Finesse Baits

[smr913]

This year I'm going to focus a lot more on light tackle river fishing. Using a 7' light rod, a 1000 size spinning reel, and 10/2# braid. I'm looking for some suggestions on stocking the bag. I have the basics: Rapalas, Tiny Torpedoes, Neds, Rebel Craws, Slider worms. I really need a solid soft plastic craw to either rig on a light trig or small jighead. So other small water guys, what do you like?

[IndianaFinesse]

Try the yum crawbug for the crawfish imitation.  Besides that a small mepps or roostertail, a tiny pop-r, and a small tube like a bitsy craw or zman tubez would be good additions for stream fishing. Oh, and a tiny crank like a bitsy crank or rebel hopper can be great in small streams to.

[roadwarrior]

Rage Tail Baby Craw and Menace; BPS Tender Tube #71; 1/4 oz Siebert Jig (PBJ)/ Rage Tail

Baby Craw (PBJ); Sworming Hornet/ LFT Live Magic Shad and a shaky head, MegaStrike Shake2/

GYCB Kut-Tail.

 

The Rig requires a different set-up, but it is KILLER this time of year.  Specifically the YUM

Flash Mob Jr. with willow blades.

http://www.basspro.com/YUM-Yumbrella-Flash-Mob-Junior-with-Willow-Blades/product/1206280436379/

 

[buzzed bait]

can't hit the river without this guy:

 

[smr913]

11 minutes ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Try the yum crawbug for the crawfish imitation.  Besides that a small mepps or roostertail, a tiny pop-r, and a small tube like a bitsy craw or zman tubez would be good additions for stream fishing. Oh, and a tiny crank like a bitsy crank or rebel hopper can be great in small streams to.

That 2.5" Crawbug looks like it could be really good on a small standup jighead. 

 

@roadwarrior Thanks for the suggestions. I've had good luck with the Rage Craws in the past. Think I have some Babies that will need the dust knocked off.

 

@buzzed bait I have a small box dedicated to in-lines for when I hit trout water. Will bring some with me next time I'm out. 

[buzzed bait]

7 minutes ago, smr913 said:

 

@buzzed bait I have a small box dedicated to in-lines for when I hit trout water. Will bring some with me next time I'm out. 

 

not just any old in-line spinner though....  specifically that black with yellow dots and gold blade is my all time best producing bait on the rivers nearest me.  followed by the same bait, but the yellow one with red spots and silver blade.

[roadwarrior]

20 minutes ago, buzzed bait said:

can't hit the river without this guy:

 

Very interesting. This specific Panther Martin is my go to for trout, but I have never fished it for bass.

 

 

[KCFinesse]

I've had success with jerkbaits and flukes around log jams- casting upstream of the log jam and letting the bait drift as tight as possible to the side of the obstruction. The flukes are great at getting right and out of the nasty stuff, and can make a world of difference getting neutral or inactive fish to react to a very natural looking bait in tight areas.

 

-Jared

[buzzed bait]

5 minutes ago, roadwarrior said:

Very interesting. This specific Panther Martin is my go to for trout, but I have never fished it for bass.

 

little tennessee river smallmouth can't get enough of it!

[smr913]

I was planning on picking a few things up at Academy this week and wading the Harpeth in Nashville this weekend. We are about to get pounded by rain so it may have to wait another week. I'm starting to get antsy with this bit of warmer weather. I've spent the last three nights hunkered down in the garage rigging and prepping. 

[Fishin' Fool]

Get yourself some Reins Bubbling shaker in either 3" or 4". Can be used for drop shot, neko or on a jighead.

[kbeeb374]

I fish a small river a lot.  I use a small (2.75") tube on an 1/8 oz jig head probably 80% of the time.  I used to use a white 3.5" grub on a jig head a lot and did great with it.  Another great bait on small river smallies is a rapala original floater in the black and gold color.  I usually have a drop shot tied on with a hellgrammite imitator on it as well.  I have recently got into some small squarebills and poppers/torpedos too.