot bait for different water conditions is to experiment with various baits and observe which ones work best in specific conditions. By doing this, you will be able to identify the most effective bait for each condition and increase your chances of success.
How do you rig a drop shot bait for smallmouth bass?
To rig a drop shot bait for smallmouth bass, you will need a drop shot hook, a weight, and your chosen soft plastic bait. Firstly, tie on the drop shot hook to your mainline using a Palomar knot. Next, attach the weight to the end of your leader line, which should be around 12-24 inches long, using a drop shot knot. The weight should be heavy enough to reach the bottom but not too heavy that it inhibits the movement of your bait. Finally, attach your soft plastic bait to the hook, making sure it's straight and free from any twists or tangles.
When fishing with a drop shot rig, it's important to cast out your line and let it sink to the bottom. Once the weight has hit the bottom, slowly reel in the slack line until you feel tension. From there, gently lift and drop your rod tip to give the bait some movement and entice a bite. It's also important to pay attention to your line for any twitches or movement, as this could indicate a bite. Overall, drop shotting is an effective technique for catching smallmouth bass and can be a great addition to your fishing arsenal.
What are some popular brands of drop shot baits for smallmouth bass?
There are several popular brands of drop shot baits for smallmouth bass that are widely used by anglers across the world. Some of the most popular brands include Zoom, Roboworm, Berkley Gulp, Strike King, Jackall, and Keitech. Each of these brands offers a wide variety of drop shot baits, ranging from soft plastics to finesse worms, creature baits, minnow imitations, and more.
Zoom is known for its versatile range of baits that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. Roboworm, on the other hand, is famous for its hand-poured soft plastics that simulate a natural feel and movement. Berkley Gulp offers a unique scent that attracts fish, while Strike King is known for its innovative designs that make baits look and feel realistic. Jackall is a Japanese brand that offers high-quality baits, and Keitech is recognized for its lifelike and durable baits that can withstand multiple catches.
In summary, choosing the best drop shot bait for smallmouth bass depends on several factors, including water conditions, season, and personal preference. However, these popular brands offer a wide range of quality baits that can help you catch more fish.
What are the advantages of using drop shot baits for smallmouth bass compared to other techniques?
Drop shotting is a highly effective technique for catching smallmouth bass. Compared to other techniques, it has several advantages that make it a popular choice among anglers. One of the main advantages of drop shotting is its versatility. This technique can be used in a wide range of fishing conditions, including clear or murky water, shallow or deep water, and in areas with heavy cover. Additionally, drop shotting allows for precise bait placement, making it an ideal technique for targeting smallmouth bass in specific areas.
Another advantage of drop shotting is that it allows for a natural presentation of the bait. This is because the bait is suspended at a specific depth, mimicking the natural movement of baitfish in the water. This makes it an effective technique for catching wary or finicky smallmouth bass that may be less likely to strike at other types of baits or lures.
Lastly, drop shotting can be a great option for anglers looking to cover a lot of water quickly. This technique allows for efficient bait presentation and can be used to quickly locate schools of smallmouth bass. Overall, drop shotting is a versatile, natural, and efficient technique for catching smallmouth bass and is a valuable addition to any angler's fishing arsenal.
What are the characteristics of a good drop shot bait for smallmouth bass?
A good drop shot bait for smallmouth bass should have certain characteristics that make it effective in catching fish. Firstly, it should be a soft plastic bait that mimics the natural prey of smallmouth bass. This can be achieved through a realistic color and shape that imitates baitfish, worms, or other small aquatic creatures.
Secondly, the bait should have a subtle and realistic action when moved. Smallmouth bass are known to be finicky and can be easily spooked, so a bait that moves too aggressively or unnaturally can turn them off. A good drop shot bait should have a natural and enticing movement when twitched or shaken.
Thirdly, the bait should be durable and able to withstand multiple bites and catches. This can save time and money in the long run and ensure that the bait stays effective.
Lastly, the size of the bait should be appropriate for the size of the fish being targeted. Smallmouth bass tend to be smaller than their largemouth counterparts, so a smaller bait may be more effective in enticing them to bite.
Overall, a good drop shot bait for smallmouth bass should be realistic, subtle, durable, and appropriately sized.
What size and color of drop shot bait work best for smallmouth bass?
When it comes to drop shot fishing for smallmouth bass, the size and color of the bait can make a big difference in your success. Generally, smaller baits tend to work better for smallmouth bass, as they are more likely to feed on smaller prey. A bait in the range of 3-4 inches is a good starting point. As for color, it can vary depending on water clarity and light conditions. Natural colors like green pumpkin or brown can be effective in clear water, while brighter colors like chartreuse or pink may work better in murky water. It's also a good idea to experiment with different colors and sizes to see what the fish are biting on that particular day. Ultimately, the key is to have confidence in your bait and presentation, and to pay attention to the fish's behavior to adjust accordingly.
What types of soft plastics are most effective for drop shotting smallmouth bass?
When it comes to drop shotting smallmouth bass, there are a few soft plastics that have proven to be effective. One popular choice is the Roboworm Straight Tail Worm. This worm has a thin, straight tail that gives it a natural swimming action in the water, which can be very enticing to smallmouth bass. Another great option is the Strike King Ocho Worm. This worm has a unique design that creates a lot of action and vibration in the water, which can trigger a bite from even the most finicky smallmouths. Additionally, the Zoom Trick Worm is also a popular choice for drop shotting smallmouth bass. This worm has a thin, tapered body that gives it a lifelike appearance in the water, and its floating tail can be very enticing to fish. Ultimately, the best soft plastic for drop shotting smallmouth bass will depend on a variety of factors, including water conditions, fishing location, and personal preference.
