Not a FNF expert but did land a 5-4 and 5-2 on back to back cast in mid Dec of last year. Stayed a full week at Dale and landed 5 over 5 (biggest 5-6), 6 over 4 and many more over 3 all on FNF. Excellent technique for cold water smallies. I found best when temp hits 50 down to 47, but will start using it sporadically whent he water is 53-54. I fish bluff walls and deep points where fish will suspend. Personally feel depth and presentation are the main tactics of concern to get them to bite over color any day of the week. Will fall back to blade baits or hair jigs when fly is not working to mix it up a bit when temp is above 50. 50 or below 95% of the time it is FNF for me. Caught 5 more over 5 lbs each throughout last winter with largest being 5-12. First week of February, had one on that my buddy swears was over easy over 7. Fought her for over 10 minutes, got her to the top 4 different times just out of net range and got full front, side and top view of her (what a horse) before she bulldogged to the bottom and straightened the hook out on my jig. Could not believe it, still have nightmares about the one that got away. Still have the jig with the straightened out #2 Mustad hook in my tackle box. Never kept a smallie in my life but that one would have been extremely difficult to release. I believe she was around 7 even though buddy says easy 7 1/2, never know.

Tight Lines