Smallie Fishing

[jffoley]

Going camping at Shenandoah State Park next week. I've had a fair bit of success on smallmouth in the Potomac and James Rivers using tubes, twister tails and crankbaits. I'll be concentrating on 'em in the Shenandoah and interested if anyone would like to share their techniques. Not looking for anyone to give up their secret weapons but any tips or tricks much appreciated. Thanks!

[Yak Fish]

I'm not claiming first hand knowledge, but I went to one of Ken Penrod's seminars and read his book on river smallmouth. Apparently their favorite food are crayfish, so he suggests that tubes are one of the best especially ones with salt on the inside because it gives a crunch. Everything fish eat have a crunch. He said a smallmouth will swim through 100 minnows to get to a crayfish.

Another tip he gave was to cast an xrap off the stern of the boat and just let it there to zig zag in the current...do not touch it. I think a lot of river shore fisherman do just that using planers. I believe it's probably pretty effective.

Like I said, I don't have first hand experience but this is what I learned. One day I'll try it, but I don't fish rivers that much, other than trout.

[DanMarino]

Smallies Rule

Enjoy your smallie fishing trip. I've never been on the 'doah, but I hear it is fishing well this year. I hope you encounter low water levels and good water clarity.

Some days a white or black buzzbait is all you need.
If you encounter downed trees or log jams, make sure you fish them. I've had great success catching smallies near wood.
Current seams, rocks, and ledges are great places to fish. A spinnerbait or in-line spinner worked along the edge of fast and slow current areas will work.
Tubes work well and are smallie magnets in all seasons. I've done well with smaller sized tubes the last couple of years on the Potomac.
Also forgot....look for shade. If you have shade, wood, and an area where fast and slow water meet all at the same spot, you should find some smallies.

If you have a beetlespin. Put a green pumpkin grub on it and you might be able to catch smallies all day long.

Please report back and post some photos!

13

[Capt Brady Bounds]

Shenadoah

Senko and wacky worms, all rigged wacky.

Fish in the "push" ahead of the rocks.

[jet]

Going camping at Shenandoah State Park next week. I've had a fair bit of success on smallmouth in the Potomac and James Rivers using tubes, twister tails and crankbaits. I'll be concentrating on 'em in the Shenandoah and interested if anyone would like to share their techniques. Not looking for anyone to give up their secret weapons but any tips or tricks much appreciated. Thanks!

let us know how the camping is. i'd like to do that. i had a friend do last a couple weeks ago, and he said the bugs and ticks sucked. not sure where he camped though, and it may have been a cabin rental too.

[kevinfry]

Foxee Jigs!! and 3" grubs

KF

[jffoley]

Thanks for all the great suggestions. We leave tomorrow. I will post results Wed or Thur. Looking forward to it...

[ronaultmtd]

White Shyster with black spots spinners always worked well for me- maybe that was because that is all I fished with for them..

[TyF]

I fished there yesterday and we used flukes the whole day catching around 40 fish in the 10-14 in range and a 16 and 17 in fish. most hit on the fall and it didnt really matter what color you use.

[jffoley]

Awright! Been out of pocket this whole week. Camping, smallie fishing, road trip to southern VA (separate post coming on that) and got some brooms out at Nats Park this afternoon. Just now getting an opportunity to post results...

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. Smallie fishing was very good. My 2 best went 14". Tubes rule! Maybe because I have confidence in them but the best grade of fish came on brown/green pumpkin colored tubes. A couple 12's and many 10's & 8's. I did manage one of the biggest bluegills I've ever caught. Easily entire hand size. Made for a real scrappy fight on light tackle, too.

Fished in the rain on Tuesday. Caught plenty. Wasn't a cold rain so no big deal. The rain quit and I went in for lunch. Hiked around a bit with the missus. Went back out in the late afternoon but a t-storm came along just before dusk and had to skedaddle. We got hit pretty good. But, we are equipped properly, full fly on the tent and stayed dry.

This park is just over an hour from where we live. Started being built in 1999. Very modern, clean and mid week is the time to go! Actually wouldn't be a bad day trip either! VA does a great job at this park. If you like tent camping this park has about 10 "primitive" sites right along the river. #4 being best in my opinion. There's nothing primitive about it, really. The restrooms and showers are modern and very clean. You can't drive your vehicle to the sites. Ergo, "primitive", I guess. They provide carts to haul your gear in. No big deal.

Oh, and NO cell phone service! With Verizon. Gotta go to Front Royal (10 miles north). Awesome...

[Alwaysyakin]

Tube Lures

Please post a pic or two of the tube bait you mention.

[Alwaysyakin]

tube jig pic

Nevermind. Had a brain f@rt.