ChrisW

Bass are pretty tough, they can take some punishment from a hook. The problem is, people do not like to cut the bait off and let the fish try to make it with the lure in it's mouth but bass can make it those cases. When you try to save a hook that is gut hooked in a fish, chances are it will not make it.

US, you have to use a bullet weight for plastics worms if you are having problems getting it out far enough. Also, go with the senkos, they are super easy to fish. The action happens when you simply cast the bait, once it hits bottom, all you have to do is tip the rod a bit for the worm to go back into action. The senkos are great if you are casting is heavy cover or weeds, you just have to Texas rig them. You can go with the wacky rig in less vegetated waters.

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it. The weedless crawfish sounds like a good plan.

I have caught many LM's in my life, not too many SM's but I hooked into a 22 inch smallie a couple of months ago and that thing was tough and fought very hard. The LM's can get much bigger than smallies but overall, pound for pound, the smallie fights harder and better. This is not to say LM's are not tough because we all know they are.

As you can see, I am new to the board but this is a great site. I was hoping people could help me. I am an avid LM fisherman but lately I have been going for smallies in rivers and creeks. I have not been using a boat. Wading in the creeks is something I like. I tend to use senkos when fishing the shallow creek I have been fishing. I have been getting strikes from pretty small fish and I was wondering what baits are best to use for a shallow creek for smallies? I know some people will tell me fly fishing is a great way to go but for now, I am going to stick with a spinner. Are senkos and other plastics the best way to go? Also, what type of structures should I look for? When fishing recently, I have been looking for deeper pools and also water just off of a current. I understand the day to day weaher plays a big role as to what the fish will hit. I am looking to get hits off some bigger fish. I fish in Eatern Pa. I am at best a novice smallie fisherman, especially in creeks. Would love to fish Lake Erie but it's just too far from me. I appreciate any help people can give me. 8-)