Nai

Does it seem to work? It looks really good, some of those "real" craws aren't durable though.

I ended up going to a pretty big creek this morning. The first spot I tried was way different than the last time I had been there. The feeder stream coming in had a rock dam that someone made back in the spring. I hadn't been there in awhile but I'm sure it was washed out from the storms in August. There was a newish log jam that was damning up some water too, so now there's a new hole where I used to stand from. Anyways I caught a nice 1lber on a fluke, lost a little one, and caught a dark one that was about a half a pound. That was in a little over an hour in a that particular stretch. I hit two other spots, one that was only a little downstream and one way upstream. All in all a decent day on this creek as its probably my last time going there this year where I don't have to worry about the variability of colder weather smallmouth fishing. I hit a creek closer to me house on the way home. I caught a decent 1/4-1/2 pound pretty smallie and a redbreast in a bout half an hour. Ill try and see if I can upload some of the pics on here tomorrow

Really nice smallmouth and that is an insane crankbait. If you ever sell any of those pm me if you remember too, Ill put one of them to use for sure. I wanted to get a 3+lb smallmouth this year but that window is closing, and Im only gonna have a few more chances left this fall. Thats good to hear about your trip on the Monocacy, reading about the really tough and lackluster year on the big rivers last year was disheartening. Hopefully this year was good for the fish and next year will be even better.

If the river is high(er) they will probably be tight to cover and/or in spots with the least amount of current. I would try to throw a spinnerbait

Ive caught maybe 4 or 5 ever that have been 15+ range. Hopefully I can go tomorrow if the creek isn't too high. Did you get your phone back?

If they are biting, river/creek fishing for smallies in the fall is truly amazing. I hope that you get on em, heres to a 16 incher ?

I hear ya, I saw a lot of stuff online saying that last year the Potomac was not doing so good (nor the Monocacy either). I went camping to Harper's Ferry last October and I was really shocked at how poor it was, but it could have been just that week, since the fall can be a tricky thing. I remember the best day I had on the Susquehanna the short time my family had our boat my dad lost 7 nice smallies in 3 hours and didn't land a single fish, talk about heartbreak. Have you fished Antietam creek or is that farther west from you?

Anyone been catching any smallies?

I have three of the new ones, primarily because of budgets and sales. For a budget I would say they're pretty decent. One I use on my frog rod has gone through some decent abuse and isn't too worse for wear. If your on a budget, or if they're on sale go for it. Last year I got the blue one for $50 on sale.

I feel you man, I lost my first decent smallie of the year in a freakin bush last weekend

Oh, thats pretty nice. Those knobs look nice

What reel is that?

Has anyone had any luck with smallies yet this year? I've hit a few creeks and tribs of the susky and only had success back in February with a 1.5 lb stud in skinny water. Water temps are in the 50s so Im surprised I haven't gotten into them yet as they should be active, especially with this early spring we have. Your best bet is either the susquehannah or go into VA from the bay bridge, but both of those are a bit of a drive from OC. Only smallmouth on the Delmarva are up at the top of it where Im at.

Ok, first off thank you because this is very helpful advice, and I extremely appreciate it. Im a bit on the lighter side, and my gear usually only goes to about (at most) 15lbs. But Im definitely going to take in account the weight ratios because I dont want to sink. Im just scared of there being no drain holes because the creek I float fish has some rapids than can fill up your boat. But when I go Im still going to look at the native because it does look pretty nice.

Thanks for the suggestion The dealer thats near me has a decent selection, but Ill definitely consider the shipping option. I really dont want to finance a yak (or yet at least) The boat I have now is just a little cheap beater kayak. Its also a 10 ft, and I've using it for 3 years now, so I wont to get one a little bigger and with hopefully better tracking. Im just looking for a good yak that has decent stability and not too awful tracking (I dont stand too much). Its probably gonna end up being a feelfree like you said or a pelican, thanks for the advice btw Might see if I can get one. A different dealer sells those but its a bit further than the one I was going to do business with. Thanks