Newbie trying to catch smallmouth near Algonquin

[sepandee]

1st post. Yay!

 

I've never fished before, but do backcountry canoe trips regularly. So it's about time to learn the tricks of the trade.

 

I didn't want to spend a lot of money buying the gear, so some random guy on the internet gave me some gear for free without me asking for it. Bless his heart!

 

I'm going to Haliburton Highlands (just south of Algonquin) at the end of this week. The lake I'll be on has smallmouth. From my understanding, it's not a bad time for catching smallies (is that what they're called?), although the peak comes 4-6 weeks from now.

 

There's a guy in my group who knows a bit about fishing, so hopefully he can tell me how to get my line going. But before that, I just want to make sure I have all the equipment I need. I've attached two pictures of everything that was given to me. Now, don't laugh, because the rod is very small and... erm, pink. I'm guessing it's a kid's rod, but whatever, because this is just my 1st time. If I can catch and reel in a smally, I'm good.

 

Am I missing anything? Should I be getting anything else? Any advice? Grateful to anyone that replies.

[JWall14]

I would research more on smallmouth lures- it looks like you have panfish jigs. Look around the forum and read bass resource articles! 

 

Good luck!

https://www.bassmaster.com/slideshow/brandon-palaniuks-5-favorite-smallmouth-baits

 

https://www.bassmaster.com/slideshow/pros-faves-smallmouth-baits

 

Here are a few.

[Bdnoble84]

Since you have never fished before, i would say you are fine trying out what you have. Where are you fishing, the fox? A curlytail and spinner on a jig has caught me more smallmouth than any other bait i have thrown. As you get more experienced you can try other baits

[sepandee]

2 hours ago, Bdnoble84 said:

Since you have never fished before, i would say you are fine trying out what you have. Where are you fishing, the fox? A curlytail and spinner on a jig has caught me more smallmouth than any other bait i have thrown. As you get more experienced you can try other baits

Gun Lake.

 

And now to figure out what "a curlytail and spinner on a jig" means! I know what's jigging, which is sinking a lure with weight for vertical motions. And I know what's a spinner, which is for horizontal motions. And I know a curly tail is just a type of lure. But I don't know what's a curlytail and a spinner on a jig!

 

Sorry, as you can see, I'm a fishing dummy. 

 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard!

 

Based on your pix, you have some lures that should

work on smallies.

 

I'd also encourage you to read as many of the articles

on bassresource as you can, as well as tuning into the

many videos on getting started.

[Bdnoble84]

23 hours ago, sepandee said:

Gun Lake.

 

And now to figure out what "a curlytail and spinner on a jig" means! I know what's jigging, which is sinking a lure with weight for vertical motions. And I know what's a spinner, which is for horizontal motions. And I know a curly tail is just a type of lure. But I don't know what's a curlytail and a spinner on a jig!

 

Sorry, as you can see, I'm a fishing dummy. 

 

The jigs is the round painted piece of lead with a hook molded in. The curlytail is the plastic assortment of yellow and pink/ orange lures and the spinner is the safety pin looking deal with the concave piece of metal attached. With this lure you will want to cast it out retrieve it at a moderate pace. You may get snagged a few times. Dont get discouraged if you break some off, you will catch more fish if you are around cover than if you are not. I would suggest practicing know tying before you go out, tying a quality knot is important and you dont want to be wasting time on the water learning.