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I primarily fish the Senko, "weightless". I've found the XWG hook, or the G-Lock style hook, the most ideal. (Round bend do not offer a deep throat depth on the hook). The XWG hooks result in a better hook-up, and will increase the catch ratio. Applying a "half-drop" of fishing glue to the hooks offset area, where it passes thru the plastic body, prevents the soft plastics from sliding down. Inserting a round toothpick, thru the side of the Senko, so the toothpick rests against the offset in the hook, is also effective. After inserting the toothpick, clip-off each end flush with the sides of the Senko. Works for me.

I only know of a few avid anglers, that favor this lure. Most anglers don't fish it, so as to make it most effective. I know one tackle store, who stocks them---but you have to look closely to find them--- they're like, "tucked away", in the unmarked "hot lures" section.

Tim , Interesting topic. From my personal experiences, wood/trees/stumps/laydowns, and the like, attract and hold good size SMB. In some areas, good numbers of SMB resided here. In some areas, the SMB made it there wintering home. Since all these beautification projects have commenced, good and bad, along the Fox--- primarily the removal of all the good wood/trees/laydowns and the like, the areas are pretty much void of big fish and numbers. How does the IDNR allow natural habitat to be removed? The structure provided current breaks, held baitfish and crawfish, which attracts the game fish. Personally, I think all the do gooders, haven't helped the fishery. Some areas are now void of good SMB population and size. Perhaps the fish moved, took up residence in new locations, and area not as easy to get to them--- for the shorebound anglers.

Some guys got to "lighten up". Newbees have a tendency to carry more than is needed---I believe that to be normal. Been there, done that. There are just too many factors that need to be considered. Weather, season, water temp, water depth, location, structure, just to name a few, moving waters, still waters, that will dictate the appropriate lure(s). Day in and day out, the beginner or novice should just stick with a jig and grub, or the like. Focus on using lures/baits that replicate real life critters---baitfish and crawfish. Single tail grubs to imitate baitfish, and twintail grubs to imitate crawfish. Slider head jigs, or the like, are the best, which are the least snag-resistance. As one gains knowledge and experience, they have a better understanding of the fishes habits, and then its easier to chose or select a bait or lure, that is suitable for the specific day or conditions. I chose to select a lure or two, fish it often, under various conditions, catch fish on it, and learn to fish it well, and become proficient with it---instead of making frequent changes. By fishng the lure often, I learn much more about how that lure performs, and what I need to do to trigger a fish into taking the offering. Sometimes moving it SLOW or even SLOWER, and other times moving it faster---finding the speed and retrieve, that triggers that fish into taking the offering. Time on the water is a big factor---the more you go, the more you'll know. Some are not fortunate to fish often, therefore, they want to be productive as possible in the short amount of time on the water. Therefore, keeping it simple is better, and it'll be more productive. Structure fishing is more important than the lure one is using. Focus on structure, followed by the lure and presentation. Select a lure for the structure one is targeting.

Sold!

Any announcements yet on the NEW Coleman Fishing line?

Another great source of Smallie fishing info, Books and Video by Tim Holschlag.

Replace the swivel with a small "snap swivel" on your spinnerbaits. This will allow you to make rapid changes from one blade to another. EXPERIMENT! Make up a small single tray tackle box---make up a kit with various blade sizes and styles--- to facilitate the spinner bait sizes you stock. For most shallow stream fishing, my most productive blade is a DEEP cupped colorado, hammered copper. I stock blade sizes #3, 4 & 5, in by blade kit. A DEEP cupped blade, produces more thumping & vibration--- and can be fished at a slower rate. Most suitable for stream fishing. SLOWER retrieve is better. Spinnerbaits---after dark HOT summer months are "outstanding" lures. My most productive summers night fishing, is with spinnerbaits. Be careful while wading after sundown or dark---when a fish gets close in the "seam" where your standing, he'll rapidly swim upstream right between your legs. You don't want to be in this position, standing on "one" leg after dark, trying to get untangled---been there, done that. A big fish can cause you to lose your balance and knock you over. Many fish hit on a short line, and sometimes right at your feet, when lifting the lure out of the waters. To minimize getting tangled---keep the rod to your side---DO NOT lift the lure of the water, on the downstream side of your legs. The big splash, or noise, can scare the bee-gee-bees out of you. WARNING: If you have a weak heart, or can't stand the excitement, DO NOT attempt this type of fishing.

