FryDog62

Looks like it might be a good book, thx. Not sure I can read 300 pages with my adhd, but it has 800 pictures! Why didn’t those long text books in college have that many photos On a related topic, I just bought an Arashi Cover Pop - something more subtle to offset me constantly using Whopper Ploppers!

Here’s one I set the hook on drop-shotting in 22 feet of water. Not sayin’ it’s not a nice fish, but when I set the hook I thought it was twice this size. Deep water hook sets are fun!

Best I’ve ever used trolling for smallmouth (and many other species) by far is a Salmo Hornet. Gold Perch and Sick Perch, Holo Gold. Almost a cult following in our area. Sshhh... https://www.cabelas.com/product/Salmo-Floating-Hornet/1392311.uts?slotId=2

I’ll x2 the Berkley powerbait 10 inch as well. I always try new products because it’s fun but I don’t think anything I’ve ever used has out-fished it. Also a fan of the Owner Twistlock. Great hooks and the worms seem to last longer with the screw lock. The centering pin helps in rigging especially with thin/narrow plastics.

...well I was thinking of going up to the Snake River to fish tomorrow..

I would try the heavy tube or shakey head theory, but if that fails - out of curiosity I might drop a leech on a heavy sinker down there just to see if anyone is home...

I think this might be true and am switching to more jigs. In fact, I might even break out the big Mop Jig with the 5 inch Megadaddy trailer..!

Been a little slow for me too... but as the day goes on. Seems like the majority of fish I catch are sunrise until about 8:30, then it’s a different game after that I haven’t figured out yet either.

Most pike bite-offs actually happen within 1-2 inches of the lure - yet you can’t find leaders less than 6 inches and they can be very visible and at times spook bass. I started using some custom 2 inch leaders from a local bait shop about 5 years ago and have only had one bite-off since... while landing countless bass, pike and a Muskie. If interested send me a PM and I’ll give the info to buy these shorter leaders. A great compromise IMO.

Thx Scott, I’ll be using my Spot-lock thankfully!

Thinking of fishing a river with high (but not flooded) water this week. Usually in these conditions the smallmouth are on the outside banks. Anyone ever try a Whopper Plopper in a situation like this with luck? Or, anything else you’ve used that has worked well?

I had a 130 in bone that is now somewhere in Rainy Lake. Not a smallmouth, but a Muskie about the size of Michael Phelps crashed and snapped it before I could even set the hook. Fish of all species just get violent with Ploppers..

Very true. It’s a Top 10 Lake and 90 minutes from my house and yet I rarely fish it and only with a guide. And I LOVE smallmouth!!

You’ll get better action and durability with the Caffeine Shad if you use an Owner Twistlock Light 3/32 oz 4/0 hook. It will last longer with a screwlock hook, but most importantly, the action is far better than a standard fluke. The Caffeine Shad on this rig will swim more horizontally on the fall, then stop, change directions, flutter the bubble tail, and seemingly swim by itself in a different direction before going down. Irresistible dying action. Then jerk, jerk and start the process all over again. Hard to do this with a standard fluke...

X2 - 100% preder the bubble tail action of the Caffeine Shad on the pause/fall over the Super Fluke

Berkley Choppo

Anyone else in the metro area out fishing today? I did - really struggled to find any pattern on a lake that is usually “can’t miss.” In 6 hours I only caught 5 LMB and 4 we’re small. Tried Chatterbaits in 6-10 fow, plastics under the docks, Poppin Frog/Toadrunner in/near the pads, and 1oz Dark Sleeper on off shore structure 10-18 fow. Hopefully somebody else else found something that worked ?!? I’m all ears!

A-Jay, I’ve been reading this thread with interest. I’m quite happy with my current motor, but there’s a glimmer of a thought to switch out to the new XS. Cost and no burning reason to switch out are factors. Sometime we’ll have to catch up and compare notes on your trade-out experience... still loving my PVB!!

Parts of the state have had a ton of rain, anyone fishing flooded areas lately?

I switched a year ago and it was worth learning the FG. Too many break offs with Alberto and Albright. FG has lived up to its top billing and is also no longer difficult to tie - provided you use a “Hook-Eze” instead of your teeth. (YouTube).

Green pumpkin is safe but sometimes/occasionally doesn’t do well because it’s a tad too plain - especially in stained/darker water. Give it a twist - with a white under belly. Check out Kalin’s WAC-O-Worm in Baby Bass. Does what Pumpkin Green does, but doesn’t get lost in dull water. Best all round color for clear or dark water or anything in between... hands down.

Wondering if you hook many weeds with your home made version? I haven’t used the Teckel, but the little bit I’ve used the Toadrunner - it isn’t weed less. It’s ok going over pads but if weeds/grass are present it sticks to it ...

Very healthy looking fish sully!! Early morning or evening bite better?

With “Playful15” expiring yesterday on eBay - how will we know if-when there will be a new coupon code (soon)?

The #1 thing that extended the life of my Senkos is a screwlock hook. I get 2-3 fish vs. 1-2 with EWG. I use Owner Twistlock light, weightless and weighted.