What lures/techniques would you use in the this circumstance:

Northern River, 30-35 FOW that's muddy and 65 degrees.  Visibility is 2' or less.

 

The smallies are down there because your boat partner is catching them on a drop shot.  What lures/techniques would you use  to get the attention of brown bass?

A heavy jig, stroke a tube or a jigging spoon.

 

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

25 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

Right on the drop shot. If your friend is catching them, duplicate what he is doing.

Jewel Baits Live Spin is a good search bait at deeper depths. You can countdown approx 2 feet per second to desired depth in water column:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Jewel_Baits_Live_Spin/descpage-JSCS.html

Blade bait would be my first choice. 

Yep if your buddy in the same boat can catch them on drop shot, no reason you can’t. That’s where I’d start anyway. 

A drop shot is always a good choice. I have not used them much in muddy water so I don't know how effective it would be in those conditions.

 

I throw a wobblehead jig with a creature bait in those kinds of depths out here. Depending on the current I would use a 1/2, 3/4 or 1oz version with a creature bait. I have been liking the Zoom Z Craw because the two flappers on it really flutter a lot. I think that makes it easy for the fish to find in deep water.

3/4 ounce trap

Why fight success, use what is working!

Tom

Ounce or heavier jackhammers or snap jigs bounced on bottom 

On 10/1/2023 at 9:23 AM, FryDog62 said:

Jewel Baits Live Spin is a good search bait at deeper depths. You can countdown approx 2 feet per second to desired depth in water column:

 

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Jewel_Baits_Live_Spin/descpage-JSCS.html

 

@FryDog62  I know this is old, but my man, this is a great recommendation.  This time of year I have shad chasers on these large 20-25' flats that don't want a hopped bait, and this is a perfect antidote.  I'm not in love with the dual trebles, but with some babying I only lost one dink at the boat that was my fault.  Have you found a better setup?  Single hook? short assist hook?

 

scott

3 hours ago, softwateronly said:

 

@FryDog62  I know this is old, but my man, this is a great recommendation.  This time of year I have shad chasers on these large 20-25' flats that don't want a hopped bait, and this is a perfect antidote.  I'm not in love with the dual trebles, but with some babying I only lost one dink at the boat that was my fault.  Have you found a better setup?  Single hook? short assist hook?

 

scott

So far that’s the best set up I’ve found, single hook…

We call a bass jig with a Colorado #1 blade attached to the hook bend using a small swivel clip a Matty. 30+ feet of water I would a 1/2 swim jig Matty and swim/hop along the bottom.

Tom

@WRB Megabass "borrowed" a version of this idea a few years ago, been a great bait for me....

 

scott

 

 

On 10/1/2023 at 3:13 AM, TnRiver46 said:

Drop shot….. sorry couldn’t resist 

 

I also like a 3 inch tiny fluke on jig head, spoon, tube, and Carolina rig 

 

The thing is, this is the most deadly technique for deep water where i'm from. Yes, I know the boring ol' drop shot, but catchin' is catchin' right? 

4 minutes ago, RB 77 said:

 

The thing is, this is the most deadly technique for deep water where i'm from. Yes, I know the boring ol' drop shot, but catchin' is catchin' right? 

I love drop shot, just bustin chops 

6 minutes ago, TnRiver46 said:

I love drop shot, just bustin chops 

 

Oh, I know... thats why I hit you with the laughing emoji on the ratings. Haha. For me, I will not hesitate using it as it can be the difference between catchin'  and a boat ride. I love to bust D-Shot haters chops too! Ha!

Am I the only one that throws a Rocket Shad for deep smallies? It's not the only thing I throw, tube-blade-hair jig, but it's the first thing.

Well, I just got back from a trip to the St Lawrence river in New York/Canada and fished smallies in 35-60 feet.  #1 catcher….Dropshot.  Heavy dropshot because the current was  massive.  Believe it or not, a few were also caught on a sinking jerkbait and a heavy Ned. 

13 hours ago, papajoe222 said:

Am I the only one that throws a Rocket Shad for deep smallies? It's not the only thing I throw, tube-blade-hair jig, but it's the first thing.

Just discovered that bait this year.  There's been more than a few days where it was the deal, already.

 

scott

4 hours ago, softwateronly said:

Just discovered that bait this year.  There's been more than a few days where it was the deal, already.

 

scott

Stck with me kid and you’ll be cashing out in tournaments in no time.