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

I live in Northeastern Md so that'd be a bit of a drive, but anyways thanks for the suggestion.

That might be what I go with, thanks Yeah thats probably my best choice I still have my 10 footer, which Ill probably still use as my beater kayak. Thanks for the help Thanks for the warning about the ascends, as I was pretty much decided on that. Im keeping my eye on the used market, but more than likely Ill have to buy new and just get a pelican catch or a vibe.

Didn't know about the wheel. Ill have to look at it again thank you Seems pretty good The dealer near me offers a cheaper native, but it still seems like a good one nonetheless. The lack of self draining is a big offputter though, as when I creek fish theres some pretty sketchy riffles that'll fill up your yak, and windy days on dredge lakes can be sketchy as well. If the native thats around my price point doesnt have scupper holes, I dont think Ill get that one. Thanks for helping me out

I've been looking for my next kayak upgrade. There's a lot of contenders in the 800 dollar range. Off the top of my head I can think of almost 10. Im looking for a 11.5-12 footer, and there is quite a few options. Ill be using it for small lakes, but also occasionally bigger reservoirs and creeks. I have a 10 lifetime sit on top, but after several years this is definitley the year for an upgrade. I was leaning towards an ascend because cabelas is closer to me than the closest kayak shop, but apparently the ascends arent all that great anymore. The dealership has the big fish 105, the vibe yellowfin, the feelfree $800 yak, the native one in the same price range, and the catch 120s. I dont really think theres a clear winner, so the best option is probably to go see for myself. But anyways, any suggestions are welcome:)

7 A very beautiful favorite of mine

Ok, thanks, thats what Ill do, unless I get one of the sale rods from tw

So I think Ill go with the 6'10 ml. Im not decided yet. I liked dobyns rods when I felt them, the spinning butt legths are just really short and looking at some recent threads people were saying there were better options. Thanks, as I know I ramble alot when ever I get in a convo on here. Yeah, I see what your talking about. Its crazy but when you think about it theres alot of bass rods out there that are not accurate. My triumph med fast was actually a little lighter, but pretty perfect for what I used it for. I love the rods from them I've had, and they're a good company. Its either gonna be them, dobyns, a powell, or something thats discounted. Thanks for the insight, Happy New Year

Yeah, Im proabaly getting a St. Croix. Would you say the 6'8 could fish dropshots and ned rigs decently? Im looking at the 7 ml. Thanks for the input, Happy new year

You couldnt catch me in a store either, I was gonna get it online. My cabelas doesnt have to many rods next to their own brand, St croix, and fenwick (and none of the good models in stock most of the time). Spinning reels are easy once you get the hang of it. I dont like either casting or spinning reels better, but I feel pinpoint accurate with a spinning setup. Probably from years of creek wading and losing lures in farm pond bushes. With practice and use, I promise you'll like it alot, and catching fish will help that learning bit a whole lot!

Yeah, I was thinking of using some backup stuff for wacky rigs and stuff but Ill just be better off getting a medium light. I was just digging around reviews and stuff on the rods I was looking at, I might just go with St. Croix. My cabelas is crazy dude, there were a couple hundred people going in there for a raffle in october (waiting in big lines and going out early) just for crappy items. I think the best thing was an 80 dollar heater. Tri state people are crazy (especially when its PA and Delaware).