Big Fish Rice

Everyone's opinion on current can be so different, but we fish a lot of deep water here in the Inland NW, and those who fish the Columbia River do exactly that with pretty challenging conditions. If they're locating on bottom, I'd throw a 3/4oz or 1oz Football head jig. A dropshot with a heavy weight would work too if they're hovering above the bottom. For smallmouth that deep, a blank football head jig on spinning gear can be great for adjusting depths or dragging with current. A lot of people here use hula grubs, and I mixed in the Baby Rodent with good success. If they're largies, a swimbait with a heavy head should get a couple in the boat. It just really depends, but with basic info, these three or four should get bit! Good luck!

My first fish of 2015 came in 39° water on the KVD 300 jerkbait and it's a lure I fish all year long. I have purchased so many jerkbaits over the last 3 years, I usually end up selling them on ebay because it's hard to find brands that are consistent package to package. I have suspen-dots, split rings and replacement hooks and when I'm fishing in cold weather, the last thing I want to do is to have to modify lures. I can barely feel the tips of my fingers as-is, so buy a few that work as advertised. I like them to suspend right out of the package. For me in the north, we have perch, trout and panfish when it comes to matching the hatch. While I fish the KVD 200, I prefer the 300 size because it's much easier when casting against the wind (which is something you should always do). Each has their own advantage of course depending on baitfish and conditions. Here's a photo, the lake's top third was still covered in ice. When it comes to spring, there's not much else that can fill the boat faster with smallies either. It's a dynamic lure and certainly worth your time. It's now one of my most confident lures.

You look like a pretty tall guy...I'd say 5 1/2 pounds at least, maybe 5 3/4 since it has a gut. Very nice either way..

I'm in Eastern Washington, but a few of my favorites include senkos (Green Pumpkin), Jerkbaits (Rapala Husky Jerk or X-Rap, blue back and silver side) as well spinnerbaits. If you want an all around crankbait, a Rapala DT-6 works great. You should already probably know that a dropshot is key no matter the time of year. That's just how our state rolls...

I own one, a BB1 Pro, Gold Speed Spin and multiple Tournament Pros. Out of all my Lew's reels, I really like the Team Lew's Pro. I use it for flipping and pitching, as well as jigs and soft plastics. It's been great so far.

Strike King Rage Tail Craw. I fish with them year round! Or a swimming senko!

Seems that the bigger fish come from grouped pads on my home lakes, but milfoil certainly holds larger quantities of fish it seems. I absolutely love punching mats, no matter which kind they are, because it's a big fish paradise.

This...you might need to slowly get the worm in front of their face instead of trying to get them to strike reaction baits.

Square bills: XCaliber XCS, Strike King KVD and Storm Arashi Rattling (Baby Bass color) are all great and fairly easy on the wallet. Topwater baits: River2Sea Rover, Rapala X-Rap Pop and don't forget to add a frog to the mix. Swim Jig: Most swim jigs will work just fine. Grab a 1/2-ounce in black/blue and add your favorite craw trailer ( I really like SK's Rage Tail Craw). Cast it and reel it back slowly. You'll get hammered...

Neither are made with "Powerlux" any longer, correct. But it doesn't mean that past stock that was manufactured with it aren't still available. I do recall that Powerlux was purchased by Jarden... When I fished with both models, they were manufactured with 3M Powerlux, alongside Cabela's Platinum line. Just speaking of when I had hands on experience...but you are correct.

Let me know how you like it Diggy...I'm genuinely interested to hear your thoughts.

Not sure how I'm missing responses...but yes, I have several friends who are G-Loomis only. Of course, those guys don't switch for anything, but two of them have fished with my Infinity and were impressed. But the Infinity series is most definitely compared to the NRX "feel" if you know what I mean. When you pick up the rod, you just get that feeling. The balance, the quality of components, it's at the top of the line without a doubt. Thing is, both the NRX and Infinity are made with the same 3M resin. The Infinity also has a counterbalanced handle, not a split grip like the NRX. That's the biggest "feeling" difference in my opinion. As of right now, I only have casting models for the Infinity lineup. To answer your second question, Lamiglas is my rod sponsor. I've been working with them over the past few years and approached them as they are a local company. I not only own their Infinity, but also the XPs, Excel IIs and even an X-11 Salmon/Steelhead rod that I fish swimbaits on. Past experience would be fishing with Shimano, G-Loomis, Abu Garcia, St. Croix, Phenix, Lew's and other rods. For the money and your investment, there is no better value than the Infinity [in my opinion]. I wish I could send you one to fish with for a week or two...the lineup speaks for itself.

Hey bbodkin, you probably saw my video on the Excel IIs on YouTube. For your techniques and style, I would recommend a 4 or 5 power (if you like more backbone, go with the 5). I have two models right now (736C and 705 Glass) and are thorourghly impressed with the blanks. The 736C is a very stiff rod, so I use it for chatterbaits. Speaking of Tackle Warehouse's sale, now is the time to buy a rod. The Excel II would run you $85, so it's right in your price range. For other brands, compare it to Lew's IM7 Speed Stick, or the Shimano Compre 6'8" MH. I think you'll be pleased with the Excel II, but always shop around!

