Rob

Let me start out by saying I've always had trouble catching smallies in local rivers in autumn. What are some of your tips and techniques for fall river smallmouth?

For the last few years, I've tried tons of braids, but I like power pro the best. I've had the same 10 lbs hi-vis yellow power pro on my favorite rod for about 4 years! That would be impossible with mono! I always use a uni to uni knot to tie on about a 6 foot length of fluorocarbon to the end for a leader. This way you get the sensitivity of braid with the low visibility of the fluoro. On a recent trip, I out-fished my friend 4-1. We were both using braid, but he did not tie on a fluoro leader. Btw, I have never lost a fish at the uni to uni knot. To Rob G.'s point, I was fishing for smallies in door county last October and extra long fluoro leaders really paid off. I would retie if I got down to less than 6 feet, which was a lot because of all of the zebra mussel break offs! Diameter matters when jigging, not so much for other techniques.

Definitely in a good way!

I have to say, the fact that this video was posted in this forum was the final straw in becoming a member of ISA.

I'm of the mind that most people don't take the extra step to get to the spots I fish, holiday or otherwise. I'm with Terry on this one though. In the Kish and it's tributaries, all you have to do is get out of what I like to call "cooler-carrying capacity," and you should find fish. That said, I'm usually too busy doing family stuff all weekend to get out anyhow!

Rich, I live in Marengo, and I usually fish the North and South branches of the Kish and its tributaries. Mostly the tributaries. Terry, I'm going to be fishing the North Arm of Rainy lake (Ontario) on the 31st, so I will miss this outing. I'll be sure to get the next one! I really look forward to learning some new stuff, I usually go by myself or with one buddy and we both do the same thing every time. It will be nice to compare notes!

Just wanted to let you know that I am very excited to find a group of conservation-minded anglers out there. I was getting really discouraged while reading posts in a bunch of different sites that will go unnamed here. Thanks ISA, for restoring my faith in the angling public.