roadwarrior

My partner and I keep a running total of our smallmouth bass over 5 lbs. He ALWAYS underestimates weight, both his and mine, he doesn't discriminate. We weigh fish we think are close. On a good day we don't necessarily weigh every fish, but we ALWAYS weigh the first one that makes the cut. On the otherhand, every BIG fish is weighed and photographed. Man, that's part of the fun.

Hmm... It seems we agree all all major points, but what's really WRONG here is that I probably have the WRONG kayak. I'll modify my statement: MY kayak sucks or My kayak sucks for me. (I was going to post a pic from their website, but apparantly Ocean Kayak does not make the model I have anymore.)

I have a two man Ocean Kayak that I bought to transport decoys and hunting gear with my son. It worked great for that purpose. Now that he is away at college, I put it down at the Secret Pond for fishing. I have been fishing in this boat occasionally for two years and here is what I can tell you: It SUCKS! You cannot move in a Kayak, so every now and then I just beach it and get out for awhile, but that's not easy either. You have to fish "forward" all of the time. The slightest wind moves you out of position. And, if you happen to chatch a really big bass, it is almost impossible to actually get her into the boat. I HIGHLY discourage anyone from buying a traditional kyak for fishing.

Yeah, I think I have posted this before: Most 5 lb bass that aren't weighed are around 3 lbs. Most "around 7 or 8 lbs" are about 5 lbs. If you don't catch big bass on a regular basis, a 5 lb bass is HUGE!

"Big bass" are relative to the region. Here in the Mid South a 10 lb bass is rare. I run with a lot of guides and tournament fishermen who have never caught a bass that big. I think I could fish swimmbaits exclusively and would probably catch a 10 or two every year, but I'm wondering if my gross number (not percentage) of 5-10 lb bass would improve? The Tennessee State Record largemouth is 14 lb 8 oz., so if you think you are going to target 15 lb bass around here, fishing is going to be slow. For those of us outside of Florida, Texas, Georgia and California, I think jigs and soft plastics are the baits that will consistantly produce the biggest bass and the greatest number of "big bass".

As some of the guys from Texas, Florida and California have pointed out (and especially MattFly), the length of a 10 lb bass can vary a lot! (See the Texas Record Bass website). As a VERY general rule for northern bass, 20.5" is where 5 lbs starts, 25.5" is roughly 10 lbs. (Source: New York State Department of Environmental Coservation).

Whenever I have an option of fishing for largemouth or smallmouth, I always opt for brown fish. You can catch green bass fishing for smallies, but it doesn't usually work the other way around. This time of year I would HIGHLY recommend jerkbaits, especially in low light. Shallow running crankbaits early and Rat-L-Traps later are other options. Soft plastics and jigs are the ticket throughout most of the day.

Shhh! That is not where most guys like to fish or how they want to present lures. I think you will catch more fish is shallow water, too. Stay there, don't bother my fish!

Catt, Welcome aboard! Your winter fishing technique is how I fish year around. Deep structure is what I like.

Congratulations, Russ. You da MAN!

I had some success last weekend with a Rapala X-Rap in white. The bass on my ponds are definitely focused on baitfish this time of year. I am still catching better fish on soft plastics, but the bite is much stonger on minnow immitating lures right now. I think the original Floating Rapala, Countdown and other jerkbaits (Rogue, Husky Jerk and Pointer) will all be big producers for you in the fall.

My measly purchases will not effect CITGO, but I will NEVER do any business with them directly.

Welcome aboard! I've seen a few pictures of the Florida bass George Welcome and his guests catch on a regular basis. Yes, they are big and some are huge! He catches the vast majority (maybe all of them) on artificial lures. So, it can be done, but experience and skill come into play and specific locations may be important, too.

Hmm... Just grabbing at straws, I really can't imagine why fish in a particular lake would be giving you fits. So, here's my best guess and suggestion: If your normal jig/ soft plastic hook-set is a Bill Dance "cross their eyes" motion, try a "snap-set". After reeling down while dipping your rod, snap your rod at the tip, mostly with your wrists without bringing the butt up. This action/ motion will drive a sharp hook home.

As you fish the lake/ pond you will discover its "structure" over time. Fish the entire body of water, but focus on structure and cover, especially in deeper water. I suggest fishing soft plastics and jigs exclusively. Other guys may suggest other "big bass" lures, but for me it's a slow presentation on or near the bottom that catches big fish.

flechero, Man, I try sticking with a jig for two hours on every outing on the Tennessee River. This isn't just an experiment or dead time, but during periods where we on on the smallmouth and the bite is strong. Last year I caught one smallmouth over 5 lbs on a jig, the other 51 we boated were all caught on live shiners. It's really hard to stick with artificials when opportunity knocks...or when it's crashing through the door!

Yep, you are going to have to move around.

My wife claims that's what I'm like when she talks to me. If that's true, I'm not sure that it improves any other of my senses, but it sure makes me thirsty.

Wow! I just keeps getting better.

Welcome aboard!

194J is my main color, but I also fish 208 & 297.

boog44, Welcome aboard! Me like guys hunting brown fish...

I think you will be surprised to find that the "science" is weak. Fish management is an on-going experiment. I know you are looking for more, but In-Fisherman is the best source of "scientific" information available for laymen. One suggestion is "Pond Management" sites. The guys that are commercially growing stocker fish seem to be pushing the envelope of current technology. You might start with Ray Scott, but there are a number of well know companies out there.

Man, I could fish that spot all whether I caught a smallmouth or not. AWESOME! p.s. ROLO. Thanks for sharing your secret, I have never fished a worm on a jig head for smallies. I'll post you on how it works for me. I think the Tennessee River will make for a pretty good testing grounds. The only thing that kinda bothers me is all the drum, I mean they eat everything and I'm afraid a real worm will be a drum magnet. We'll see, I'm certainly going to give it the All American try!

Hey Coach, I'm pretty sure this thread isn't for you, but if you don't usually fish soft plastics, this is the way to start.