New Smallmouth Fisherman

[authentic]

I've recently discovered a great little smallmouth fishery w/in a 30 minute drive from my home. The next closest place to really target them is probably 3-4 hours away, so I've never really targeted them in the past. I have to say that I'm now hooked, they're nothing like the largemouth I've fished for all my life. Been out there 3 times in the last week. So far, all i can really get them to hit is the Fat Ika rigged backwards (thanks for the tips, by the way). Last night I caught 17 in about 3 hours, and probably missed that many more. My buddy threw everything else he had at them, and only got 3. These things seemed to be gorging themselves on crawdads. Almost every one that I caught had one in their mouth, or had one come flying out when they shook their heads. I'm going to pick up some Rage Tail Craws that I read so much about here, but what else would you guys try? Maybe, other than soft baits. I think I've found a new addiction.

[WIbassboy]

when they're eating crawfish, ive done great on a powerbait chigger craw on a football head jig. just hopping it along the bottom. they love those things.

[BRONZEBACK67]

when they're eating crawfish, ive done great on a powerbait chigger craw on a football head jig. just hopping it along the bottom. they love those things.

You can always throw a tube in the color of the spit up crayfish too.

[Dave T.]

You can always throw a tube in the color of the spit up crayfish too.

I agree... when they are on crayfish, tubes work extremely well.

[TimJ]

and if they get a bit tough, use your LM knowledge and rig a carolina with a smaller hook than usual and some type of crawfish plastic, about the same size/colour as you are finding in their mouths.

[clayton86]

Depending of the depth u can use rebel ultra light floating crawfish crank bait. I destroy em in the river here with that lure just stop- go- jerk. This year iv caught a few slobs 5+ on the new booya topsecret spinners in the red craw color with a chart fat albert trailer.

[SAC2]

yum crawbug for me! i'm sure you know to match the colors of the crayfish from the lake to the ones yo use blah blah blah but those crawbugs are money for me in my smallie spot! welcome to the darkside brother

[flippin and pitchin]

Any crawfish colored crankbait that makes bottom contact. Some times the faster moving baits will garner reaction strikes. Try to match the coloration of the dads that were being spit up. When they quit biting cranks slow down and fish a Hula Grub or Tube. The difference between the two?

Twonnnggggg verses Kadunk.