Inspired by Snagged, I went and threw a buzz bait

[Flysmallie]

24 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

Leaves are falling, moss and algae dying, water super clear. Baitfish scared and tight to cover. Throw a small green worm next to a brush pile and be patient. You can thank me later. 

I tossed a Tackle Max Hellgrammite, maybe you’ve heard of them, in tight to cover, but it only found goggle eye. I’m not a rookie! 

[Flysmallie]

1 hour ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

I’ll go back to trout for winter a little more though.   

Yep, I do like to fish for them in the winter. Just seems right then. 

[Mitch f]

24 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

I tossed a Tackle Max Hellgrammite, maybe you’ve heard of them, in tight to cover, but it only found goggle eye. I’m not a rookie! 

Not calling you a rookie… most guys aren’t patient enough because they’re in a canoe going down streams… But with a jet boat, you can sit there and not move it for 30 seconds

[Flysmallie]

22 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

most guys aren’t patient enough because they’re in a canoe going down streams… But with a jet boat, you can sit there and not move it for 30 seconds

You would be surprised at how well I can keep a canoe or kayak in a spot. But I agree with what you are saying. I see a lot of guys “flying” down the river complaining about the fishing. 
 

I’m not as “aggressive” as I used to be but my priorities adjusted. I’m not usually trying to find the best pattern on any given day anymore. I usually decide the way I want to fish on the way, or before I even leave the house, and if that doesn’t work I’ll just take pics or float along. 

[Mitch f]

26 minutes ago, Flysmallie said:

You would be surprised at how well I can keep a canoe or kayak in a spot. But I agree with what you are saying. I see a lot of guys “flying” down the river complaining about the fishing. 
 

I’m not as “aggressive” as I used to be but my priorities adjusted. I’m not usually trying to find the best pattern on any given day anymore. I usually decide the way I want to fish on the way, or before I even leave the house, and if that doesn’t work I’ll just take pics or float along. 

The bass know your lure is there…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen them dart out after 30 seconds and just crush it. 

[Flysmallie]

50 minutes ago, Mitch f said:

The bass know your lure is there…I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen them dart out after 30 seconds and just crush it. 

All the biggest smallmouth I have caught on a fly rod have come from dead drifting a popper down stream. That takes some patience especially if you see them looking. 
 

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, Flysmallie said:

All the biggest smallmouth I have caught on a fly rod have come from dead drifting a popper down stream. That takes some patience especially if you see them looking. 
 

Now that you mention it, all but ONE of my biggest Smallies have come on topwater flys as well.   A club sandwich hopper or a white Sneaky Pete is a TOAD MAGNET for me.  

Why I always think I have to be ripping a streamer or tickling a crawdad fly is a mystery.    🤔