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Might be the 1st person in USA with this!

WolfyBrandon

Good answer! Chase bronzebacks on the upper Mississippi ~ My dad and hero turned 87 two months ago and we celebrated by fishing for smallmouth on Mille Lacs - and had a great day. Fast forward to October and he was diagnosed with Leukemia. Who knows what next year will bring, but he elected to get out and fish one more time this season - and it was a great day with 35 fish caught, an average of 18 inches, and a couple at/near 20. A day I will never forget ~

Thanks ~ Ok so to answer your questions; At least Half of my night operations are in search of Smallmouth - but never in a river. Like I mentioned in the OP - "I do not recommend fishing at night on rivers, tidal water or any place with a moderate to heavy current. It certainly can be done, but Is No Place for a beginner." Walking the bank at night in & around venomous snakes is not an activity I'd participate in, but hey, that's just me. Yes Pike bite at night - I've had many a spinner bait crushed & mangled beyond recognition at night. Good Luck A-Jay Good Luck ~ crystal clear nights are often a great time to be out on the water. And sometimes on the blackest of star lite and flat calm nights, one of my all time favorite scenario's plays out. It's when the flat calm lake perfectly reflects the black but star light sky on the surface of the water. When conditions are right it's hard to tell what's up & what's down - always makes me a little dizzy - (I mean more than usual.) It's very cool. A-Jay

Not a monster, but not too shabby.

the place is completely finished including the new septic! no more work for years hopefully!!!!!!

What makes ya think he couldn't?

Just picked up my 2015 BassCat Caracal Memorial Day weekend. Not new, but new to me!

Just caught this bad boy tonight on a big 10 in power worm he slammed it. Didn't have the scale in guessing 4-5 lbs roughly

i have a pond like that as well. there is some structure but not much. i havent done very well in the day here even tho ive heard it can be good. BUT at night. ITS GAME ON!!!!!! night fishing places with little structure is the way to go!

I know lately my go-to retention pond bait has been a Ned Rig. I fish quite a few of these ponds and since there's no cover and rarely any structure, finesse presentations don't spook them as much and tend to catch quite a few fish. Anyways, glad to have you in the forums. Head over to the Introductions section and tell us a bit about yourself!

I like a slow roll. Just enough to make the tail work along with some bumps of the rod tip. If a bass is following I would burn it or kill it and let it fall or both. Also might be color that's putting the bass off.

As an avid river smallmouth angler I may be able to help you hang into larger smallmouth. The first thing is to up size your baits because the old saying of "big baits catch big fish" is true. Yes, big fish eat small stuff and vise-versa but on average you'll get bigger fish with bigger baits. Now I don't know the specifics of the cover, or all of your depth zones but that is where you start. Start looking at the spots you are catching the fish and try to establish spots in all the zones, find the shallowest water you catch fish at and the deepest spot and then you play connect the dots, look for riffles, polls and other areas in which the fish can move to to feed and then the closest cover they can move to and rest out of the current. Once you have that established use baits that probe those areas that will attract bigger fish, the shallow spot I'd go with a square bill, crank, if you have dirty water or an overcast day go right to the shallow areas and hit it with a crank like a Baby 1 minus or a Cordell Big-O, they aren't large cranks but in the kind of water you're fishing they normally draw larger than average size fish. You can also use your favorite but big smallmouth in moving waters seem to really respond to the crankbait so try that. Another bait is a spinnerbait, but instead of a small one go with a 1/2oz with double willows if the water is clear to stained or a double Colorado for dingier water, these can be used in both shallow and mid depth zones, if you have clear water choose natural colors and burn the bait, that tactic is a big fish killer!! The last thing will work in all zones, a tube, but try to go with a fat tube in the 3.5" to 4" size or a 5" Senko and rig it Texas style with no weight, the difference in the size of fish you get from the 4" to the 5" is unbelievable, and that is how I would approach your situation without really knowing the water.

