Sean MD

Hey guys, finally found my way over to the NE section of the forums. Glad to see a bunch of members in the area. I live in Elkridge (about 10 mins from BPS) and fish wherever I can. I've been heading out to the Monocacy pretty much every week since the water has been warming up and have had good luck, but no real size yet. Caught my biggest of the year last thursday at the Daniels section of the Patapsco. Only about 2 lbs but nice to get on the board. I fish mainly from my kayak both with spinning gear and my fly rod and wade whenever possible. Best of luck to you guys and I'll definitely have to check out this section frequently now that I know about it.

Fan cast for the most part but when i'm using plastics or jigs I always fish upstream. Remember, smallmouth are like trout in that they are predatory fish and they face against the current waiting for bait to drift or swim by. If you bring something up behind them, you'll most likely spook them rather than get a reactionary bite.

The 5 weight is what I use. As long as you have the weight forward or "bass bug" designed line you will be fine throwing heavier flies. I use it and I can throw everything you mentioned above. I have an assortment of wooley buggers to imitate crayfish and various baitfish, but my favorite is summertime topwater. I throw poppers and have a lot of luck with them. After reading your post, I don't think you'll have any problems catching fish with that setup and those flies.

I have a 7 ft MH baitcast that I use as my flippin' stick specifically for lily pads and heavy cover. I've never heard of this, but it sounds interesting. Can you explain a little more? How wide is the strip of packing tape? Do you leave just enough on either side for the knot to move around? Thanks!

T-rigged senko or spinnerbait during slower times of the day and buzzbait or fluke during the evening hours. That area looks awesome. Good luck!

Try the Booyah pond magic. White is always a solid choice.

Oh wow! Kinda looks like my first trip in my sit-on top kayak. Great fish and glad to see the little one enjoying the action.

Whatever you fish, when using soft plastics it works best to "pop" it occasionally and let the sinking action drive those fish crazy.

These are all great responses and most of the ones I was going to suggest have already been mentioned. I might add slow-rolling a white or white/chartruese spinnerbait near some rock formations.

Hey everyone. I've been floating around reading a bunch of the forums and decided to make an account. Looks like some good members and a lot of helpful information. I'm hoping to contribute some of my knowledge from the mid-Atlantic. I've been bass fishing for about 20 years now (just turned 32) and love every minute of it. My hobbies besides fishing are bow hunting, working out and home/yard projects I bought a beginner sit-in kayak about 7 years ago and have been taking it around to the lakes and rivers near my house, both spinning tackle and fly-fishing from it. Just upgraded to a Jackson Coosa 2 weeks ago and am having a blast in it. I fish for largemouth in VA and MD and smallmouth mostly in MD either the Monocacy or Patapsco with occasional trips to the Potomac and Antietam creek. Anyways, best of luck to everyone and I'll see you around. Sean