Match The Hatch

[CiK]

Match the hatch is a very important component to bass fishing. When matching the hatch, an angler should always try to mimic the size and color of baitfish or other prey in their local waters. In other words, don't use a frog bait when frogs aren't present in your pond. Sure sure sure, you might get a reaction strike and that is another topic.

Here are some of my questions about matching the hatch:
- What is the average size of shad in the spring?
- What is the average size of shad in the fall?
- What is the average size of bluegill in the spring?
- What is the average size of bluegill in the fall

River to river, lake to lake, region to region.........these could be different. Any rules of thumb out there? I often avoid buying 4" crankbaits because 1) I fish out of the back of the boat and like to downsize my presentation, and 2) they don't look normal to me. If matching the hatch is so important, then a 4" crankbait should work better than a 2" crankbait during a certain time of year (when that hatch is at that size).

I guess this post isn't about a single question, but more of a request for your thoughts on it.