I read an article awhile back recomending a maribou jig suspended under a bobber as a great option for big smallies in the fall. Has anyone tried this?

It's called a Float and Fly. It's a pretty popular cold water technique but I've never tried it.

http://www.outdoorlife.com/articles/fishing/2007/09/float-fly-bass

Jim Duckworth joined the forum just to comment that he and

his clients have caught "hundreds of smallmouth over 5 lbs

using a float & fly. That was directed primarily to a post I made,

referencing Fred Mc Clintock who has said this is "a method of

last resort". Slow, boring and not very productive. Opposite views

from two well know and respected guides.

8-)

Just like a Senko, a float and fly in the wrong location can be boring and unproductive.  You want a slight breeze and low activity fish in relatively shallow (for smallmouth) water.  its a deadly technique, but not one of my top choices anymore.  Back in the 90s, we used it a lot.

Betcha a suspended Senko under a slip bobber would way outfish a float n' fly on any day! And you don't need specialized equipment to use it either.  

  I've used it once. Caught three 10"-11"  Largemouths. Not bad, but most of my finnesse fishin is in heavie cover. At least where a open jig would die. 'Specially on light line.