Bass-Addict

Why then does everyone here say that all active fish will be in current? Spot on. I paddle the slow stuff and anchor/beach at the riffles. I caught a monster (19”) that was sitting in a tiny little pocket of slack water bank fishing the other day.

It’s because there is a directly proportional relationship between the water temperature and their metabolism. They are starving and when the midsummer heat saps the oxygen from the slack water they are highly concentrated in current. It’s literally fish in a barrel.

It seems that at least in creeks/rivers, although smallmouth can be caught at any time of the year, the most success is above 50 and the aggressive bite doesn't really start until it hits 55. What is your experience?

Nice, I like that little fishing shrine whats that framed thing w the anchors? Is there any advantage to the split grip?

My man is die hard St Croix

As in what is a good Quantum reel in the sub $200 price range?

That last paragraph blew my mind. What is a good place to start with those?

Is Quantum smoother than Shimano? Ya I’ve heard leaders screw w presentation.

Nice, I’ve heard good things about Quantum Smoke. You think bigger/heavier rods keep fish hooked better, why do you suppose that is? How big are the fish you catch on average?

I use a 6’ St. Croix Premier Medium- Light Fast Action with a Shimano Nasci 2500 spinning and 8 lb Trilene Mono. This has served me very well for creek smallies which is mostly what I go after, although I’ve recently branched out to larger bodies of water and was curious to see what everyone here used for different sized rivers/creeks.

Now that I’ve learned how to locate them, I find it fascinating exploring new bodies of water and looking for these elements, and the excitement when I see them and know that there are almost certainly active fish there. The fact that these conditions are naturally occurring (as opposed to low head dams and manmade reservoirs) and that the fish have likely been feeding there for decades. Do you get on Google Maps and just look for new spots? When you wade do you just randomly pick a spot with easy road access and jump in?

Yeah that’s traditionally that’s what I’ve done when I kayak too. Might have to adjust that regimen with my current condition, maybe some more supportive water shoes or just these max cushion ones I plan to wade with.

Is there a way to spot current on Google Maps satellite images or is there some app or website that shows you where the fastest water is? I’m trying to optimize my time on the water and wading/paddling/bank fishing slow flat water seems unproductive overall when hunting smallmouth. I’ve had most of my success in current breaks as I’m sure most have.

Yeah I’ve submerged them several times already, probably close to a dozen honestly. Still going strong, Is that a good test run? I can use silicone glue if/when they do become unglued. Sorry didn’t mean to get defensive, I appreciate all of the help here. I just sort of have to make a go of these shoes, that’s the only point of contention that unfortunately I really can’t budge on at the moment. They are the only thing allowing me to comfortably walk all day. My injury is healed but I have lots of residual discomfort from decompensating for so long.

Yes I have an unusual situation lol

What exactly is wrong with this thread? Why bash a novice fisherman trying to get into and learn about the hobby?

Yeah do fish really see that and get spooked? Wouldn’t your trudging through the water be more of an issue?

I don’t think you get it. I had a pretty nasty injury, I had a stress reaction in my heel (one step down from a full cortical fracture) and no custom insole will cushion this. It’s “healed” but will be painful for quite some time. I’m pretty much locked in to these max cushion shoes. Its the sole, not the insole, that matters. Do they make any waterproof shoes with thick soles? If so I’ll buy them. Otherwise I’m unfortunately stuck with these. When you say fall apart are we talking weeks, months? I was told I could get a season out of them.

Last question. Do these look any better than what I ordered? https://www.amazon.com/COMPASS-Deadfall-Breathable-Chest-Wader/dp/B01M9GB7XF

Well there are two variables at play here, I started fishing earlier in the year and I branched out to bigger water. I’m leaning toward bigger water as I am certain I will be able to catch this same fish in 2 months.

I believe so, I caught it Sunday. Would that be considered prespawn in Ohio? Is a prespawn fish any different than post spawn biologically or just more aggressive, and why?

Yeah she was sittin in a tiny little bit of pocket water right up in the current, jumped out of the water on the take. It was a spectacle!

Any idea on a tactic for keeping rocks out?

I’ve tried the Frabill Flowtroll and the drag on it is immense, to the point that I don’t use It when kayaking. I’ve heard people say this product fixes that issue and seems like the best option for wading with live minnows. One is 4 qt the other is 5.5 qt. I’d like to get the smaller one but was unsure if it would be insufficient for a days fishing. For those who wade with live minnows, what do you use? https://baitshark.com/catalog#!/BAITSHARK-Key-West-Low-Drag-Bait-Bucket-5-5QT-FREE-SHIPPING/p/77319213/category=0

Unfortunately I am bound to these max cushion shoes. They have allowed me to walk comfortably following a lengthy recovery from a foot injury. I am really hoping they will work. What do you think? I ordered a second pair for wading/kayaking. https://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Mens-Fresh-Running/dp/B084XSSRP2 Oh **** they have to be high tops?? Is there any way I could jury rig the gym shoes I linked to keep out rocks? I have tried regular shoes and it’s night and day, I get really sore quickly. I have completely abandoned the felt soles, we are now trying to determine whether or not I can make my gym shoes work with waders. I’m really hoping I can make these gym shoes work, I have tried regular shoes (without max cushioning) and my feet get sore quickly.