Smallmouth Bass Fishing

[Murv]

I'll give a brief history, about 4 or 5 yrs. ago, I got the bug to catch a Smallmouth Bass, we don't have them in So. Eastern Illinois to my knowledge., I've made 2 trips to Lake Kinkaid

by Carbondale, Il. and now a half dozen trips to Kentucky Lake trying to catch a Smallie. So far to no avail.

Someone suggested that I come to Current River and give it a try there. Will you guys give me some idea on how and where I can go and have a chance to catch one., and when please?

I've never caught a Smallie, and it has become a bucket list item, and almost an obscession. I would like to bring my boat, it's a 16 ft. Tracker w/ 25 hp. so with that I'd appreciate any tips

and ideas that you don't mind to share. I do strictly catch and release. Also, I know I'm coming there as a visitor, so I will treat your great state with the utmost respect.

Thank You,

Murv

[jtram]

Leave the boat rent a canoe throw soft plastics catch 100 smallmouth...... seriously get on an ozark river and it's that easy. Good luck with your trip but don't over think it when you get on the water.

[Ham]

 

Leave the boat rent a canoe throw soft plastics catch 100 smallmouth...... seriously get on an ozark river and it's that easy.

I think it might take him 3 or 4 trips before he's able to catch 100. I mean it's not THAT easy. 

You could bring one bait. A 1/8 oz rooster tail and catch a dozen smallmouth on a summer day on the current or a jerk bait or 1/8 oz ball head jigs and 3 or 4 inch grubs. 

Try to avoid the weekend if you can. They can get stupid busy, but you won't ever get lonely on the Current in the summer. The fish will most def play though. 

[jtram]

True story but seriously if you come float an ozark river in the summer you WILL catch plenty of brown fish. 

[Murv]

Where should I begin on the Current, or should I fish the Big Piney Smallmouth management area?

 

[Ham]

I love the Current River. I hope to fish it at least once a year the rest of my life. I don't plan to ever fish Big Piney again. Are there smallies in the Piney. Yep. Not enough and not big enough for my tastes. 

Look at threads on the Current River forum. Plenty of advice there. 

 

[Mitch f]

 

I love the Current River. I hope to fish it at least once a year the rest of my life. I don't plan to ever fish Big Piney again. Are there smallies in the Piney. Yep. Not enough and not big enough for my tastes. 

Look at threads on the Current River forum. Plenty of advice there. 

 

Funny you say that, I've never caught smallmouth of any size on the Big Piney either. Me and that river don't seem to get along...But Gavin did catch a Big One a couple of years ago

[dtrs5kprs]

Or you could always go to Table Rock, Bull Shoals, or Stockton mid-April through early June, and throw a Ned Rig or shakey head on mixed rock and gravel. 

[jtram]

 

Or you could always go to Table Rock, Bull Shoals, or Stockton mid-April through early June, and throw a Ned Rig or shakey head on mixed rock and gravel. 

And that is how you have a very good chance of 18+ inch smalljaws. They are special in a river but it is attainable on a regular basis and still bloody stinking fun on the lakes.

[jtram]

 

 

BTW welcome to the forum