Types of jigs for Dale?

[skunked]

use the fly until 10 o'clock then go looking deep between 25 and 40 foot deep. i like the jigs by eakins or jewel bait co. in the 7/16 once size make sure you get the finnesse style. and as for color i like the joker color it is dark green with purple and a little blue.

[flippindrew]

Well, to be honest I've probably thrown the fnf at Dale one time and for a total of 2 casts. It's just not in me to do it when I can get 30 bites on a jig at the same time. Its pretty simple really. I usually throw a 3/4oz. football head or 1/2oz. in any natural color. If your fishing shale or something flat, go with he 3/4, for the steeper, larger rocks throw 1/2. Cumberland Craw, Natural Craw, Oops, Caintucky Craw etc. One thing I do believe thats important is trimming the skirt and using a twin tail. The smaller profile, and swimming legs really get the fish's attention. The 3/4 oz. also works better for me in cold weather simply beacuse the fish are lethargic and when it comes flying by them, they just react and strike.

Another advantage of the football is that it gets stuck behind rocks often, this allows you to quickly snap the jig out and a lot of times get a reaction strike. I think a lot of smallmouth down there are just curious and will follow jigs without striking, then you do something erratic with the jig causing them to react.

The best way to work it is just to slowly drag it and not hop it. At some point during the cast you'll hit a rock or piece of cover, drag the jig right into it and when it feels like its about to get hung, give the rod a quick snap.

I know the fnf catches a lot a fish, and I've been spanked by it before, but nothing gets me more excited than a hard jig bite from a smallie. Have had a couple 20+ fish days this year on a jig (all over 18"). I just cant throw the fly when there biting like that. I may just have some type of problem that doesnt allow me to be patient either lol.

I'll pm you my #, give me a call if you wanna go sometime.