heavyduty

Here you go https://getthenethooks.com/shop/ols/products/tube-hooks?srsltid=AfmBOoo9nNNhjSU-gjdZCkuF3bSgk_O2BXTIFh1IJQ0C0emMUsK_4zQ2

Smallmouth love the Stanley Toledo Gold spinnerbait! Though no longer made, the mix of red/black/gold has been a top producer for me in Mid-Alantic rivers in the Spring.

Split shot rig. Weight gets it down, especially for me in river current fishing for smallies, but still allows it to do its own thing.

I use these. You can use the stick pin or without pin or screw lock, just stick the eye of the hook thru the front of the bait. Puncture a hole in the head of the bait with the hook first. The lead will keep the bait in place. https://northbranchtackle.com/products/sled-jig

https://getthenethooks.com/shop/ols/products/tube-hooks If you don't like the wire guard just cut it off.

Since you said "heavily stained/muddy" water, I'd agree with riverat. I'd go with something to give thump or vibration in addition to the blades. Fat Albert grub, rage menace grub, baby goat..... The more they can key in on with vibration and with almost no visibility, this would work in your favor.

@ATA, I'd like to get your thoughts on the "Line Cutterz" you have pictured once you get a chance to use them. Been eyeballing them for a while but haven't pulled the trigger yet.

Finally was able to get out for the shad run. Fished 4hrs today and caught 35. Threw crappie grubs and gold spoon, nothing. Changed to a white spoon since water was heavily stained and they starting biting. Fished the incoming tide. Decent amount of people on the river in boats and fishing from the bank. As the water clears, the bite will only get better!

In my world of smallie fishing, they are the thing! I've got more tubes than Carter has liver pills

AGREE 100%

I buy skirt tabs in bulk, 22 strands per tab. I just use a plastic "pencil" style skirt tool to put my skirt tabs together and I use small o-rings that I buy in bulk. You put the o-ring over the "pencil", pull your tabs inside the pencil, and then push the o-ring off the pencil onto the tabs. After I put the skirt on the spinnerbaits or jig, I wire tie them also in case the o-ring comes off. Many video's on Youtube how to do this. If I purchase spinnerbaits or jigs that aren't wire tied, I'll wire tie them also.

You now have to scroll down on the checkout page and select that you want the free sticker for orders over $50.

Mend-It soft plastic glue to repair baits and piece together my own baits. Enjoy making my own spinnerbaits and skirts, inline spinners, beetle spins, pouring and painting jig heads, tying jigs.

I'm a novice but wanted to surf fish to pass the time on the beach. My wife loves the beach and likes to stay out all day. Since kids are grown, there's only so much walking and shell looking you can do. I bought a 8' catfishing rod from Walmart and a Penn reel. I got a rake to catch sand fleas and use them and Fish Bites to catch whiting. I enjoy it and the bite usually stays fairly consistent. Now if you're going for blues or bigger, then the rod/reel combo takes you to a whole different level.

Anyone here fish the Spring shad run? I plan to fish the James River at the fall line in Richmond, VA. Went a couple years ago and had a great time and now that I'm retired, I plan to spend a few days trying my hand at it again. I've fished the 2" grubs and gold spoons on a double rig with success. Anyone else enjoy this yearly event? What baits and rigs do you throw?

I just purchased it about a month ago and haven't used it on a fish yet. I don't like hooking the fish through the gill with the "S" hook. It does feel well built and sturdy, clamps down strong. Rated to 50lbs. Has the holes already drilled in the handle to hang it on the "S" hook on the scale. I don't regret the purchase.

Accu-cull mini fish gripper. It's $15.99 on Amazon, you may be able to find it cheaper. I bought it off Amazon with free shipping so price was ok for me. 4.5"

@Cgolf, tell me more about those blue blades please. Never used that blade color. White, gold, black nickel, chartreuse, orange yes, but not blue. Thanks

Yes. Now Fitt Lures

2.5-2.75" are what I throw in the winter for smallmouth in the river. Fish them SLOW, dragging them along the bottom a few inches at a time with LONG pauses. Stay in touch with the tube, no slack line. The bite will often be very lite. Any change in what you feel, set the hook.

For those wanting to try the River Rock Helgripede from the Smallmouth Fishing Forum on this site, they are having a 25% off President's Day sale thru 2/20.

I've had a lot of success with the Stanley Vibra Wedge spinnerbait in Toledo Gold on the Susquehanna in the Spring.

I believe the guy you are referring to is Bill Yingling. He went by "Dry" for Dr Yingling. Miss his posts! Another fan of the chillee willie is a great Susquehanna River guide, Chris Gorsuch. It's one of his go-to's for winter smallie fishing.

@NorthernBasser, curious about the flapper grub. Better action than say the Zoom Fat Albert? Would also like your thoughts on the paddlin beaver.

I'm gonna try the River Rock helgripede. Thanks for sharing. I have used the Arkie Salty Crawlin' Fry. They are 4.25" I use them full size, pinch an inch off, and cut them in half. They have produced well for me.