davelime

I just got back from Lake George in upstate New York where the smallmouth were hanging in the 30 foot range near shoals and Islands. We had success drifting with Yum Dingers and Zoom Finesse worms, wacky wigged. The amount of weight varied with the wind. I tried various soft plastics but the wacky look was by far and away the best. We caught 10 that were 15 inches or better and lost a few more that size due to operator error.

To answer your questions: You can carry multiple poles, just use one at a time. I believe the stringer needs your name on it at all times. Be careful about walking away, I was there a few weeks ago and there were reports of stolen stringers. Besides the usual, a fly also includes marabou jigs and single hook Roostertails. However, there can be no soft plastic on the jig. After you keep 4, you are supposed to stop fishing and that includes the catch and release area. If the park is too crowded, the catch and release area is a great place to escape (wading is permitted). As far as tips, get there early preferably at the opening bell. The fish get smart real fast as the day goes on. if you are there at the bell, spinners are very effective, but after 20-30 minutes the fish will ignore them so change baits quickly. Generally use 1/8 or 1/16 ounce. At the bell spinner color does not matter, but I have had success changing from a dark color to a bright color after the fish are ignoring the first color. if you want to throw spinners all day, try some different colored blades as that sometimes keeps them interested. There are lots of fish in every pool so if you don't get any hits, change baits or pools. Black-yellow, olive and tan are good jig colors (many recommend white, but I have had little personal success with white). if you fish in zone 1 consider using plastic trout worms as well as jigs. Use a small split shot. about 18 inches above. The worms come in a many colors and I have caught fish on a wide variety of colors. Some days the fish do have a clear color preference and you just have to experiment. Historically, brighter colors (not bass colors) like orange, pink and bright green have been consistent producers, but 2 weeks ago tan and white worms were the best for me, so go figure. Good luck and have fun with your brother in law.