Spring

Big Smallmouth Days

This past week was a dream for any smallmouth fanatic — we caught and filmed an epic run of trophy fish. Several smallies topped 6 lbs, and five fish we weighed all broke the 5 lb mark on a digital scale. Every bite was a reminder why chasing these giants is just plain electric.

It was a mixed-bait bonanza: jerkbaits, football jigs, crankbaits, and lipless cranks all drew heavy strikes. Still, the “sour grape rouge” and football head jigs were the clear standouts — nothing beats seeing a big smallie crush a classic bait.

Some interesting info! Top 50 Lure Rankings FOR MARCH 

The Best Time of Year information presented below is derived from Ken Cook’s Pattern Forecast database kencookoutdoors.com TOP LURES FOR MARCH: Top 50 Lure Rankings

Lucky Craft Pointer 100 100 Chartreuse Shad Jerkbait

Zoom Finesse Worm 6" Green Pumpkin Worm

Storm Wiggle Wart 3/8 oz Crawfish Crankbait

War Eagle Double Willow Spinnerbait 1/2 oz White/ Chartreuse Spinnerbait

Underspin. Here’s a better look. Turns out I was ahead of the curve on this one.

Casey Ashley won the Bassmaster Classic on a very similar bait.

Missed a Big One: Hit a local yocal today and found quite a few Big bucks running the bank.   Had about 20 min to fish, so I had to make the best of it.

Targeting spawning flats

Started with a custom painted Pop-r and had a nice 8 lber blow up on it.  Being my first cast of the day I choked and yanked it out of his mouth !  ARGH!!  Missed a Big One!

Video of 40+mph wind Milford Lake Kansas: With our boat launching for a tournament right here at this boat ramp a few hours later, we watched in horror as the waves came crashing in. More rain and storms continued overnight causing the water levels to rise, cool the water off, and muddy things up. What could be better?