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It is widely accepted that pound for pound smallmouth bass are the hardest fighting fish that there is, swimming in freshwater. If you've had the pleasure of catching a 2-3 pound smallmouth, you will undoubtedly agree. In this article I'm going to reveal a few secrets for fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the flowing water of rivers and streams. To me, fishing in rivers and streams is the only way to fish, and when there are smallmouth bass present in the river or stream that I'm fishing, these secrets have always been successful. If you think catching a 2-3 pound Smallmouth is fun (which it is) you need to try catching that same fish when there is current to deal with. Believe it or not, it's even more fun!
The actual angling for Smallmouth Bass in rivers and steams is exactly the same as angling for trout. The secret begins with only a few things: small barrel swivels, split shot sinkers, pre-tied gang hooks, and live worms. That's simple enough, huh? You can also add a bait bag into the mix, but it's not an integral part of the secret. A bait bag simply allows you to spend less time locating your bait, and more time with your line in the water (where it should be). You see, with the help of a bait bag your bait is always hanging right where you need it, rather than being stuffed in a pocket somewhere.
Here's the secret, in a nutshell, then I'll explain how to rig up. The secret is to present a live worm in the most natural way possible, as it tumbles naturally downstream with the current. In other words, you want your offering to look, as much as is possible, like a worm would if you simply threw it into the water. Only in this case, that worm will have hooks in it and will actually be bait.
Rigging up is really quite simple. Start by grabbing your line and tying on a small barrel swivel (size 10 or 12). Now, on the other end of the barrel swivel, tie on a a set of pre-tied gang hooks (gang hooks allow the natural presentation that we're looking for). Now add a couple of split shot directly above the barrel swivel. Remember, the goal is to have your offering tumble off the bottom as it flows downstream, so split shot will have to be added/removed depending on current flow. Finally, add a live worm to your set of gang hooks. If the worms are large, simply pinch them in ½. This is the rig.
Now, simply cast out and let your offering flow downstream with the current. When it's directly below you, the drift is over, reel in and cast again. Don't worry, with a little practice, you'll easily be able to distinguish between bottom and a bite, just keep at it. If you don't feel bottom during your drift, add a split shot or two. Keep doing this until you do feel bottom. If you aren't at or near bottom, the this technique won't work. And don't get discouraged by getting snagged, it happens. As my fishing mentor used to tell me, "if you're not getting snagged, you're not fishing in the right place". Getting snagged is just part of the technique.
Begin employing these Smallmouth Bass fishing secrets and start catching more fish. As soon as you hook into a 3-4 pound smallmouth in the flowing water of a river or stream, you'll be hooked. It's literally as much fun as you can have with your clothes on!
Trevor Kugler is co-founder of JRWfishing.com and an avid angler. He has more than 20 years experience fishing for all types of fish, and 15 years of business and internet experience. He currently raises his three year old daughter in the heart of trout fishing country…..Montana!
Pre-Tied Gang Hooks: http://www.jrwfishing.com/gang_hooks.asp
The Original Bait Bag - http://www.jrwfishing.com/bait_pouch.asp
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Trevor_Kugler
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