Otter17

Yeah, I’ve gotten frustrated with that in the past trying the Usgs for the Dupage. That’s the reason I was looking for a thermometer.

That’s Awesome Scott! Thankyou I actually just got back from fishing there just now before I saw the message. Waded plainfield area with Ned Rigs and 3” Grubs. Didn’t see a fish. I’m sure water still to cold.

I was looking at reviews online for some thermometers, but I didn’t see many good reviews for any of them. Are there any you use that you would recommend for reliability and accuracy? Thanks

Yeah, I took it to Bolingbrook. They wouldn’t process the exchange, cause they said I was on that “6 month pay plan”.

That’s an understandable question. I asked the same thing. But because I bought it under the “6 month pay plan” they said that is only done online and must be handled through their headquarters. Alls I wanted to do was switch the rod, which they had plenty on the shelves at my local store, but they said they could not do it “in-store”. Thats crazy stuff i tell you. I could physically touch the rod I wanted to switch for, but it’s not their policy to do so. Now I got to wait another 3 weeks to get my rod.

Just in case it could help anyone wondering about the costs to ship a rod, I went to both UPS and FEDEX to check out prices for shipping my rod back to Bass Pro headquarters in Missouri from Chicagoland. I was shipping back a 6’6” St. Croix Rod. UPS- $36 FEDEX- $27

❤️

Ended up purchasing these Jewel Bait Sculpins off Tackle Warehouse. I actually like them more than the live Target goby’s. These look MUCH more like the color of the Sculpins in my river. I really look forward to scooting these past rocks!

Thankyou everyone for all your help. You’re suggestions have steered me to go with the ML. Can’t wait to enjoy it! ??

That makes sense there. The river I’m fishing in is anywhere from 1’-3’ mostly, with periodic small holes of 4’-6’ deep.

I wanted to buy a nice general purpose smallmouth Spinning Rod. I mostly own ugly stiks, but do own a Mojo Bass casting rod for largemouth fishing. And decided to try another nice St. Croix(My budget Nice). So I just got the M. But am wondering if the ML would be a better pick. I really liked the Premier at the store and heard good things about them. Im fishing shallow rivers, and lures I’ll be using most are: 4” flukes(unweighted-1/8oz.) 4” senkos(unweighted) 2.5-3.5” tubes(1/8-1/4oz.) zara puppys zara Spook jr. Bitsy bug jigs w/small trailers(1/8oz.- 1/4oz.) 3” Grubs(1/8- 1/4oz.) 3”-3.5” paddletails(1/8-1/4oz.) Would the ML or M be the best fit for these types of lures? And if I stuck with the M would it still cast these lighter weights fine? Thankyou kindly

What is the best way to wacky rig Weedless that you guys prefer?

You must have senkos for calves. ?

I found some.

Does anyone know of any brand that sells a wide variety of jighead colors? Im looking for two tone colors like brown/orange or green pumpkin/other color type stuff. Havent see any where I’ve been looking. Thankyou!

Thankyou everyone for all your helpful replies! ?? Do any of you guys use those Rod Sock type protectors? And do they do a decent job of protecting a rod and it’s guides?

Throwing a Large live shiner directly onto the bed. That smallmouth will try to destroy it or remove it immediately. I used to have this spot in a crystal clear river. A Bridge was directly above an area with a bunch of beds. So you could easily look down and see the bass on the beds. I used to try every artificial bait. Some they would ignore, and some they would suck in and blow off the bed quicker than you could blink. It was very hit or miss that way. But a big Shiner they would not tolerate one second. They’d attack it. It was almost guaranteed. I’m thinking that a live Crawdad might work just as good. Not sure though, haven’t tried it.

I am purchasing a 6’6” Medium St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod for my wading for river smallmouth. Any reasons for going either 1pc or 2pc route? Or any of you’re preferences and why? Thankyou

Has anyone fished these lakes in Plainfield, Illinois and ever had any success? Thankyou

Thankyou very much for that 1/2oz. Recommendation! ??

I know there is one in downtown Plainfield. There’s one near the d**n in Shorewood, then there is another spot in Channahon near the river rd. Bridge before it turns into the frontage rd. I know there is a bunch more, I just am around those ones a lot, so I know about them. Oops, I forgot, there is also one in north plainfield.

Awesome man!!! And Thankyou so much. What stretch you fish?

For those that use a spinning setup what mainline and/ leader do you use if any for your smallmouth fishing?

I am buying a package online for small river/stream smallmouth fishing. Which size would you guys most recommend? 3 1/4” - 1/2oz. or 3 5/8” - 3/4oz. Thanks much!

Thanks Deleware family Tackle.?