On 7/29/2017 at 7:02 PM, Nattyboh74 said:

How come you're against rattles? Curious.

i'be never noticed much difference with a rattle for topwater lures...not personally against rattles,really don't consider

Depending on the size of the river or stream I use smaller inline spinners, spinflys,  rebel crawfish crankbaits. The spinners I bring them over the top of rocks sticking above the water and drop them into the pools behind the rocks. I purchase the discounted, clearance baits to use in rivers and streams.

I've always used a Rapala Skitter Pop (silent, no rattles) and the original size 7 floating minnow (also silent) when it comes to subtle smallmouth baits.

 

The flies mentioned sound like they could be a lot of fun too, wondering if I could try flinging them on an UL - anyone tried that?

55 minutes ago, Attila said:

 

The flies mentioned sound like they could be a lot of fun too, wondering if I could try flinging them on an UL - anyone tried that?

You can give it a shot, but it doesn't tend to work well.  The weight of the line carries the virtually weightless flies.  I've played around trying to throw some heavier streamers (sub-surface flies) and poppers with a long ultralight...but the distance  is awful, accuracy is near zero...and if you tie into a decent fish you're going to have a lot longer fight on your hands than you want.

 

For me, it's just easier to use a fly rod.

 

Some folks use a clear bobber to do it...but to me it's just more work than it needs to be.

16 hours ago, Further North said:

You can give it a shot, but it doesn't tend to work well.  The weight of the line carries the virtually weightless flies.  I've played around trying to throw some heavier streamers (sub-surface flies) and poppers with a long ultralight...but the distance  is awful, accuracy is near zero...and if you tie into a decent fish you're going to have a lot longer fight on your hands than you want.

 

For me, it's just easier to use a fly rod.

 

Some folks use a clear bobber to do it...but to me it's just more work than it needs to be.

Thanks for the feedback Further North, I appreciate it!  The technique sounds like it might work on a smaller trout/bass creek, say no bigger than 10' across. I haven't used a fly rod in years and at this point would be worried if my roll cast would end up in some grass or tree limb situated just over the surface of the water...lol

6 hours ago, Attila said:

Thanks for the feedback Further North, I appreciate it!  The technique sounds like it might work on a smaller trout/bass creek, say no bigger than 10' across. I haven't used a fly rod in years and at this point would be worried if my roll cast would end up in some grass or tree limb situated just over the surface of the water...lol

Your first casts would undoubtedly wind up in the weeds...heck...plenty of mine still do...but fly casting seems to be like riding bikes...it comes back pretty quickly.