Here is my experience in Texas. I would be interested to see if others have the same or different experience over time.
The MD3XL is extremely productive on 1.5lb - 6lb fish. I normally fish it texas rigged. I would imagine if I put it on a jig it would move the scale up as the profile would increase but haven't tried this. I use the MD3 SC (Super Chunk) for a small profile jig trailer.
The Ribbed Birch Bug was deadly for me this fall on a jig. I caught fish from 3lb to 10lb+ (only one was over 10). I didn't spend any quality time with it not on a jig so I can't comment on it texas rigged. If I want an even bigger profile on a texas rig I use the MD or CCC 4" or 5".
So, I don't normally fish tournaments and if I do they are big Bass contest. I will spend all day for that one bite. Some like to fish like this, others prefer more action. If these were the only two baits I could use I would normally start out flipping or dragging the Birch Bug on a jig and if I can't get bit and need a confidence boost I would change to a MD3XL.
This is just my experience based on how and where I fish. There are always exceptions, variations, different presentations, etc.
One thing you can always do is ask who has what molds, and most will sell you a couple bags in whatever color you want. This way you can really test them out in your waters and determine how the fish react to them there.
Tight lines,
Jason
