Clear water smallmouth

[redneckshadrap]

"6lb and 8lb is plenty low enough 4lb test isn't necessary."

Don't rule out 4. P-line Flouroclear is stronger than what most folks realize. If you've never used, you never know. Most use the "4lb Urban Legend" philosophy. Don't let that stop you from giving it a try. If it doesn't suit you, then you'll have at least try it for yourself.
On the right set up 4lb line will land anything you want.

[mhall]

"6lb and 8lb is plenty low enough 4lb test isn't necessary."

Don't rule out 4. P-line Flouroclear is stronger than what most folks realize. If you've never used, you never know. Most use the "4lb Urban Legend" philosophy. Don't let that stop you from giving it a try. If it doesn't suit you, then you'll have at least try it for yourself.
On the right set up 4lb line will land anything you want.

While I think it's strong for it's diameter, come'on down to Cumberland in the spring and sling a jerkbait or spinnerbait with that stuff and see how long it takes to get your heart broke, not long I can tell ya, LOL. Them 5lb brownies will flat break that stuff and I don't care who's holding the reel, maybe not everytime but why chance it if you don't have to??

[redneckshadrap]

While I think it's strong for it's diameter, come'on down to Cumberland in the spring and sling a jerkbait or spinnerbait with that stuff and see how long it takes to get your heart broke, not long I can tell ya, LOL. Them 5lb brownies will flat break that stuff and I don't care who's holding the reel, maybe not everytime but why chance it if you don't have to??

"On the right set up 4lb line will land anything you want"

Come on Mark....You know I don't throw spinnerbaits...LOL..., but I do throw APB topwaters...on 4lb line...all the time. And another thing, lake fish and river fish fight a whole lot different...LOL...LOL!!!!

But on the RIGHT EQUIMENT, it's what I like to fish.

[mhall]

"On the right set up 4lb line will land anything you want"

Come on Mark....You know I don't throw spinnerbaits...LOL..., but I do throw APB topwaters...on 4lb line...all the time. And another thing, lake fish and river fish fight a whole lot different...LOL...LOL!!!!

But on the RIGHT EQUIMENT, it's what I like to fish.

To each his own... Yea river, stream fish probably fight harder than lake fish, no argument there. HOWEVER, how many 22 inch plus five pound brown bass do you catch in those waters compared to a big lake. As I don't know the exact lake he is going I am familar with the type of smallmouth he will be encountering as there are some dudes up that way. If I was beside you in the creek I wouldn't shy away from 4lb P-Line depending on what I was throwing, I was using 6 the day you Andrew and I was out. Next spring you have to go with me a day on the big C and I'll do everything I can to put you on some 4lb plus smallmouth. Provided you don't use the noodle rod,i.e. FNF rod, I highly recommend you leave the 4lb stuff at home, LOL, LOL. But hey if you want to do that, have at it, I make a good netboy sometimes, I can wait 10 minutes or so, LOL.

[roadrunner]

Scott I fished Bull Shoals this year the water was cleare than I have ever seen it. I was in 21 ft and could see the bottom. Used 8lb flourcarbon with a shakey head worm and I seemed to have the hot hand. I would start with that and work down if you have to.

[artcarney_agr]

Scott I fished Bull Shoals this year the water was cleare than I have ever seen it. I was in 21 ft and could see the bottom. Used 8lb flourcarbon with a shakey head worm and I seemed to have the hot hand. I would start with that and work down if you have to.

That's pretty much the gameplan....start with that and see if I can't locate a good bunch of them and start experimenting with what they really want, where it's a tube, jerkbait, etc.

[artcarney_agr]

Thanks again for all of the information guys! I'll be hitting the road on Sunday, headed north! I more than likely won't be able to tell you all how I did....I'm guessing there will be some agreement for me to sign because this television show is a series........needless to say, I can't wait!!!!

[Moose1am]

[quote=redneckshadrap;295802]"6lb and 8lb is plenty low enough 4lb test isn't necessary."

Don't rule out 4. P-line Flouroclear is stronger than what most folks realize. If you've never used, you never know. Most use the "4lb Urban Legend" philosophy. Don't let that stop you from giving it a try. If it doesn't suit you, then you'll have at least try it for yourself.
On the right set up 4lb line will land anything you want!

Note: Right setup should include a long limber rod that can help you fight the fish not the line. And a good smooth drag system on your reel that's set up PROPERLY. You need to set the hook but you can always adjust the drag as you fight the fish. I adjust my drag as I am fighting the fish all the time. And if it's a big fish, use a net!

And the above comment is made with the thought that the fish are in clean clear water without standing timber or other obstructions that could help them break off. If you fish in waters with snags and obstructions then of course going to a larger diameter and stronger line is the way to go. But in clear water you need to downsize to get more strikes. If the water is dingy that goes out the window.