Doc Smallie

Smallies rule 8-)

Very nice smallies, I'm envious.

Congratulations on your first smallmouth. I'm kinda partial to the smallies myself.

I mostly throw 3-1/2" but 4" is definately not too big for a decent sized smallie.

Senkos rarely if ever let me down. Have you tried rigging them wacky yet?

Nice smallies! Those wacky-rigged senkos never fail!

I use a Megabass F2-62XS Full House, 3-11 lbs., 1/16-1/4 oz., fast action, with 8 lb. fluorocarbon. It's unbelievably sensitive and just loads of fun to fish with. When I'm not using that I fish with the G. Loomis SMR822S-SP-GLX.

I think the coloration in the first one looks more realistic however I have seen smallies as light as the second replica, especially in early spring.

1. Senko, weightless, rigged wacky 2. Suspending jerkbait 3. Zara Spook or similar walk-the-dog- style bait 4. Lightly weighted tube 5. Drop shot w/various small plastics

Tubes are irrestistible, lightly weighted, say 1/8 or 3/16 oz., with 6 or 8 lb. line.

Have you tried throwing a blade bait?

Liberty Reservoir, Eldersburg MD (near Baltimore) - 4 lbs. 1 0z. with a Rapala yellow perch suspending jerkbait in Mid April. Rod was a custom Shikari 6'7" , medium power, fast action. Reel was a Shimano Conquest 51 with 10 lb. Sniper fluorocarbon.