PaulVE64

I like it!

So, Im primarily a river fisherman even though i live within 2 hr of 3 of the great lakes. Ive been on the smallies all year but while ive caught less dinks ive also not caught anything over #3 25. The other day i went pond fishing for LMB and caught 10 or so. Nothing big. Reflecting on my day of fishing i thought - Thank the Lord i get to fish for Smallies!!!!

Alan Hawk convinced me to buy the Daiwa BG. I have the 3000 and the 2500) my other reels are an older 3500 Phleuger President and a 3500 xt phlueger, 1000 Revros LT, 2500 Sienna, an old Abu Cardinal, 2500 Laguna LT, and others not being used. The 2 BG , and the Presidents are my fav to use for river smallies, walleye, pike, LMB, Drum and catfish.

I fish for smallies. They will hit almost anything.

I use a grub as a trailer if i feel like the boottail is too much action. So i throw a grub more in colder seasons

Just spooled up #10 J Braid on a ML / F spinning rod with a Laguna LT 2500. Ive tried other #10 braids (PP and 832) on that combo and i prefer the JBraid so far. Most of my reels have PP on them right now but change is good

Snap Normally i start fishing with a top water first then onto other search baits so the snaps save my leaders from getting shortened.

1. Pike infested water 2. Leaders for main line braid when throwing crankbaits which tangle up more often without a stiff leader. 3. I throw into rapids often and i get alot of line abbrasion.

Guess who wont be posting pics of any recent catches? This guy. Im jealous

The best part is i can be fearless throwing them.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CULrGewpPod/?utm_medium=copy_link

I have tied more than i actually used this year. But theyre time is nearing again

My bone Choppo has alot of hook rash too

I also go 'Piccasso' on my white fukes.

For trailers i use a Pit Boss, Menace Grub, Rage Craw or just about anything generic if i like the colour of it. Mostly black/blue, green pumpkin or watermelon in 3 to 4 inch lengths. I tie on jig hooks and tiny 1/8 oz split shots. Edit - i also use split tails, curly tail grubs and now im tying for dropshot baits to be used next spring.

Mono is more abrasion resistant than fluoro. Its been tested and proven by the guys at Salt Strong. All my spinning setups are #10 to #40 hi vis braid to a 5' mono leader with an fg knot. I use an uni knot or loop knot to tie my lures and i can retie a dozen times with a 5ft leader.

Most fun for me Tying a 3/16 oz bucktail muddler jig with a rabbit zonker tail (mouse pattern) and catching smallies with it the next morning

4" Canadian Wiggler in chrome

I tie alot of hair/feather jigs and on more than one occassion ive noticed the rough ones do well. Its still surprising everytime it happens. Normally after heavy use a hair or feather jig will look like crap even if they dont catch fish.

River smallies. Mostly 1.5# to 3# but you get some over 4 and up to 6.

1. Tube 2. Fluke 3. Hair Jig w/ craw trailer

North of the Border French River, ON

Get two setups both spinning. First setup should be a medium or medium heavy rod with a medium tip and a 2500 or 3000 size reel (max $150) - use it for anything with a treble hooks Spend more on the second combo (max $250) and get a medium or medium light rod with a fast tip and a 2000 or 2500 size reel - use it for bottom contact and soft plastics. I dont recommend baitcasters to anyone starting out but if the setup your borrowing is a baitcaster then by all means ignore my advice.

The buzzbait is harder to cast especially in a breeze. And i throw for river smallies who've displayed an aggressive passion for a WP75 in bone/white.

Good thread.