Maps are a excellent source of info, which show the roads, and streams. The Illinois Atlas, as noted in a previous post, is inexpensive and invaluable. Make an enlarged copy of a section of the map page, of the area you intend to explore--- make notes and take applicable photos. Make a file and label the file accordingly. The info you gather, and the details you make, will be of more value to yourself than anyone can give you. Low water periods, are the best times to explore. Make notes of the structure(s) and take photos. Items such as log jams, bridge piling---anything that catches your eye, that you think will hold fish. By taking the above approach, I've learned more stream and river places to fish, than I could have gathered from all the anglers put together, in the Chicago area. Sometimes the info you get from others, may not be in the context of what you are imaging. Someone may describe it to you, but it's best for you to see it for yourself. You'll have that mental picture implanted in your head. Taking photos today, with the digital cameras, is so much more efficient and cost effective, over years ago, when I used 35mm. I've taken thousands of photos over many years--- made notes, filed them away. I can go back to my files, pull out the info, photos, sketches, diagrams and such--- go right up to an area or spot, even if I haven't fished it years, and produce fish, under similar conditions. Also, make a log---a 3x5 spiral notedbook will do. Label that notebook, with the lake or stream name---note the date, time, water conditions, sky conditions, wind direction, water levels, water temp, etc. When you fish it, denote the lures and presentations you made, what were successful to you, for catching fish. I've found, that most anglers do not want to spend any amount of time, researching and learning for themselves--- they just want others to show them a spot on a spot. If you're targeting a specific fish species, its a big help to study the fishes habits. There are many books available on todays market. One book that I recall at this time, is "River Smallmouth Bass" and "Creeks to love and remember", by Dan Gapen. You read these books and you'll learn a lot about stream fishing and catching smallmouth bass. Learning the fishes habits, is key to be successful---you can catch smallies in any body of water in the country, whether it be a stream, river or lake, whether from a bank, wading or in a boat. It's like with anything in life, the more you work at it, the more you'll get out of it. There's no such thing as a magic spot---and angler makes his/her own magic spots.

There's been a FREE Rapala offer, going at GATS in Dundee, for over the past 2 weeks! All Lures--- BUY 3 get 1 FREE. Also, Fishing Tackle Clearance Sale Up to 50% OFF Plastics Hard Baits Rods Reels and more Fly Rods from $10 UL 4 BB spinning reels from $9.99 PreFished Rods and Reels BUY-SELL-TRADE Take advantage of this offer. Bring in your old rods and reels. Get some great buys and Save Big Bucks.

Check out the SWEET deals going at GATS in Dundee.

"Cicada's", by Reef Runner Tackle, are some great SMB catching lures. They give the fish a real "buzz". The "buzzing" sound given off, either attracts them, or, perhaps drives them nuts, and they just want to kill it. Very productive lure--- fished shallow or deep--- still or moving waters. A steady retrieve or verticle jigging. HINT: A top notch producer, verticle jigging for deep water smallies.

Carp on a fly rod, would show some anglers a good time.

I'm glad the Fox River Smallies, don't look at those weather maps, and listen to all those weather reports those humanoids make--- at least the ones, that were biting yesterday (Tue 4/10). The bite was slow, but they bit---very gently. Another one of those "it's not days". It's not snowing It's not raining It's no windy no mosquitoes no water skiers no speed boaters, no jet skiers--- what a great day. infact, only saw one other angler fishing. Drifted large fatheads, under a float, in slow current areas. The water is still up a tad, and running much clearer. In fact, it so clear, in some areas, I could see the tree limbs, 2 ft under water. NOTE: Fish holding in these clear water structure areas, can see any human movement. Long float rods are a big plus.

