fishinlunatic

I'm assuming you'll be putting in below the lake at Morgan Falls Dam. If so, I would spend some time across the launch before you start your float down. My son caught a 4lb shoal bass there last year. He used a white spinner bait. Focus on slower moving current along the bank in the AM, and the deeper pools when the sun is high. Ive had a ton of luck with a black/blue jig, as that stretch of the hooch is full of craw fish. Good luck!

Great thread with some great advice! The only thing I would add or emphasize is dont force feed them. Go at their speed. Time spent fishing with my son is time we always remember.

Another vote for the buzzbait. I tie on my double bladed buzz and chuk it as far as i can...works almost every time!

For baitcasting I would go with the St Croix in that price range. And for spinning, you cant beat the All Star (team) for $89-100 I think Muddy man is steering you in the right direction on length/action.

Anytime you can get away with it ie....dirty to stained water or at night. Only time i wont use it when i can get away with it is for crankin.

When do you guys stop throwing topwater? And if you never stop, what is your favorite cool water topwater bait? Logic tells me cooler temps= something slow like a popper. Opinions?

Nice positive day! Keep it up!

Thanks!Alot of that has to do with the fact that the picture was taken with my phone. Also, they were caught at the mouth of a river were the water was a little stained. This fish was caught right after that one...seems a little lighter

I've been blessed with the oppurtunity to fish Lake Champlain,NY for a couple of weeks every year since I can remember. This year was extra special because for the first time I was able to bring my son with me. Dreams of catching his first smallmouth came true which ofcourse made this trip unforgetable for both of us. On the day we were leaving to drive back to Georgia we recieved a "tip" from a local on a prime fishing spot. With the truck loaded for a 18 hr trip we woke up early and hiked a 1/2 mile in to this "prime" spot at sunrise. For the next hour we threw everything but the kitchen sink at them. Things that worked all week....nothing! I can hear the locals laughing now. As a last resort I tied on a Lucky Craft LVR-D10. My next three cast produced the 3 largest smallmouths of my life. No scales but I didnt care. Great trip....great memories. To me..THAT IS WHAT FISHING IS ALL ABOUT!

I've devoted the last 8 months to learning how to fish a lipless crankbait. I always have one tied on regardless of conditions. My favorites..1) EXCALIBER 2)LUCKY CRAFT

Taking a trip to Lake Champlain the first week in June. Never been there that early in the season so I really dont know what to expect. Any advice at all would be great. I'll mainly be focused on smallies and northerns. Thanks in advance.

I got the 6'9 all purpose rod for Christmas and I love it. Its the lightest and most sensitive rod I've ever fished. I've got it matched with a Plueger Supreme and it seats perfectly. Its primarily become my spinnerbait rod because I can feel every turn of the blade. You wont be disappointed if you pick one up!

After only catching Pike my whole life,Ive dedicated the last six months or so to learning how to catch bass with a spinnerbait. I've had the best luck with a stop 'n go retrieve around sructure in shallow water. Multiple casts is very important! Spinnerbait fishing can be a blast. IMO its much more exciting than throwing a senko or any plastic worm...although not near as effective. Kevin Vandam has put out some great spinnerbait videos over the years. I would check them out if you want to get serious about spinnerbait fishing. Buzzbaits......turn and burn...nuff said.

I do like the Lucky Crafts as well, but I've had the most success with the X-rap.....hands down. Both sizes!

Have to go with LC American Shad