FryDog62

Its a nice rod, I had the Orochi version. Just be careful not to overload the rod because of the XF tip. I threw a 3/4 oz jig w/trailer and the tip snapped despite being rated to 1.2 ounces. Honestly would prefer they make the rod fast action, but the extra sensitivity of XF is nice at times although possibly a little brittle if pushed to its limits.

Long cast is 60 yards for me, 75 if I’m using a Tatula Elite reel..

I use 10 lb FC for jerk baits, shaky heads. 12 lb for cranks, and 12 # Yo-Zuri (which is the thickness/strength of 15 lb fluorocarbon) for chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, etc.

Here you go: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/search-tackle.html?sort=no&start=0&count=30&searchtext=Snag+Proof+Bobby's+Perfect+Buzz

All-Terrain "Grassmaster" Jig is best I've used. No jig is 100% clean coming through grass/weeds, but this is as close as I've found and by quite a good margin... Has a “Hidden Eye” so you don’t clog up with weeds like other jigs.

I went through this whole process the past 3-4 years and switched my jerk bait rod first from a Curado 70, then to a Tatula SV TW and now to a Tatula Elite. With the Elite I easily get 20% or more distance than anything else I've ever thrown. I also throw lighter lures on the Elite down to 3/16 oz or so to get that extra distance. The only time I use my SV reels anymore (Tatula SV TW, Alphas SV, Steez SV TW) is if I'm going to be skipping anything, or throwing weightless up to 1/8 oz plastics - otherwise all Elites now to get that extra, effortless distance.

Have experimented with a couple Sunline fluorocarbon lines with alternating colors - or sections of clear line followed by a shorter section of bright yellow. This eliminates tying a clear leader to neon braid. I found it worked well enough with flipping weed lines or skipping under docks for largemouth. I’ve limited experience using these lines with smallmouth though. They tend to be more line-shy so jury is still out there... if Sunline made something similar coloring as the FC flipping line in less than 16 lb test, it might work great for some SMB applications like tubes, Neds, etc.

If I know right where the fish are then a Ned or tube work well. More likely when there's a tough bite, the challenge is locating them. Nothing better than a curly tail grub or small swim bait to cover water in a subtle but effective way...

I heard KVD say a few years back if he had to use only one rod a 6’10” was most versatile. It seems rods continue to get longer, so 6’11” is probably about perfect now

Double Shindo for all non-braid lines...

A floating shaky head IMO has the subtle undulation so you don’t over-work it which is counterproductive in cold water.

Yes, we started off the smallmouth show 2 years ago throwing Choppos in late summer. That time of year on the river usually yields a lot of smallmouth activity. We were both surprised when we didn't catch many. Realized the previous month's rains were still pushing a lot of current which drove the smallmouth down to some of the deeper areas away from the shore where topwater usually excels. We switched over to the jig pattern with the Craw Fatty's and got bit. Eventually increased weight of the jigs to get down even deeper and that's where we caught the majority of the fish.

Well, we did film mid summer during the height of Covid. We debated whether to do the show, but the fish told us they weren’t concerned. I guess they had just elected a new Sturgeon General who was going to ensure health for all of us... Sorry, insert rim-shot here ?

I believe it will air on Sportsman’s Channel and World Fishing Netork in Q2. I will see if Steve has that schedule. Pretty sure this show will go to YouTube at some point.

A couple years ago, I was on an episode of Lake Commandos with Steve Pennaz. We did a show on river smallmouth fishing in Northern Minnesota. I picked the right pattern that worked that day, but Steve caught more fish... no shock, that’s probably why he’s in the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and I’m not We decided to do a “Re-Match” show this past year, but with a multi-species focus. It was a fun show to film and we had to improvise a bit when the net we had was too small for the fish! I’ll leave it at that if you want to tune in and see the drama unfold. The show starts airing the week of March 8 on the Outdoor Channel. Here’s a tease 2 minute Vimeo: http://vimeo.com/519062929

It’s a real threat to become as boring as watching golf... no, nothing is that bad I hope! ?

Good points above, just a couple additional ones... I’d recommend a plastic bead. Glass beads can chip and eventually cut the line. Also, my preference is to drag plastics that float and/or suspend when paused. For worms, I like the GrandeBass Airtail Wiggler and for lizard-style lures the Big Bite Baits Flying Squirrel. Both effective and relatively inexpensive.

Hair jigs slowly across the bottom, or jerkbaits worked with a couple twitches, let it sit 10-15 seconds... rinse/repeat. Painful at times but works -

The sleeves are a must if you have rod locker tubes and slide in/out and for travel down the road. The biggest protection opportunity for your equipment though are reel covers whether you have rod lockers or not. Not only do they protect your reels from clanging together and getting scarred up while traveling in the truck or boat, but if you have your rods out in the open or on the deck of your boat, reel covers keep the line protected from the sun/elements. Line can degrade fast when exposed...

If you are comfortable navigating rivers - Pool 2 and 4 are very good for a variety of species, although many still C&R. Panfish, white bass can be popular in the spring if you're keepin'

I've been seeing more and more pros (KVD, Swindle) touting fluorocarbon for buzzbait fishing. I've always thought the denser line would keep the buzzer from staying on the surface. They so no, and that it has less stretch than mono for better hook sets on long casts. Braid is good for hook sets on long casts too, but can foul around the trebles, or is unforgiving and fish can come unbuttoned as they near the boat. Hadn't really considered flouro for buzzbaits before - anyone tried it and had good/bad luck? I plan to start rigging with new line soon and my buzzbait rod is empty...

The Biffle Bug on a hard head jig is good - but yes, the key is to keep it moving along the bottom - as fast as you can while still maintaining contact. For that reason, I found a lot of times I needed something heavier that hugged the bottom better. Here’s what I prefer now in 3/4 oz. Plus, I find the triangular head gets through cover much better: https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/search-tackle.html?sort=no&start=0&count=30&prevsearch=hard+head&searchtext=Strike+king+jointed

Braid is very sensitive when there is tension on the line, i.e. weight of the lure. However, slack line sensitivity is better on fluorocarbon since it is denser and transmits vibration, ticks, etc.

Ghost Bluegill is great if the primary forage are gills. If Perch are present like in our Northern waters then I throw a lot of Ayu and Yellow Perch - smallies and white Bass like the bite-sized Cutter 90 too??

I’d also suggest the Berkley Cutter 90 shallow. They have a ghost bluegill pattern that might be just the ticket ?