Lots of questions?

[Junebug]

I've been fishing for large mouth all my life.  Now, I recently moved to middle Tennessee and apparently there is some world class smallie fishing around here.  I have accidentally hooked into quite a few smallies while fishing for LMB with a x-rap, a pop-r, and a fluke.  I have never been fishing for smallies specifically, but LMB fishing is a lot different here than what I'm used to.  I fish on Tim's Ford lake most of the time.  It is a man-made lake, it's very deep and the shores tend to be very rocky, and the water is very clear.  

I would like to pursue small mouth fishing more, but I don't know many people here in TN.  I have been reading your posts here on BR and I've learned a lot.  Here are a few questions I have.

1.  What is a fat ika?  I've searched for it on BPS.com and I can't figure out what it is.

2.  Do smallies tend to school?  If I catch one, should I expect to catch more in the same area?

3.  When you approach a new lake, what are some cues you look for to find smallies?

4.  Are any of you familiar with Tim's Ford or Woods Reservoir specifically, and if so, what can you tell me about these lakes?

5.  What is, in your opinion, the BIGGEST difference in SMB and LMB fishing?

6.  Do you prefer smallie fishing over LMB fishing?  If so, why?

I sorry this post is so long winded, and I don't expect you to answer all of my questions.  But I really appreciate ANYTHING you can say to help me out with these questions!

[JCrzy4Bass]

Quick answers:

A Fat Ika is a bait designed by Gary Yamamoto and you can find it on the website here - http://media.baits.com/catalog/2008-GYCB-catalog.pdf

That links directly to Gary's Catalog. It is a tube type bait used for smallmouth fishing everywhere and a great producer aside from your venom, strike king tubes, etc.

Yes smallies are a schooling fish. If you catch one fish the area thoroughly for more. They also tend to school in relation to size (normally).

I don't fish on lakes for smallies so I can't help there. I fish the Rappahannock and James River here in VA for them. I normally find them in deep holes, grass, or around large boulders and current breaks.

4. No

The difference between smallie and largies to me is the type of experience. I wade typically so I find it more relaxing and peaceful and it's awesome taking in the surroundings on our beautiful non tidal waters like the Rap. Also smallies pull like a brick and give a great fight. Plus every one has a different color pattern and really allows you to marvel their appearance. Every catch is something new. Also I think smallie fishing is easier to learn and get accustomed to just because you can cast up into current and allow your bait to drift back down and catch tons of smallies. Not to say this is the same for every body of water, but rivers it can be a great day if you find a nice hole.  My friends like it a lot because of this (ones that are new to fishing).

I would always catch smallies over largies if I could but the drive is a bit more and I can't get the days off that I would like most of the time to do it. I *** you over in Tennessee. But when I get the chance I go. Normally 1-2 times a month come late spring all the way up until fall.

Good luck in your adventures and share with us whenever you can.

[fishizzle]

X2 --well said

to me the biggest difference is where to find them points and deep flats

sometimes they like baits really fast and sometimes they like it to be still and somtimes both

There is great info on the Smmouth forum so keep reading and find your nitch.  Master 2 techniques first until your confidence is through the roof then expand

Look at favorite SM lures and pick a couple

I'm jealous of Tenn.

[fishin_fool]

I have fished all of tenn. and the best are jerkbaits on points,tubes on points and humps and carolina rig 8 inch lizard or finess worm on said areas Venom baits rock