Question for MrSmallmouth ROADWARRIOR

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Hey: you posted a begginers tackle box for bass fishing. How about posting a begginers tackle box for River Smallie fihing? I have done this in a limited fashion but would like to tkae advantage of both the Leigh River and Sussquehana River, both within a 1/2 hours drive for me?

[Zel]

Muddy, Good luck with those river Smallies.  Next April/May, how about a trip to Beltzville for some 4 - 5 lb Smallmouth (largest Smallie I caught there was 7.1).  I know where they be.  You'll need grubs (Screwtail Minnows), tubes and Fin'S Fish.  We can check out the location for our C.A.S.T. event then.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Absolutely Zel We will get it together at the next CAST meeting! Thank You

[SPEEDBEAD.]

7lb smallmouth?!?! Got room for one more?  

[Zel]

7lb smallmouth?!?! Got room for one more?

LOL. That was caught in 1993 fishing from shore about 100 yards to the left of the Pine Run Launch.  I had three boats come over to watch the action as she jumped numerous times until I landed her.  So its been over 14 years for myself trying to get "one more" like that.

[roadwarrior]

Three packs of #6 Gamakatsu Octopus Circle hooks; one box of #4 Bull Shot split shot; four dozen LARGE shiners per man. That's your best bet.

Artificials:

3 1/2" Mizmo tubes (baby diaper yellow); GYCB Fat Ika; GYCB Single Tail Hula Grub & grubs; 1/4 oz hair jigs (black, brown and black & brown)/ GYCB Fat Baby Craw trailer; Lucky Craft Pointer 100 and/ or Rapala Husky Jerk & X-Rap; 3/4 oz Single Willowblade Ledgebuster (white, white & black, chartreuse); full size Zarra Spook, LC Sammy.

I fish live bait, soft plastics and hair jigs on spinning tackle (7' MF) spooled up with #4 or #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft. For hard baits I suggest baitcasting gear, 6 1/2- 7" Medium Power/ Moderate Action rod and Ultra Soft #12.

I don't know whether smallmouth bass can be caught with any reel other than a Shimano, but you might give it a try!

:

Good luck.

[Dan:]

do you ever crank for smallies, rw?

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Thank you much Kent I expected at least one plug for SHIMANO I have a 6'6" Med Action fast tip St Croix Premiers spinning rod with ( you guessed it!) a #35 pflueger President and i already have a spool of 8# test Yozuri hybird since the last itme you suggested it. AAs i get used to my baitcasters I will pick one out when Im comfortable. i like the shiner Idea We always use hellgramites and craw fish around here . Thanks for taking the time to answer Im gonna store this info and as i learn add one at a time

[Dan:]

I have yet to catch a smallie on my new Pflueger Medalist, hope you have better luck with your President, Muddy. :-/

[Guest the_muddy_man]

That's it c312 give him some more ammunition

[roadwarrior]

do you ever crank for smallies, rw?

No, but I know that crankbaits are VERY productive for others and in fact, the World Record was caught on a crankbait (pearl white Bomber). I only listed lures I have actually caught smallmouth on, but quite frankly, the vast majority of my river fishing is with live bait.

p.s. the_muddy_man,

I only included the Shimano comment for YOU!

[Guest the_muddy_man]

I'm feeling you Road Warrior

[Bud]

Lay it on him RW.  He will see the light one of these days.

[wvubassfan]

all good sugestions but i would also say throw the old reliable rooster tail and floating rapala

i have caught as many river smallies on those as all of my other baits combined