JWall14

These are great rods for the price. Fury is more sensitive but these are way lighter. $140 for rod and reel if you're willing to go that high. https://www.americanlegacyfishing.com/shimano-slx-casting-rod-reel-combo.html

The Exprides would be what I would do. They are amazing time tested rods. If you don't want to spend that much I would go Zodias or Levante.

I own a Tatula SV but I only got it because it was on a great sale. The T wing can snag ur leader knot if you fish braid to leader. My brother just got the Curado MGL and it is sick- this coming from a curado DC user. Not better than the DC, but it is super smooth I love the smaller size.

That is good to know. Thanks.

WAIT ONE SECOND- THAT IS A 8LB SMALLMOUTH!?!?! Congrats on the fish!

We'll be in a pro 170 tracker. So you're saying if we could get under the bridge there would be a lot less boats on that side?? That's good to know about the wind because this boat will get blown around in heavy wind. Thanks Scott!

spinnerbait: white chatterbait: white

I figured I would just post about this. I’ve never fished for lake smallmouth before. My friend and I are fishing a tournament the last week of April. It is on a lake that holds both smallmouth and largemouth but from what I’ve heard there are good numbers of smallmouth. It is a former cooling lake so it has a lot of man made features that I am not used to fishing. The bank is basically all rip rap and should be 2-4ft of vis u less we get pounded with rain. It should be a pre spawn deal (current temps are supposedly 46 but that should increase a lot with all week in the 60s/70s) Anything stand out to you guys or what (and how) would you fish if you were going here?? It’s called Heidecke Lake in Illinois. THANKS!

4.8 Keitech and Owner Flashy Swimmer. Not an underspin but the Okashira head/ 3 in spark shad combo is DEADLY on smallmouth.

Quite a way to break in the NEW P5 Destroyer Windbuster! Didn’t have a scale but this one was over 3 all day! Ate a spark shad/Okashira head combo. Great looking fish! (Wish the photo quality was better but had to be under the size limit)

I would look at the Ultegra by shimano. It’s priced at $150 for a 2500 size and can be preordered at Tackle Warehouse. It’s a solid reel and would pair well with the shakeyhead although it is not green at all. It says it should ship March 31st if you are willing to wait that long. I feel the reel buying struggle right now I am looking for a reel for my destroyer and it is tough finding reels in stock!

I’ve caught thousands of river and creek smallmouth on a variety of baits. My favorites are Ned rigs, small swimbaits, flukes, senkos, dark sleepers, and a variety of top water. If you have any specific questions please ask. I highly recommend wading, just make sure to be safe. If you don’t know the water I would wait until it’s gets low and clear to wade for the first time.

I am stuck between the Exsence, Twin Power, and (possibly) Certate LT. Any input on these? Comparison between the Exsence and Twin power? Is it worth the extra money? Thanks!

I was wondering if anyone has fished this lake before. My friend and I are going out in Mid-March and would appreciate any information or locations. We don't live close so this would be a one day thing. From what I've read the fish should be in pre-spawn by then (power plant lake)??

I would say that looks more like a trout creek but wouldn’t be surprised if bronzies were there. let me say this: IF THEY ARE THERE THEY WILL EAT. There are exceptions such as first freezing night, storms, etc. but don’t spent too much time in one spot. Keep moving and you will find them.

Been a while. First hybrid bass ever! Caught it on a spook in late November. Hit a few times before connecting right at the boat! Doesn’t get better then that! 24.5” length and 18” girth.

The bite is CRAZY good right now. SOOOO looking forward to the fall for football season(not the sport). New PB of 2lb 12oz out of a 50ft wide creek. The walleye was quite a surprise wading a larger river. It weighed in at 5lb 8oz which is big enough to call it a trophy so I'll take it.

Haha, no I just posted a recent catch topic in the wrong area, but it could be a very small split shot. While I'm here I should be honest and post this which just came in:

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I’m in the Sparta NC, area this week and was wondering if anyone has got some good wading spots for big bronzebacks. I have found some fish but none of the giants this river is famous for. If you would rather message me feel free thanks!!

I would use an slx ML and nasci 2500 combo with 15lb braid to 8 on leader. That’s the best Spinning combo for the price hands down. I have a fury and like my brothers slx better because it is lighter. if you can afford it I would go for a Ci4+ 2500 paired with an Orochi ML. That’s tough to beat. I’m trying to get that combo soon as an upgrade.

Got out on the creek. My brother and I went up and my dad and other brother went down. They got about 20 on a spook and wacky worm and we got about 15 on a fluke and ned rig (my favorite). I caught a new PB smallie at 2 1/4 lbs in a small pool. Very surprised there were any fish in it let alone this fat pig!

Anyone know if Asian Fishing Portal is reliable. Doesn’t seem like it but just wondering.

I’m sorry if I am asking a repeated question but why does tackle warehouse and other shops no longer sell levantes?? I want to get one this year to pair with a stradic. Thanks!

Few creek fish. Most of them were on or defending beds. Smallest was around 12 inches and my younger brother caught a creek MONDO!! Any guesses on weight?? Right around 20 inches. A little skinny though.