MOsmallies

Congrats Seth.... I've still only caught one over 20" and I can still remember every detail about it. I still consider that 20.5" smallmouth my greatest feat in fishing. More so than any 5 lb largemouth, a 17" crappie, 30 lb blue cat, and a 200 lb Blue Marlin. I guess that tells you how much I love smallmouth!!! Enjoy it, cause the next one may not come for a long time, or it could come on your next trip! Mitch - You're such a $h!t disturber

Awesome!!! Congrats Andy! Very happy for you. It's a wild ride but well worth it!!!

If people are willing to give up particular streams and stretches I hope they use discretion and communicate that info through Private Message. The only reason people are tight lipped is that posting specific rivers and stretches can and has lead to more pressure on those streams and the fishing can and has declined due to it. Like OzarkTroutFisher and Al mentioned, most ozark streams have decent populations of smallmouth although our population of bigger fish is not where they could be. The numbers are there, but getting them to bite is another story. This has been somewhat of an off year from my experience and the reports I've heard from several very, very good anglers that I respect. Smaller, off the beaten path streams are gonna be better for numbers that your bigger streams that have tons of floaters. Good luck!

You should see how Mitch's brother in law prepares drum. I haven't tasted it, but it looked like a 5 star meal!

Here's the pic of the one I caught at the 25 mm... After finding this photo, it looks like it was only about 10-11"...

It's really only one guy Trophy - You really can't teach an old dog new tricks... or tricks they already knew 30 years ago but by a different name.

Bingo.... Get out and fish, even if the bite is off! You can't beat this weather in regards to comfort for July. I'll be out there this weekend when it's back in the mid 80's... which is still better than mid to high nineties

If I'm wanting something to float up, such as the craw or a shaky head worm, I'd say no salt. Senkos or Flukes or some flipping baits I prefer salt.

And this is officially about to take a left turn. Thanks a lot OP. Phil go ahead and kill this while you can. Leave the politics out of this main part of the forum. It annoys that Sh!&%# out of me and I'm sure others

Yeah I believe normal LOZ clarity has been restored. It was super clear (8-9 ft visibility) the weekend before memorial day, but one week later on memorial day weekend it was back to only a foot or two of visibility.

I've only ever caught one but it was in our cove at the 25 mm. Not close to one of the river arms at all. It was about 12-13". I'll try to dig up the picture tonight. Caught it on a watermelon red baby brush hog back in a pocket with some water willows growing on a chunk rock bank. It was labor day weekend I believe about 5 or 6 years ago.

Impressive Smallie thanks for posting

Wow... That's a big smallie for sure... Hope you're able to secure the pic and the permission to post it. Impressive

Nice fish and some beautiful looking water... don't know the spot. What'd that big one hit?

You're buddy does some good looking work. Thanks for sharing. Let us know how they work out for him at the lake this weekend. Hopefully he can find a pile of big ole hungry crips

I'd imagine a lot of home owners didn't like the weeds and sprayed herbicides on their banks during draw downs as well. I always seem to catch a few bass around the remaining water willows in the spring. I wish there were a few more.

Great advice from Seth... Also give Green Sunfish a try as bait. That's almost all I use as they are much easier to catch than shad and I've always done well with them for blues and channels.

Easily my favorite week of the year every year!!!! Nice write up Scott. We definitely had a blast as always.

We're on vacation for 1 more day, so I'm sure Scott will post the story when he gets back home.... I'll tell you this... It was one of the coolest smallmouth hits we've ever seen.

Who cares what it's called and who cares when it started. It OBVIOUSLY catches fish. That's the only thing that matters. Right? I remember reading several articles that have stated Ned hates it being called the Ned Rig. I also don't believe he claims himself as the creator. It's just a technique that he used, tweaked, perfected, and started sharing with others who enjoy reading and learning about fishing. I believe his followers dubbed it the"Ned Rig". He doesn't make any money off this. ZMan, Strike King, Gopher, and other tackle companies are the ones making money. Why aren't people mad at these companies??? If you were using this back before Ned and you're ticked for his name being associated with it, then shame on you for not marketing it, writing about it, and having followers that wanted to name the technique after you.

Awesome pics!!!!

Al A has all the info here...

Scott just let's me hold his fish

That kinda looks like a hybrid (meanmouth). Looks to have a horizontal line as well as the vertical bars. Nice Fish!

These in Blue Ice... http://www.basspro.com/Bobby-Garland-Baby-Shad/product/100132/ These in Pearl or Chartreuse Pearl... http://www.basspro.com/Bobby-Garland-Baby-Shad/product/100132/ Black & Chartreuse for tube type baits or swimmin grubs. Pick up some 1/16 oz roadrunners for him as well