Float and Fly....

[Walkingboss]

Gearing up for my 1st tourny on Winnipesaukee in NH.  April 22nd should only be 3 weeks after ice-out and the water should still be in the low 40's.  Haven't used the float and fly in years.  Was thinking of modifying the approach by using a drop shot below the float with a 3 to 4 inch streamer fly (blue smelt) as the lure.  Winni is full of smelt and I wanted to try this on some mid-lake humps.  I understand smallies are mainly feeding on minnows/fish this time of year.  Any thoughts on my idea?

[slinging southpaw]

I haven't tried it yet, but I would think a wacky rigged 3-4" senko type lure would work really well under the bobber.

Don't forget to pack some silver buddy's

[Walkingboss]

Yeah, I've got a box-full of silver buddies and several Mann's Little Georges'.  Around here all you really need in early spring is a buddy, a husky-jerk, and a hair jig, but I want to fish outside my comfort zone more often this year.  I used to use a slip-bobber presentation a lot in Minnesota/Wisconsin lakes for big smallies and walleye, but that was with live leeches.  I agree that a 4 inch senko may be a good choice and hanging it under the bobber may even give me a chance to grab a few bites of my sandwich, as well as keep my boat away from the fish.  Like a lot of guys(and gals), I've been fishing all my life, but this year I'm on my first full club tournament trail.  NH only allows 2 fish until July 1st and I'm pretty sure the club doesn't have any special permit, so these early tournys are going to be very interesting.  I'm pretty sure I'm going to need at least 9 lbs to get in the money.  Thanks for the reply.  Any and all are welcome.