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For those that have been either crankin, sub-surface or topwater, in the streams or running water it seems that the bigger baits have not been effective. And all the reports floating around the baitshop are the slow bites.
Put up the big hard baits and big rods. Pull out the smaller baits and lighter rigs. Give them a shot.
You just might, and I mean just might be surprised.
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To add to what Billy said, I typically like a bigger bait than most in the creeks. I've probably fished more small baits this summer than several summers in the past combined. Its suprising how well even larger fish eat the small stuff right now. I've been throwing some larger baits along with the smaller ones, but end up going back to the smaller ones cause the larger ones aren't producing. I have some thoughts as to why, but am interested to hear what others think on this too.
Andrew
I usually use the smallest Rebel craw in the creek here where I live, and have pretty good success with it. I tried it on the Elkhorn last Tuesday and didn't have any luck. I used a Smallie Beaver and caught a 12-13 incher though.
I fish the Dix and Ky rivers from time to time and have noticed the bass hit smaller minnow baits like the "pin" minnow and small curly tails in the clear or smoky colors more than any other lures I use. After watching my fishing buddy beats me into the ground too many times, I finally gave in, and he does it with an almost clear curly tail. If you think about it most fish are camouflaged and it doen't take a bright color to catch them. In fact, bright colors may be offensive to fish a times. I feel you must match the hatch and in the Dix and Ky this time of the year the small river minnows are running the banks and the bass large and small are feeding them. Sometimes the shad are what they want and you must match the size to catch them.
Norm,
I threw a wee-craw yesterday myself. Caught some dinks.I guess once you go small you have to find out if the fish want bottom, subsurface, or topwater baits.
THis weekend it was topwater.
Billy Elkins
[url]www.thecreekbank.com[/url]
It's easier to let the cat out of the bag than put it back in
Yeah, I've been reading your posts about the topwaters with interest here and over at the creekbank. I'm going to tie one on this week if I get a chance to go to that little creek we like so well. Think a Heddon Tiny Torpedo would work? That's about the only topwater bait I think I have right now.
Billy and Andrew are some creek fishing dudes. The smaller baits were Getting-R-Done. :-)
Norm, tiny torpedo, small popr, smallest size rapalas, etc will all catch.
To me, bright colors, like chartreuse, are for stained water. Helps the fish find the lure easier.
Small baits will out produce a larger bait most of the time. However, a larger bait will often produce a larger fish.
My theory on the small baits:
Winter time: fish don't want a large meal cause they are not as active. Small bait time.
Spring time: fish are coming off winter, getting ready to spawn, or have just spawned. In addition, winter has culled a lot of the smaller forage. Large bait time.
Summer time, YOY sunfish, bass, minnows and crawfish are abundant and easy targets. Small bait time.
After the first cool down in fall, fish put on the feed bag to help them put on weight for winter. Large bait time.
The above, in a nutshell, for creek smallies. Probably some of that applies to other fish and other waters too.
Andrew
Great info Andrew, thanks a bunch. I'll definitely rely on those tips.
Norm