G.A.T. is located in East Dundee. On Rt 25--- 1 mile north of I-90 and 1 miles south of 72. Big GAT GUNS sign on the east side of the highway. Bus hours: M-F 10am to 8pm S-S 10am to 5pm You'll need some time to peruse the BEST selection of smallmouth bass catchingest lures in the midwest. Also a top selection of flys for the SMB fly fishing angler. All fishing lures---BUY 3 GET 1 FREE! See GAT's ad in the Outdoor Notebook, pg 3. Introduce yourself to me, and get an ISA discount. KenD ps---if I'm not there, I could be out fishing. Please call ahead---VIP-GAT-GUNS, ask for Fishing Ken. Looking forward to meeting you all.

Bring the reel by the store, I'll get that "loop" issue resolved. I'll get that "hitch-hiker" removed from the line, that caused the loop.

Good---glad to hear you're please with it. I'm sure you'll like it more, the more you use it.

Many companies are requiring that a receipt, (proof of purchase), accompany the "warranty", be sent to the OEM for validation. If a product is not registered, under the warranty program by the OEM, any and or all repairs may not be covered by the warranty. Tackle companies are taking this approach, because of all the purchases made on ebay, garage sales, or the like. Some buyers get used merchandize, for pennies on the dollar, then try to get a new one from the OEM.

What is the function of the "shimano vip" ? Is your office or place of business local? Does that mean, if anyone has a problem with a shimano product you'll take care of it?

Cortlands Turral Handcrafted Flys and Streamers.

St Croix's website offers a "rod selection" section, that is very helpful. http://www.stcroixrods.com/rodselector/def...sp?section=none I'd suggest you visit your local tackle dealer---they may have a knowledgeable employee, who can help. Talk with someone that truely fishes vs just talking about fishing. You can get a good starter rod & reel combo---Shimano or Abu-Garcia, starting at about $50. GAT's offers FREE mono line with a rod and reel purchase. Check the GAT Guns ad in the Outdoor Notebook. Buy the best you can afford. If you have a limited budget, tell the salesperson what you can afford to spend. Some may have some specials, or make up a suitable combo to fit your needs.

Over the years, I've heard comments about the Shimano reels, giving problems, after getting a dunking. Personally, I fish with mostly Shimano reels, and have NEVER had a problem with anyone of them. I fish in the rain, I've had them dunked and have not experienced the issues some have mentioned. On numerous ocassions, I've discussed with those persons, and have posted on the forums, that I'd get their reels serviced or replaced and the problems corrected. To date NONE of those who have complained, have taken me up on the offer---but still complain. (Most of the posts were in the previous forums, of years back, before the new site went into effect). Shimano is a top notch company, with design and service. I've been using Shimano reels and have been dealing with the company for over 20 years. No problems or issues, that they haven't addressed or corrected. Shimano wants to hear from you, the customer. If there is an issue or problem, they want to know about it. If you have an issue or problem, bring it to me, and I'll do everything I can to assist you. Shimano made some design enhancements to their reels---one, by introducing an ARB (Anti-Rust Bearing). This seems to have corrected the problems some were experiencing. Oxidation can form on the bearing surface, resulting in a harder or less fluid-like turning of the reel handle. Okuma reels--- When they first came out, a few years back, they were.....(I won't mention it herein). I've had 5 of 6 reels returned, for several different defects---handles breaking off, parts falling off, drags not working or locking up, line counters didn't function, reels broke---just to name a few. Very cheaply made. Okuma has made improvements in their reel designs and have a better reel today. One thing I keep in mind, is the service a company offers. Shimano is the BEST, to say the least. Others are close---some are okay.... and some---you can't get them serviced! Service parts? Whats that? Some companies don't stock parts in the USA. Also, Shimano doesn't make "house brand" reels---like other OEM's. NOTE: keep your proof of purchase receipt(s). Lots of goods are bought on ebay for pennies on the dollar. The buyer may get stuck with an inferior product---where does he go for service? Most companies require "proof of purchase", when requesting warranty service. Most don't save their receipts---it's important to do so.