If you're fishing a medium action spinning rod, you'll need to fish a 3/8oz jig at the heaviest. Your black and blue combo should work just fine, so don't waste too much money on different colors. I would second using braid with a fluorocarbon leader with your setup. You'll feel the bites much better and with a medium rod, it's nice to have less stretch in your line. Just remember, if you're setting the hook on a long cast, you don't want to be trying to move a 1/2 or 3/4 oz jig with a medium setup. It's just too much... Speaking of bites, you need to know how the fish strike. They will either "tap" the jig a couple of times (in which they are declawing your trailer), or the bigger fish will simply just inhale it. If you feel tension, always set the hook as quick as possible. If they tap it, wait 2-3 seconds then set the hook. Lastly, you need to find wood and rocks. Target those two types of cover/structure and you'll come home a lot more confident. Just a few tips from one of my videos: Hope it helps!

You don't need a braid/leader for senkos lol....go wtih 12# or 15# P-Line 100% Fluorocarbon. Never again will you have an issue. If I were rich, I'd just send you a spool and make you a believer for free....but I'm not rich But seriously...try it.

If you hear people talk about actions between glass and composite and they tell you "they're the same", you better look elsewhere for advice. In no way do they perform identically, or feel similar. Glass is much more "giving". I used to fish square bills, cranks and jerkbaits on composite rods. Sometimes, I would get tapped...or I would feel the fish eat the bait, only to lose the fish halfway from the boat. Why? because even if you don't realize it, you're limiting the fish from actually eating the bait. [if they inhale it, that's a different story] Glass rods allow the fish to ****** the bait, especially when they strike from the tail end of the lure. They almost hook themselves so-to-speak. I use Lamiglas' 705 Excel II glass rod for square bills, shallow and mid cranks and jerkbaits. Since making the switch this year, I completely see why the pro's have been saying this for years. I only wish I would have switched sooner.

Fishing pressure is real - without a doubt. Some of our small natural lakes here in Washington State get hammered with tournaments. It can literally destroy it for a week or more. Whereas Lake Coeur d'Alene is ginormous and while you see other anglers, there's so much water you just don't have to worry about it. It produces MONSTER smallmouth and largemouth every single day. Just ask Brandon Palaniuk I will say this: mental strength and the ability to overcome "thoughts" is important too. Have you ever said to yourself, "I should be doing this"....but you continue to fish the same lure or technique? I bet so. Because I have too. When your gut is telling you something, listen to it. That's your instinct telling you that you're not quite on the right pattern or area. I think it will help.

I caught my Personal Best during a pressure change. I was the only one on the lake. I got rained on...it stopped....and while I was fishing a point with a jig, I felt some pressure. After setting the hook and battling it for a few minutes, that was my 7-11. Long answer short - yes, they're still biting. If you think about it...the best time to be on the water is when everyone else stays home. The only thing I don't do is lightning. If you start hearing thunder, or see flashes, it's time to go home. Best of luck

Awesome! Sure is interesting to hear how everyone gets into the sport of fishing. Happy Fourth of July to you and tight lines!

Tinboats is great. Lots of info there. You can also check out my family's jon boat to bass boat project for ideas. I'm willing to help with any info you need.

A 55lb thrust will be much different than the 45lb motor and it will be a little easier on the battery. Think of it this way - if you were having to be on "full throttle" for your current setup, you will most likely be able to drop down a gear, let's say to 4th, because you have more thrust. You'll end up not using as much battery for your 12 volt system. Of course, the good thing is that you'll gain more control in the wind just in case you need to go full throttle. If it's in your budget, I say go for it. Then, maybe you can get the other motor fixed by a local repair shop and sell it to recoup some of the costs of the new motor

Modified V hulls give you the best of both worlds. Stability and the ability to cut through chop without "beating" you and the boat to death. I fish out of a flat bottom jon boat and have enjoyed it very much, but I wouldn't mind a modified v-hull at all. I would look for the best deal and go with it. At 12' long though, I would probably choose a flat bottom for the utmost stability.

The 186 VLO is rated for 115hp. Top speed around 48mph. The 189 VLO is rated for 150hp. Wider beam, larger gas tank, top speed around 63mph. If you're a recreational angler, the 186 is an entry level package that will get you fishing. If you plan on tournaments, or plan on selling the boat down the road, the 189 with a 150 will be much more valuable in the used market.

Too many to count. Who the heck has time to count every fish? I'm impressed lol.

Cover water with reaction baits. I've fished most of my life without sonar and it never fails. Crankbaits and jerkbaits work well to find fish. If I get tapped, or get bit, I then follow up with a jig and a dropshot.