Got onto a pattern with the smallies on Memorial Day. They were holding close to shore on wood. We had already caught about a half dozen decent sized fish on this pattern and they were all spawned out females. 

We came upon a tree and I let my partner fish this particular tree. While he's flipping it, I see a big smallmouth slowly cruising close to the bank. I pick up my 5" Keitech and flip out in front of her. The bait lands a foot in front of her face. A perfect flip! I slowly start cranking and she follows it. She then puts her cheek right up next to the bait and keeps swimming with it. I give the bait a twitch and kill it. She latches onto the head of it and I set the hook. Fish on! 

 

 

This fish measured just a hair shy of 23". Sadly, because she was spawned out, she only weighed 3.6 pounds. 

 

Nice Smallie

btw - Love the HUK.

A-Jay

Nice fish!

Keitech baby. When in doubt whip one out. Or just leave it tied on. Nice fish 

Nice fish!

 

Nice one

Thanks everyone. What I'd really like to know is what this fish weighed before she spawned. 

Where were you fishing if I may ask?

Tough to beat a Keitech for this kind of fishing. For any kind of fishing actually!

Yup my biggest smallie was 23" 4.2lbs. I feel your pain. But boy do they make a largemouth look like a wuss!