sat/sun....on Dale

[jwp]

Rick, what are those rods you are using? Mostly curious about the power, action and length... never have fished live bait in 35 feet of water for smallies before. Do you use weight? Floro? What pound test? Do you ever dropshot, fish a jig, walk a spook or anything while you are waiting for a smallie to hit your bait?

Thanks for generously sharing all this info, week after week. I believe I speak for most us when I say you are an excellent smallmouth fisherman and we are jealous of the amount of time you spend weekly on Dale Hollow!

[rickhise]

Rick, what are those rods you are using? Mostly curious about the power, action and length... never have fished live bait in 35 feet of water for smallies before. Do you use weight? Floro? What pound test? Do you ever dropshot, fish a jig, walk a spook or anything while you are waiting for a smallie to hit your bait?

Thanks for generously sharing all this info, week after week. I believe I speak for most us when I say you are an excellent smallmouth fisherman and we are jealous of the amount of time you spend weekly on Dale Hollow!

Wind will dicate the amount of weight, Im trying to use less an less weight, perhaps a size 6 split shot, 18 inches above the hook, on the line, I use an 8lb floracarbon pp line,
Most of the guides around me use an inexspensive 10lb Bass pro mono clear line, (livebait).

On the rods, I use a few of each, 6.5 ft. is normal, fast tip (almost a buggy wip tip
but strong at the butt. the faster the tip the more mistakes you can make. Med Action seems universal, on brands dont get carried away with high end rods, the reel is more important there again on your spinning reel ... a good 50-60$ Kuma bait feeder size c is a good bet.
I would like to try bouncing a tail spinner or a swim bait, but once the bite on L.bait is good you will have your hands full, (Tenn, 3 rod limitt)

also I do catch a lot of fish but i fish every day an have lots of help from others lots of help, following these fish an livebait, which you cant compare to the jig/fly/swimbait results.
anytime i can help stop by the state dock an look me up