MNGeorge

We had a lot of success last year with the Rage Craw, both for LM and SM. We use them Texas rigged on a weighted offset worm hook. For a jig trailer, we use the Paca craw and baby Paca Craw. Have not used the YUM Craw Pappy or the Berkley Chigger Craw.

The clips are called "parasite clips". BPS carries them.

I've been to 8 or 9 different BPS retail stores and there is some disparity among them regarding what they do and do not stock. I would just call the store near you and ask if they have what you want in stock. You can get the number from the BPS website.

Give "fat tubes" a try. Case and Venom are 2 vendors that sell them for sure. Roadkill has been the best color so far, but I didn't start using these until late summer last year. Black neon will most likely be a better choice in the Spring when the Mississippi runs dirty. I use a 1/4 or 3/8 oz. rattling jig made by Matzuo. I like the jig because the eye of the hook protrudes away from the nose far enough to poke through the thicker wall of the fat tubes.

#3 Mepps with gray squirrel tail treble and silver blade.

Has anyone used this line? What are your thoughts about it? I'm looking for a braid that I can see, but am afraid the yellow stuff may be too visible. Is the Stren Microfuse easy to see?

They were kinda pricey as I recall when I looked at them. With all the knockoffs out there, seems like a waste of $ to me.

They are one of my favorite top waters. They are very easy to walk the dog with and they account for a good number of Smallies every summer.

Do any of you folks that always seem to know what's going on in the fishing tackle business know if BPS is adding any reels to their Extreme Baitcaster Series? Specifically, I'd like to know if there are any plans to introduce a 7.1 to 1 ratio wide spool model. Thanks.

My experience with the Lazer Sharp hooks has been that the points are way too fragile to be of much use.

We used to use them mostly in the Spring, but this year we have good success with them all year. In fact, the tube rod is usually the first one I pick up now. Got introduced to the "Fat Tube" this year also. This is an excellent bait for several reasons. One, even on an open hook, the big blunt nose of the fat tube seems to get hung up far less than a regular tube. Second, the "takes" on the fat tube have almost always been very easy to detect. Third, it reduces the dink bites. Roadkill, black neon, green pumpkin and watermelon/red have all been successful colors. Case and Venom are two makers I have found. There are probably some others out there also.

Wacky rigged stick worm.

Heavy mono or flouro leader.

This rig is illegal in Minnesota

I haven't tried the Springer 78's, but have several of the Springer 100's. I also have LC Pointer 100's. I use the Springers more than the LC's due to toothy critter risk, but I like the Pointer action better than the Springer. At rest, the LC's remain level or close to level and just sort of hang there in the water with maybe a slight quiver. The Springers are nose heavy and tend to drop, nose down, at rest, so you have to keep them moving more than the Pointers. I have caught fish on both, however, so the Springers do catch fish. If the fish will hit an aggressive retrieve, I suggest using the Springers. If you have to slow down your cadence to induce strikes, then I would suggest using the Pointers.

Thanks, Jake. It's on order.

I want to buy a 100 size Lucky Craft Pointer in Shrimp Brown color. I have looked at all the online tackle stores I know of, but none carry this color. Does anyone know where I might find one? Thanks.

Went to one of the Dick's here in Minneapolis yesterday. They had no sale on Yamamoto or much of anything else yesterday. :'(

I use a uni-knot for braids, including 10 # PowerPro, and have had no problems. I wrap the line through the eye twice before I tie the uni-knot for a little extra cushion for the knot.

I like the double buzzers not only because you can reel them very slowly and they'll stay on top, but because you can reel them extremely fast and they won't wash out to the side in the current when chasing river Smallies. I like the Persuader Double Buzz the best of the one's I've tried.

I don't know about other states, but here in MN, that rig would be illegal. Might be worth checking your state's regulations.

Smallies, without any doubt, and river Smallies are the hardest fighting Smallies of all. Quit is just not in their vocabulary.

October is by far the best month of the year for size and numbers of Mississippi River Smallmouth.

I can't argue with Rooster at all. I've got two Extreme reels and I love them both. Haven't had a lick of trouble from either one, they are smooth operating and if you buy them on sale, they are a great value.

I have a couple that I've caught fish on, but when I want a walking topwater now, I use the Rapala SkitterWalk. Easiest bait to walk I've ever used. Caught many Smallies and Largemouth on them.