I went again today below wheeler.  water temp was 45-48 +-.  there was water running at the dam.  overcast and not much wind.  I fished the downstream side of an underwater island which as best i can tell is the first structure drop from what i believe is a spawning flat.   I tried a c rig with a 4'' senko, a crig with a fluke, I tried a hula grub, a suspending jerk bait.  I put the boat in about 20 feet and threw back to 10-12 to fish the drop off.   caught 2 catfish.

then I tried to fish some cuts in the bluff banks.   some of the holes were filled with shad I could see them with eye and also in balls on the graph.  there seemed to be larger fish underneath but i threw everything i had but no luck.  

Im new to winter smallmouth fishing.  I have been several times this winter since getting our new boat in january. my 14 year old is so frustrated he doesnt want to go anymore.  Im about ready to quit also.  can anyone give me any help here??

chris

Did you try a drop shot or a jigging spoon?

Just keep trying. Your luck will change.

And speaking of frustrated. How do you think Saban is feeling as he knows he will never defeat LSU or Auburn ;D again?

Now that's frustrating!!!!!

I can't give any help, but I can sympathize. I went out the past couple days, Friday in a boat and today in my yak. I never even got a hint of a strike. I did catch a few last weekend fishing 1st and 2nd creeks, so you might want to try there.

Good Luck and don't give up.

dont give up man winter has got to be the hardest season to catch fish i went 2 weeks ago didnt have a bite like you said. but dont quit man.

Winter fishing is very tough. The best thing to keep your mind off catching is to go buy a bunch of baits youll never use Thats how i get by   :o

We caught around 40 fish yesterday, but only eight were smallmouth. Good water below Pickwick Dam was key. You might want to try some big shiners on a split shot rig.   :

8-)  

Dude, don't give up.  I fished TOHO today, middle of the spawn in 80* weather and only caught 5 small fish.....You will get on them and these difficult days make the good ones even sweeter.

Did you try a drop shot or a jigging spoon?

Just keep trying. Your luck will change.

yeah, I would go with the spoon and not move it much.

Also try some 7" power worms. I don't use them in the winter but I do use them in water temps that you describe and they catch smallies. Maybe not huge numbers but the sizes are there.

Can't hurt to try. Put them on a split shot rig.