New Guy From Northern Va

[Moose]

I've always enjoyed fishing and just decided that I'm going to really dive in to this hobby and try and develop some skills. I am taking a trip to Smith Mountain Lake soon and am going to try out some things there.

I love bass fishing, especially top water baits. Never really fished for anything else.

I am buying a casting reel/rod and a spinning reel/rod on Monday. I am thinking about going with a medium heavy, with fast tip for the casting setup and a medium, fast tip for the spinning combo. I plan on using the casting reel for spinner baits and top water.

I was told 10lb Trilene XT is a good general all purpose line to use for both spinning and casting setups.

Any other recommendations?

[Grey Wolf]

Welcome.

[Sam]

Moose, great having you with us.

You can dream about SML as you sit in Northern Virginia traffic.

Line test and type depends on where you are fishing and what baits you are throwing.

To fish SML you will need to throw shaky heads and wacky rigs in addition to moving baits.

Check with the store you are buying your equipment if they have knowledgable clerks. Otherwise, don't ask them anything and go to the Fishing Articles on the above bar on this page and read, read and read.

SML presents may different options as to techniques and baits.

May I suggest you Google fishing Smith Mountain Lake and see what pops up and then read, read and read.

Good luck.

[KSRonH]

Hi and welcome to the site

[bassfisherjk]

Welcome to the site!

[Moose]

Thanks for the warm welcomes!

Sam, that's all I've been thinking about lately while I'm sitting in traffic. I commute 40 miles each way to D.C.

I've been doing a lot of reading and watching some YouTube videos of Kevin Van Dam. I'm trying to just soak everything in like a sponge right now.

This site seems to have a lot of good knowledge floating around. It's hard to pick and choose approaches as there are skip many different opinions about techniques and what not. I'm having a hard time deciding how I want to start out as a beginner basically. I read the post "guaranteed to catch bass" talking about the Senko. I guess I should start out with that.

[Sam]

Moose, there are thousands of places to fish at SML.

Most guys beat the shoreline starting with topwaters in the AM and progressing to crankbaits and then plastics. Since you will be fishing for fun you can stay out in the evening and continue your assualt with topwaters of your choice as the sun sets.

Get a GMCO map of the lake and note your launch site and try to stay within three or four miles from it during the day. Of course, if a local makes a suggestion give what they say a try even if it is farther than four or five miles.

Also Google Smith Mountain Lake Fishing and see what pops up. There are specific boards pertaining to SML andyou can read what those guys are throwing and where they are going on the lake.

You will need a GPS unit on your boat if you decide to travel to different parts of the lake. The GPS will get you back to your launch site and you can mark places you caught something.

Crankbaits will be good this time of the year. However, you will have to find the fish and then decide what to throw.

Senkos are always good but so are trick worms on a shaky head. So look up shaky head on YouTube or this site and read about it. Great finesse presentation.

A Carolina rig will also do well on SML, as will Shad Rapps and spinnerbaits.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

[Aluma-Bass]

Welcome

[Glenn]

Welcome Home!

[roadwarrior]

Welcome aboard!

I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid. #12 for baitcasting gear, #6 for spinning tackle.

[Moose]

Welcome aboard!

I fish Yo-Zuri Hybrid. #12 for baitcasting gear, #6 for spinning tackle.

Thank you!