Otter17

I’m fishing a small river/creek for smallies. I’ve done pretty good over the years using baits and lures on their own. What are you guys’ thoughts on using scent? Could this help produce more takes and fish? I’ve got the gulp alive spray. And another popular brands crawdad spray. I’ve just never really used them. Maybe afraid they will cause bass to turn away. Lo! I know that sounds stupid. Just don’t know if the stuff actually works. Whats you guys’ thoughts, and have you developed confidence in any scents? Thankyou Ray

I’ve been trying to find a mini willow leaf spinnerbait for smallmouth in a creek I fish. It’s the Dupage River in Illinois. Ive been trying to find a MINI(1/8oz.) willow leaf, but I haven’t been able to find one. Do these even exist? I’ve seen plenty with a Colorado blade, but no willow leafs. Thanks much! Ray

Thanks guys! Next goal is to try and get an 18”. And then to move up from there. ?

Niiice!

Between the river being high most of the month from all the rain, and my work schedule, I haven’t been able to get out to the river. But I had a 1/2 hr. window at dusk tonight, so I gave it a whirl. Was happy to get this 17.5” Smallie on a Green Pumpkin Hula Grub. Dupage River, Illinois

I ended getting the ML GeekFisher.

Receiving my hula Grubs in the mail, I noticed the skirts are flattened and fixed in a goofy position. Will these loosen up in the water or do I need to do something to them to make them loosen up more naturally? Thankyou

Thankyou much Scott! ??

I will be fishing a stream for smallmouth at dawn over the next couple days and wondering what Baits would be best at that time of day during this time of the year. Thanks much guys!

Thanks for posting The Berkley Bearded Baits. Those look good. I’m surprised there isn’t many reviews for them online. Are they pretty new?

Are there any brands that make a less expensive version of the Yamamoto Hula Grub? Thanks much!

I just recently stocked up on a bunch of different sizes and colors of Senkos. I didn’t realize how quickly that added up and got a little bit expensive. In the the future I may consider a cheaper brand. Is there a big difference between Senkos and Dingers, or other cheaper brands? Thankyou

My buddy took a photo with Slim Senko, and right before the photo, slimmy stuck his middle senko up! What a punk! ??

Saw the slim version on TW. Does the slim version act any differently than the regular version? And does anyone like using the slimmer Senko? Thanks, Ray

It is the color “Onyx” from the New Power Pro V2 braided line. I like it! ?

I had a nice one on today where a creek mouth met the river. I fished that opening and had a nice one on a green pumpkin tube, but lost it. I’ve never fished tubes before, and should have set the hook harder since i had it rigged weedless. Other than that, I got no nibbles at my other spots today.

Thankyou! That was an Awesome post Turkey Sandwich. This helps a bunch. I’m actually heading out right now. I can put your tips into practice. ? ”steps off soap box” ? that was funny!

They say the value of the Bass was $456?! There is a lot more that goes into the Value of that many fish. It takes years for many to get to a certain size. $450 isnt going to get you anywhere soon.

Apparently 4 anglers were caught keeping 114 bass by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources from the Burning Star Fish and Wildlife area on April 20th. Not sure what the purpose of keeping all those Bass was. But that ain’t cool!

I know others catch a lot bigger, but for me a 16” was a nice start. I’m still trying to relearn how to catch smallmouth after years away. Last fall I caught a dinker just getting out for the first time. Then this winter i spent picking up all the tackle, lures, Rods, and reels I needed. Asked you guys a bunch of questions, and now just putting it all into practice out on the water, and enjoying fishing. Via satellite images, I located a number of great Eddie areas on my local river, and trying to target these high percentage spots first. I did have another smallmouth on immediately after this one, but I got swept down the river by the current when I stepped into a deep hole. Unfortunately I lost the fish, and ruined that fishing spot for a while after that. ?

Are the Gama Weedless wacky hooks good?

Whoa! That’s pretty stinking Cool there! ?

Thankyou Scott. I’ll concentrate on those areas, and switch up the Baits. And give er another go! ??

Dupage River Plainfield, Illinois 60 degrees air temp 52 degrees water temp Clear skies Wind NW 10mph Fished 9am-12pm River just a little high with current moving good pace with some old vegetation floating down river. Lures used: 4” White fluke 3/8oz. White Booyah Blade Zara Puppy Area I fished was a “Run” of about 70 yards at 3.5 feet deep. Bottom gravel with sporadic decent sized rocks. Normally a crystal clear river, the water clarity is low today because recent rain. I thought at this time of year the conditions were right for some bites. This is my second time out with no bites. Anything I might be doing wrong? Thanks all!

I really like this setup. Thankyou for posting this.?