I don't know enough about the river you are fishing, even what part of the world it exists in. If it has gobies, I can only assume it is connected to one of the great lakes. Because the river you fish has gobies, follow the gobies. I don't see bass leaving an area that has that kind of forage. You might have to find a way off the bank to get to more spots.

As much as I fish, there are still times the fish confuse me. We've had some unusual weather here lately. Lots of rain has fallen, and there was a good chance of rain Monday through Wednesday this week. Monday I ended up not fishing because of it, but then the rain never came. I was bummed and itching to go, so yesterday when I looked at the radar and saw I had a few hours, I hooked the boat up as soon as I got home from work. It was a gorgeous day, completely overcast, a slight breeze, and storms moving it. I was thinking it was going to be lights out, and in a way I guess it was....the fish were fickle because the lights where out? haha. The lake I chose to fish has some large pad flats that I've caught quite a few fish out of. With the front coming in, you would think they'd be aggressive and with the lower light, there would be a movement out towards the edge of the pads. That was not the case yesterday. I couldn't get anything going on the edges, and had a few blowups on a frog but couldn't connect. Since they were at least slightly interested in the frog, I figured I'd give it a little longer before abandoning that pattern and trying something else. I was burning my frog back to the boat to make another cast when I noticed the signature bluegill boils come from a clump of pads as my frog came by and spooked them. I clipped my frog off and tied on a bluegill colored one and while I was doing so saw something pretty big roll a distance away. I finished tying it up, and zipped over to where I saw the roll. I must have thrown 15-20 casts in that area before the water under my frog erupted. I finally got one to stick, and it follows my theory that the bigger fish don't miss a frog nearly as often. I managed to wrestle her out of the pads and I finally got a look at her when she got in the open water an dang did she ever look big in that clear water! When I managed to get her in the boat, I found out my eyes weren't lying. Just a smidge over 20 inches and tipped the scales at 4lbs 12 oz. Man what a rush it was! I decided to work the area a little more and within 5 casts I was hooked up again. This time it was a northern that I was battling through the slop, but it was a good one. I got a great look at it boat side before it pulled off and it would have been pushing 30 inches. I continued to work the area and this time it took about 5 minutes, but there was a "v" coming towards my frog. It turns out that v was made by another northern, but this one I got in the boat and she measured up at 33 inches. I only caught one other little dink last night flipping a rock bar with grass on top. Admittedly, I probably spent a little too much time frogging, but I was getting some action I just couldn't connect. I still don't know why they weren't more aggressive though. Even the one I caught flipping just kind of picked it up. Oh well I guess I landed the ones that mattered and because of that it was still a good evening on the water!

Take a look at the Irod Genesis II Gabes Rip Rap Special. It is light weight, well made and is composite so it helps with keeping fish hooked. I have been fishingcrankbaits for bass as well as throwing traps for strippers. Often while fishing for strippers we run into big blue cats. A 20 + blue on this rod and a Diawa Tatula is a blast. The rod runs about $150. Check them out on the IROD website. Tackle Warehouse as well as many local dealers carry Irod now.

Hell, you should just throw a topwater!

Go to Amazon Type in Diawa Exceler You will find Sportsman Outfitters has this reel for $68 bucks with free shipping. Now this is a quality Diawa reel with a very smooth drag. It normally retails for $99.00. I upgraded 6 reels this spring. 3 are Diawa TatulaR's ( $200 reels ) 2 are Diawa Tatulas($150 each) and one is an Exceler 6.3-1. I got to fish all of them at Dale Hollow in TN. during vacation. The Exceller is as smooth as the others and I tested it heavily with 6 pound smallies in deep water. I have a friend that regularly catches strippers as well as snakeheads up to 25 pounds ( off the Potomac while bass fishing) using several Diawa Excelers and they have held up for over 3 years now. This way you purchase a one hundred dollar reel for much less instead of settling for a lesser quality reel at its full price. By the way I have purchased 3 reels from Sportsman good people to deal with. Good luck let us know what you get.

