Went to a local municipal pond this afternoon and started out flipping a Strike King Bitsy Bug jig out right next to the docks.  On the first cast, I had a ~2 pounder take the jig before it hit the bottom.  I worked my way around the docks and managed to pull out a half dozen more in the 2-3 lb range.  Using a 5'6" light spinning rod/reel combo and 6# mono made it feel like I was reeling in some real monsters.  For a trailer, it wasn't really pig, but I was using a package of YUM F2 crawdads I found in the Wal-Mart bargain bin for $1.50.  I couldn't say what exact model/color they were because there wansn't a label on the package.  They were about 2.5" long and some kind of craw color.  Anyway, it turned out to be just the ticket for the day.

 

After I worked over the docks, I started working my way down the shore, aiming for the dropoff just beyond the shallows, and the fish started getting quite a bit smaller and less active.  Not sure if it was the location affecting the bite or the weather.  It was pretty overcast when I started, but the clouds had pretty well broken up by the time I cleared the docks.  Anyway, thats one more presentation off this rookie's list!

Nice Job - sounds like a good time.

 

A 3lber on 6lb line is pretty sporting; especially around docks.

 

A-Jay

I'm surprised you were able to hook them with a rod that light, especially with a weedguard involved...I have tried to use light and ultralight rods for smallies, t-rigging senkos and finesse worms on 2/0 & 3/0 hooks, but the rod just can't hook them. When I wacky rig or drop shot with smaller hooks though, light tackle is a blast!

Nice Job - sounds like a good time.

 

A 3lber on 6lb line is pretty sporting; especially around docks.

 

A-Jay

 

I was pretty lucky that none of them made a run straight under the docks.  The weeds around the docks aren't too heavy either, so it was a pretty straightforward fight to get them landed.

 

I'm surprised you were able to hook them with a rod that light, especially with a weedguard involved...I have tried to use light and ultralight rods for smallies, t-rigging senkos and finesse worms on 2/0 & 3/0 hooks, but the rod just can't hook them. When I wacky rig or drop shot with smaller hooks though, light tackle is a blast!

 

When I set the hook, I did so with purpose.  If I had outright missed, I probably would have been wearing that jig.  I did lose a couple fish that tossed the hook, but my overall hookup ratio was satisfactory.  I'm pretty sure I would have done better with at least a 6' medium rod.  Light tackle really is a blast.  I just get paranoid about breaking a line - I hate to think how long that fish would have to swim around with that stupid jig in his mouth, just because I used a rig that wasn't up to the job.

I was pretty lucky that none of them made a run straight under the docks.  The weeds around the docks aren't too heavy either, so it was a pretty straightforward fight to get them landed.

 

 

When I set the hook, I did so with purpose.  If I had outright missed, I probably would have been wearing that jig.  I did lose a couple fish that tossed the hook, but my overall hookup ratio was satisfactory.  I'm pretty sure I would have done better with at least a 6' medium rod.  Light tackle really is a blast.  I just get paranoid about breaking a line - I hate to think how long that fish would have to swim around with that stupid jig in his mouth, just because I used a rig that wasn't up to the job.

If you want to stick with them light rod, put some 8 or 10lb braid on it and use fluoro leaders, you'll be set, the braid really helps drive the hook home, and sensitivity is increased dramatically. My finesse rod is a 6'6" fast action ML with 10lb braid, and I always use fluoro leaders, lots of clear water river smallies around here so I gotta have a decent setup for them.