Jay

I am looking into getting a new landing net.  I see several options for overall lengths and also attachments to wader options.   I am curious in general if you carry a net while wading or just manage without a net?  Personally, I feel I am more efficient in catching and releasing the fish with a net as a tool in the process.  

If you do carry a net, what is a good overall net length for wading?  Also, do you find a retractor system or magnetic clip system works better to attach the net to your waders?  

Here are some size options from the Orvis website that I am contemplating.  I am leaning towards the mid length, but maybe the hand net length would be better for wading as it is less bulky?:

• Hand Net is 25½"L, weighs .63 lbs. head is 8½"W x 17"L, bag depth is 11". 
• Mid-Length Net is 37"L, weighs .88 lbs., head is 13"W x 18"L, bag depth is 12". 
• Guide Net is 55"L, weighs 1.6 lbs., head is 16"W x 24¾"L, bag depth is 14".

Sounds great, I have tried throwing Rapala DT 4 crank baits recently, but with the rivers running fairly fast I am finding that throwing a tube up stream and jigging on and off the bottom as the current pulls the tube down stream is a better technique for higher water levels.

I find myself casting as I am  slowly walking along so I am mostly looking for a staff to provide support when walking in fast current.  Currently, I think I am going to hold off for now on getting a staff.  

Does this link work OK to view 2 fish photos?
 

https://imgur.com/a/q5fieR1

Appreciate the replies.  In regards to the photos, I understand that it is a cost factor which is understandable to fit budgets.  Thanks for explaining that and I will try to learn how to attach photos with a link as mentioned above.

Really appreciate the replies.   This is helpful information.  Sounds like it is one of those tools that fits some fishermen and others not so much so a person just has to try it themselves to see if it is a good fit.  
 
When I see hikers use staffs it seems they always use two.  I am curious if waders always just use one or if they sometimes use two with one in each hand with their pole attached to themselves somehow?  I am thinking about the added benefit of just pushing through the water in addition to the stability with two, but on the other hand, sometimes you can have to many gadgets/gear and it can weigh you down and get in the way.    

Thank you,

Jay

I have recently been researching wading staffs and am particularly interested in Simms models, but I am open to other brands.  I am curious if you use a wading staff regularly and what your thoughts are with your experience using a wading staff?  I have never used one before and I am starting to think maybe it would be a good tool to add to my wading arsenal.  Thanks, Jay

I was going to post a picture of a recent smallmouth caught with a DT4, but the size limit on this forum is quite restrictive.  I am active on several other hobby forums and I have never had an issue posting photos as the sites make posting unrestrictive and user friendly which I feel is great for members.   I am not sure the logic behind the restrictions?  I feel high quality pictures would be a definite plus to show off fish and scenery details that members would genuinely appreciate.   Posting pictures should be a simple unrestrictive process as it encourages participation on a forum.  Thanks again for the informative comments.  

When fishing in faster waters I have been throwing tubes upstream and letting the current pull the bait downstream as I jig it on and off the bottom.   I have had some decent luck fishing this method.  I throw crankbaits when the water levels are down and the rivers are calmer.  
 

Thank you for all the replies.  I will try some square bill crank baits also as suggested.  I am learning as I go so thanks.  I look forward to the weather warming up this year and catching smallmouths.

I am fairly new to smallmouth fishing as they were not in the rivers or lakes where I grew up, but since living in northern IL I have been really excited about catching them.   I have been fishing for them for a few years now, but I am still learning effective methods for consistent success.  My initial setup for smallmouth was using tubes and I often resort to tubes now.  However, I really enjoy throwing Rapala countdowns and Rapala DT-4s and DT-6s.  I have had fairly good success throwing DT-4s and DT-6s when I can get the lure to dive into the bottom around rocks and even bounce off the rocks.  I understand that not all river systems this would be ideal as the bottom contains moss, weeds, or too many snags.  This year I plan to introduce my go to large mouth crank bait, the Rapala countdown alongside the DT-4 and DT-6.  

I am curious what crankbaits others have had success with for smallmouths and what colors seem to work well.  I have always had excellent success for largemouths with white countdowns.  I plan to throw white and and some other countdown colors this year including some more nature colors in clearer water conditions.  For DT-4s and DT-6 I have used mainly crawfish colored lures.  I do have a couple white DT-4s that I plan to throw this year for the first time.  I use a typical medium spinning setup with Shimano reels and G-Loomis or ST Croix rods.  Thanks, Jay   

It was great to meet everyone at breakfast. This was my first event to attend. It was a great experience! I enjoy reading the ISA magazine. I hope to attend more events. Thank you very much to everyone at the event and especially to Terry who fished with Tom and I.

I will be attending in addition to one guest fly fisherman. I plan to spinner fish. We will both be wading. We will be at the Cherry Valley Cafe at 7am. Thanks! Jay

Have any luck?