Gustafson has been in a Predator for years

Add me to the list of fans of Super Slick 8. Yes it can fray a bit. It's got 8 strands of filaments, what would you expect? I keep an eye out for loose loops of line on my spinning reels to reduce the chance of wind knots. I don't believe the suppleness adds to more wind knots. I used to get more wind knots when using Fireline which was very stiff when new. Overall, I like it and will continue to use it.

I own several more expensive rods to crank with, but when September rolls around I need more rods to throw different size, weight, and manufacture of lipless cranks for strippers here in the Chesapeake Bay tidal rivers. We throw Reyeye Shads, Rattle Traps. and Xcalibur 75s & 50s and each in one knocker as well as regular series. Believe it or not those suckers will tag on one and ignore the rest. I have purchased three Berkley Lighning Shocks. They really are nice fro their cost. Get a 6'6" Medium 1/4 to 3/4. They work well.

If its rougher something is wrong. Ive tried a bunch of braid and s8s is the quietest and very smooth compared to others. Its my favorite at the moment but Iv been trying out GAMMA Torque and this stuff is pretty nice not as quiet as s8s but strong and tight weave and more subtle.

One trick that works for me in ponds and also saves money is to use a spinning rod, MH, short like 6'-6'6 to avoid trees etc. when land fishing, and use the original Scum Frogs which only cost 2.99. The better Trophy Series are in the $5 range but come with Owner hooks and are super soft so you can get away with using spinning gear, 20lb braid, and I feel I can skip much better with a spinning rod especially from shore with odd angles. Scum Frog makes a tiny little frog that weighs 3/16, and a popping frog that is the same size. Also a mouse (My Favorite) and they are so soft and again, only $3 so if you lose one and you will, it won't hurt as badly as losing a $10 frog, or even a nice Pad Crusher. Scum Frogs in the smaller size seem to work awesome in ponds, and they catch big fish, you don't have to swing so hard to drive home 2 hooks with barbs as they are thinner guage and designed to catch anything that takes it under.....They skip awesome as well, that is why they still sell so well....I have some nice frogs and a molix Beetle hanging from the trees on the opposite shoreline where I fish, I knew it was risky but I had to try to make the perfect bank shot, and every time I fish at night I am reminded when I see the glowing Spro Frog in the tree about 20 feet off my target....But you often need to get that frog way in the back, places you normally avoid to get bit, I worry about getting them out if I hook one. Sometimes swinging hard causes the fish to follow your line out.....If lucky...But Scum Frogs work, I think it is the tiny frog that is really good and comes with a trailer hook in package.

If it continues I will probably contact them. Also, for some reason, it seems to be "rougher" going through my spinning rod guides than regular power pro. I'll give it a few weeks on the rod and see how it performs going forward. Worst case I just cut it all off if it gives me nightmares. I'm hoping it proves me wrong though.

That's something I honestly haven't done a lot of, I might try it more this summer from my kayak if I can get some safety stuff rigged up for it.

It is my understanding that any rod used as a dealer demo or rep sample rod must be advertised and sold as such. They still have all the warranty and such of a new rod.

Is this your new rig Frydog?

I believe a new model is coming out(mgx2) probably at icast. Abu is pretty good about keeping parts for discountinued/older reels. IF they're like shimano they will keep most parts for about 10yrs. Before phasing them completely out.

Clean fresh water doesn't have any electrolytes to cause corrosion. The hooks are plated to prevent corrosion. Rinse everything in warm fresh water with a little baking soda, rinse again with clean warm water and blow dry or hang to dry. Tom

wow i want more pictures

That was a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing. I have watched a number of his vids over time, never saw that one, then again, I don't normally use tungsten for TX rigging...but will remember this trick for the future.