Mike, Suggestion--- When teaching a beginner or novice to "flip or pitch", a rod fitted with an underspin spincast reel, that features the trigger, is the way to go. No backlashes, overruns or the like, as with level wind reels. The underspin makes it simple and your students will get very interested in the flippin and pitchin techinques. Underspin reel models that are most effective are: Zebco 33T, Abu-Garcia 275U, and Daiwa US80, just to name a few that come to mind. Each can be used effectively with 8 - 10 lb line. The larger Zebco spool will accomodate 12-14lb line with ease. Pitching can be accomplished by a novice with very fluid motion. And can best be learned the "two-hand" technique. The underspin reels can be fitted on a suitable spinning rod. The beginner and novice alike, will also find the underspin easier to adapt to, when dabbling for panfish, while fishing around wood or the like. Many adults, whom I've taught the technique, and after many years of fishing, still use the underspin today. Some anglers use the set-up for dabbling, while fishing for smallies, under high water conditions of the Fox and Kank Hope this helps.

Jim, I've examined the Suffix braid---it appears to be another braid added to the selection of braids on todays market. Nothing I could find, that stood out from the rest. Personally, I like Cortlands MasterBraid® of all superbraids on todays market. The color is imprenated throughout each individual strand, unlike others that are coated. The MaterBraid will not loose its color, even after extended use, unlike other braids that loose their color, then followed by its "white" natural color of the individual stands. The MasterBraid 10, 15, and 20lb lines are formulated for the spin cast angler. You don't get the "wind knots", as experienced with other superbraids. MasterBraid is a true round braid, unlike other braids on the market, than flatten out after some use. (Flat braids can lock-up in the reels spool). MasterBraid is treated with a product, that minimizes or eliminates getting locked up, like with other braids. "Bronzeback Brown" (tan) color, was formulated for the smallmouth bass angler in mind, fishing most waters. It blends in well with any submerged structure---wood, rock, weeds, and the like. When fishing clear bodies of water, that have dark bottom areas, that are most predominent in most waters, I apply a "black" color, using a felt permanent pen, to the first 2 feet of line, starting at the eye, and up the line. Then skip 2 inches and add 2" of black color---continue "skip marking" for the next foot or two. This coloring camoflages the line with most objects in the water. Another great feature with the MasterBraid, is that it "floats". The slack line lays nicely on the water---I can see it very well, over other superbraids---especially the greenish colored lines. The greenish (dark) color blends in with the waters surface, whether clear or colored---making it difficult to see, if you're a line watcher. Being a line watcher, I'm paying very close attention to the slightest of movement--- caused by a fish picking up the bait---sucking it in and staying in place or moving off slightly. The "Bronzeback Brown" color can be seen more easily, even when the fish causes the line to move a very little. The 20lb MasterBraid is ideal for medium to med-heavy spinning gear, such as on my set-ups for steelhead and salmon fishing---using long rods and a 4000 size reels. The 4000 size reel spool holds a lot more line, which is needed for bigger waters, whether lakes or rivers. (Great for catffish anglers also). Another thing I do, when fishing gin clear waters, like some Wisc and Mich waters, and if I'm suspicious of a fish seeing the line, on those clear bottom lakes, I'll add a clear mono tippet, of 2-4ft, joined to the superbraid, using a double-uni knot. I started fishing the Cortland MasterBraid line, since it was first available for evaluation and testing. I've found it to be the best superbraid line I've ever used. Thats my story, and I'm sticking to it. The MasterBraid is also available in a "Seafoam Blue" color---the #1 choice for salt-water anglers. The Seafoam Blue line is highly visible---the human eye can see it very well on the waters surface---especially on the glistening waters surfaces, caused by the suns reflection. Can the fish see it? ---Perhaps, but the fish are looking UP and to the side---the waters surface is blueish and the sky is blue! Therefore, it should be the ideal color---right?---right. I also use the MasterBraid on some of my bait casting rod & reel rigs---20lb is the smallest I go, and use that for my light action baitcasting rigs, 30lb for my baitcasting medium heavy rigs, and 50lb for my heavy rigs--- 65 and 80 lb for my musky rigs. I don't pretend to be an expert---I'm just fortunate to fish a lot. Beats workin'

Rich, "clips" for flys are available---some well stocked tackle shops carry them. These clips feature a "closed-eye" for attaching your line, and an "open-loop" for quick attaching or removal of a lure. The material is made from "spring temper" wire--- available in nickel finish, black and red. One brand name is "Quik-Klip"---its been around for several years. Others by Mustad and Northland Tackle. GATs in Dundee, stocks all of them and in all sizes.