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Question

Hello Steve

I'm an angler from Washington State looking for some baits that can catch smallies out here in the NW that the fish and fisherman have never seen. We have a hand poured bait called the "Sniper Snub" which really knocks em dead over here on a dropshot. Do you guys have any hand pours that the local tourney anglers swear by?

Joel

Answer

Hi Joel!

By far, it is the Erie Darter!!!! I have used this bait when I am with pros everywhere around the country, this is their go-to bait. Check them out at PoorBoysBaits.com You can drop shot this bait, but also use a small jig head too! They have a lot of similar creations in awesome colors...their GOBY looks like the real thing and smallies SMASH them!!

Capt. Steve

Question

Hi Capt. Steve

I've read and seen what crankbaits can do to catch bass. I just don't seem to have any success.

Grant

Answer

Hi Grant

Some call crankbaits, "idiot" baits...that is, any idiot can crank them and catch fish. Not true! These are highly sophisticated lures! But, the way to learn them is to start with a top down approach. A shallow runner, like the Mann's Baby 1-Minus is a great lure for nearly all cover. It dives about a foot and is almost snag free! It comes through grass and over wood very well...AND it catches fish. You can learn how to work a crankbait at various speeds and how to "make the fish bite" by imparting a variance in action...pauses twitches, etc.

After that, things can get more complicated, especially with grassy fisheries. Your skills as an angler will allow you to feel for the grass. By elevating your rod tip, you will be able to keep bigger and deeper baits from fouling so much! This will allow you to probe depths when fish move deeper. The use of thinner diameter lines will also impact your lures...allowing them to run deeper and with less resistance...a key under tough conditions like winter or mid summer. My suggestion, keep reading and casting!

Capt. Steve

Question

Hi Capt. Steve

What reel would you recommend if I wanted to start learning how to baitcast? There seems to be so much more out there for folks who can baitcast so it may be time to start learning.

Ramon

Answer

HI Ramon

On the bait caster....I strongly suggest you get a left hand retrieve if that is the way you fish a spinning reel! A cheaper reel is very difficult to fish with when learning. I suggest the $150 price range. I have fished with just about all of them. I like the Quantum reels. They are fairly easy to cast. In that range try this one.

http://www.quantumfishing.com/products/1746/Catalyst-PT.aspx

You might get a "deal" on something, but might be a nightmare to learn on. I suggest 6 bearings!!!!! I like the Quantum's because you can adjust the brakes from the outside! This is a very unique feature and makes it easier to learn.

Otherwise, Shimano makes great reels...the BPS reels are pretty good, but not sure who makes them and where to get parts and service other than BPS. Practice, practice and practice. I have some free videos on http://www.monkeysee.com/play/1484-fishing-casting-a-bait-casting-reel

Capt. Steve

Question

Hi Capt,

I fish near the Seneca boat launch in Maryland. It is always shallow there. When the water turns cold like it just did recently the fish disappear? Is this because they are looking for deep water? The water at the deepest is six feet but the majority of the river in that area is three to four feet deep. Should I call it a season?

Scott

Answer

Hi Scott

Cold-water fishing is different. You must fish much slower. The fish like to be in deeper water out of the current. They also like deep water close to shallow water...that is, they prefer steep drops. Chances are your fish will move to these areas. Otherwise, you need to fish deep and slow. "Soaking" jigs and other small compact baits like the Mann's Stingray grub will get bites. Use plenty of attractant, like Jack's Juice to get fish to hold on longer. Drop shot and Silver Buddy lures work well too.

Capt. Steve

Question

HI Capt. Steve

I have a nephew who recently took up fishing (he's 16). The lake where he fishes has large mouth bass and a variety of other things (catfish and crappie mostly). He has a mismatch of tackle that he mucks around with off of a dock. Is there a basic reference I could get for him to help him learn the basics? How about a couple of basic lures?

John

Answer

Hi John

Picking tackle for anyone is complicated! I like the lures that catch anything! These are pretty simple and inexpensive! The Beetle Spin, Road Runner and Johnson Silver Minnow can be cast, dropped or dragged! Pretty easy and you never know what you can catch! For bass fishing, take a top down approach. A few poppers can work the surface. Go a bit deeper with the Mann's Baby 1-Minus. This bait floats then will dive only 1 foot or less. Anglers can catch fish without getting snagged much. Then, smaller 1/8 to 1/4 ounce spinnerbaits will work and eventually soft plastic baits. These are a bit tougher and might require some instruction. The best rigs for learning are the split shot and the dropshot rigs. For additional instruction, check out these free videos. http://www.monkeysee.com/channel/show/89

Capt. Steve

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