Yes! Search YouTube for "Aaron Martens Tungsten Weight Trick" and there are a few vids demonstrating. I've done this to all my tungsten worm weights and it's very easy. Size 3/32 heat shrink tubing works best I've found, available at Ace Hardware among others for about $1/8pk of tubes. Each tube can cover 2-4 weights approximately, depending on weight size and your technique. I'm sure some extremely frugal guys could do 5 or 6 small weights haha. The nice part with shrink tube is that it flairs out, over any sharp edges of the weight created by the bored hole. But I guess the ultimate braniac question becomes: "Does the insert negate some of the tungsten's sensitivity by creating even the smallest of buffers between weight and line?" The world may never know, or someone with too much time on their hands will figure it out. For me, the biggest appeal of tungsten isn't the sensitivity factor, but the size difference vs lead. Wait, found it:

Since I'm only 4 hours away it usually takes 2-3 days. Got a rod replaced and a new spool earlier this year. If it's taking that long you should give them a call

I only use tungsten because of the size in relation to lead. I agree with Primtime, the sensitivity of tungsten does notning for me in the waters I fish. You guys who fish in and around rock, wood or hard bottom waters can find it as an advantage. Mike

Might wanna take up knitting

I trying to get out of my comfort zone and fish deeper water, points, and basically more off-shore areas. In researching and trying to learn techniques about this I've come across the term 'thermocline' several times. I have an idea of what it is but would like some more information on what it is, and how it will effect fishing.

I've only ordered parts from them once, but when I did, not only did they waive the cost of the parts (it was my fault I broke this particular part but they didn't even ask how it broke), but they sent it priority mail and I got it in like 2-3 days.

This^^^

Ditto Mike

Well what do you know! We have information on that too! http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/thermocline.html

They do not push to side at all, the hook is pointed up so when frog hits from bottom or rear I get nice hook in center of throat or lip. The trailer hook as increased my hookups a lot. The trailer hook can get snagged occasionally on some scum or if dragging thru plants but since it sits point up in middle behind frog its minimal. It also helps with short strikes, alot of time fish will short strike the frog, maybe scaring it or chasing it away or just missing it, but the trailer hook will land some of these. I highly recommend. I posted a couple days ago about a 3.9LB 18" LMB that blew up on my frog, let it go, I let it sit a few seconds and than it hit the frog with an explosive second blow up wherre he inhaled frog. When I landed it the frog was deep in mouth, neither frog hook was snagged but trailer hook was hooked very deep in throat. I also use scent on frogs as I do think it helps fish hold onto frog a little longer before trying to eject.

I usually just use a steady retrieve, and give it a little pop every once in a while to keep it erratic. Something else I'll do is when I'm running it past a piece of cover I'll kill it right next to it. That can be absolutely deadly some days. It sounds like you're on the right track though. Keep doing what you're doing and you'll catch'em!

Keep doing what you're doing. That's exactly how they work.

I fish them just like the classic spinnerbait retrieves. They're a retrieve where you burn it steadily just under the surface, with a twitch here and there; a stop-and-go retrieve with lots of pauses, snaps, and pumps; and a slow roll where you slowly and steadily bump it along the bottom or the weed-tops with occasional twitches or pauses to trigger strikes.

Fishing for carp on anything under a 7 weight is pretty undersized. They can run. Like, really, really run.

got my 30+ heads in last night, looking good as usual!!

I guess it still counts even if I'm not keeping any of them. Newer Steez SV reels with 2nd gen Zillion rods. Buy em up folks.

We fished 5:30 til 11. Enough time to get in some fishing, and get off the lake before the heat and the drunks hit the water. Had some drunk jagleg talking crap from his dock as we were trolling by around 10am. Guess he thought he was cool standing next to his half million dollar Formula. No fish near his dock either. I figure bass don't like douchebags either

I'm at WVU for orientation, but when we drove up yesterday I couldn't help but stop for a few on deep creek lake in MD since it was so pretty. Also caught some smallmouth and largemouth on the river here in Morgantown.