MarVaBC

I may be wrong, but I think he means "texposed" - normal texas rig, then bury just the hook point a hair under the plastic to weedless-ize it.

Yeah I have a Boga, and make a point to weigh better fish, but I was on someone elses boat and brought minimal amts. of gear w./ me. Thanks for the estimates....I figured there would be a wide range of guesses.

Haha....thanks It was definitely a fat fish. Caught it on a jerkbait on a ML baitcaster. They fight amazing in the river...strong fish. I was thinking it was around 4.25 or 4.5lb. My official PB is 4# on the dot....figured this one was a little bigger maybe because it was a lot thicker. Either way - just glad to be able to catch a fat healthy smallie.....can't beat it.

I caught this fish a couple months ago on the Susquehanna in PA. Never measured or weighed her. How much do you think she went? I'm not trying to get a reproduction or anything......just curious what you guys think.....thanks!

Here's what I'd go with. 1) Tube Rod - don't leave home without it! 2) Drop shot - great spawning rig 3) X-rap or Spinnerbait I would toss the x-rap/SB around covering water while searching for spawners. Once on them, use the DS and the tube. That lake looks awesome...good luck

Learn to fish a tube - you will catch an insane amount of Smallies on them and it will become your go to bait. -3.5" tube in a green pumpkin variation -1/8 oz. jighead with a wire weed/rock gaurd -Fish slow crawling along the bottom like a crawfish, or let it tumble down swift water. -You will lose a ton of them at first, but get better at getting them unsnagged. It will take almost a full season to really get a feel for them and detecting bites....but well worth it.

Since summer is right around the corner - what is your favorite way to target the post spawn smallies that have moved into deep water? In my home reservoirs fish can be 20-40 ft deep....thermocline is usually around 30. Deep water fishing is definitely not my strong suit. Lets hear some tactics....I have a feeling they involve a jig and pig, and a novel :-/

I'm a fan of the mann's hardnose line. I haven't used these but it seems like they would be money on a shakey head set up. http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&partNumber=80146&hvarTarget=search&cmCat=SearchResults

I'm planning on hitting up Liberty this weekend. Was out there 2 weeks ago and all the shallow fish were ignoring baits. I don't think they were really defending beds then....sounds like they were last weekend! Hopefully it's on this weekend as well. MDbassMike - what section of the lake were you in? On shore or in a boat?

I actually tied my PB smallie this weekend on a DT16 in craw color. 20" and 4# Bouncing it off rocks in 10-12 feet of water did the trick

A spinnerbait with Colorado blades...thats important in putting out a lot of thump to let them know it's there. Either in a dark color, or bright color. I would also suggest a rattletrap in something chrome, or bright. Both allow you to cover lots of water....Good Luck

There is not a whole lot of structure there to speak of. There are boat docks at the launch ramp, but that is usually overcome by people fishing from them. Its not very rocky....there is a dam w/ riprap.

I added above deck storage, since I built my floor right against the ribs. Its just a frame of 1x2s and thin plywood on the outside. Added some hinges and carpet....works out great. It also serves as a rod holder, and a fish measurer. Couldn't tell by the post if your storage needs are above or below deck.

FYI - This one is supposed to be very good from what I hear. Plan on reading it soon. It focuses on smallie fishing from kayak...but it does cover a lot general smallie info like habitat, strategy, etc. http://www.blueridgekayakfishing.com/book_offer.html

There is an art to it....its not just bashing the bait on the water. Takes practice to do it right Also, only some instances will work, i.e. this won't work if there is 5lb of salad on your bait. Def. guilty of doing that....I stated earlier that I broke a DT last year doing it. However, its the only bait I've ever broke weed removing in this fashion. For me, its just more efficient than picking it off. I don't think it scares fish either.