Thoughts On Cranking Smallies

I read this article the other day and thought it might make some good discussion.

It’s interesting to read an article about an Icon in the fishing industry who’s not familiar with catching Smallmouth Bass. I may not totally agree with his assesments or one of his tactics, that’s why I thought I’d post it here.

Here’s one aspect of Rick’s approach that left me scrathing my head…

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He(Rick) devised an interesting method to beat them at that game. “I practiced landing them in practice,” he said. “I actually got on high on the trolling motor to pull them 100 yards to tire them before landing them. I trolled to put pressure on them to make them fight and tire themselves out.

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Rick Clunn Article From Bassfan.com

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“I’ve spent my whole life landing largemouths, and you don’t land smallmouths the same way. In 30 years of fishing for largemouths, I control that fish. He gets two runs at most, and he’s never in control. It takes three to five times as long to land a smallmouth, and I didn’t have the patience.

“My intent is to control smallmouth (too) but they disagree. I can’t tell when they’re going to jump, and some will not wear themselves out. They’re smart. They’ll get under the boat and rest and wait.”

He devised an interesting method to beat them at that game. “I practiced landing them in practice,” he said. “I actually got on high on the trolling motor to pull them 100 yards to tire them before landing them. I trolled to put pressure on them to make them fight and tire themselves out.

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That’s right, Rick. Smallies are the nastiest fish on the planet pound-for-pound. I’m not sure I dig the trolling motor tactics to wear ’em out.

IMHO…..

I don’t think I like his tactics. If you’re going to release a fish, then wearing it out to the point of exhaustion is a great way to kill it. If you can’t get that fish “under control” then it’s time to beef up your tackle. I know from experience that I can put an 18 inch Smallie in the boat in about 2 minutes with a Fly rod (ask Alvinmack). Nope, I don’t agree with Mr. Clunn on this one.

Rootski

Don’t B.A.S.S. events allow guys to use landing nets? Isn’t that easier on a fish than swinging it into the boat and letting it bang around on the floor?

No nets in BASS competition

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No nets in BASS competition

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Which, IMO, is idiotic, and an argument I’ve had a few times with guys in my BASS club.

Aside from that, I agree with the guys above who think it is a stupid way to land the fish which puts alot of unnecesary strain on the fish. Playing the fish to exhausion seems awfully counter productive to keeping them happy and healthy in the livewell.

I don’t really like landing largemouth with a face full of trebles without a net either.

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No nets in BASS competition

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Which, IMO, is idiotic, and an argument I’ve had a few times with guys in my BASS club.

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Absolutly! I realize its been a rule forever but come on! Tournament organizations should be making changes all the time to insure the health of the Fish is number ONE.

Dont localy organised B.A.S.S. events allow nets?! ( club, zone , state)- I dont get it … you become Elite you shouldent need a net ?! I too think its for the better of the fish ( and my fingers with smallies/cranks ) that ALL tournament boats have a rubber landing net on board ( weather you use it or not is another issue) The option to use one would be welcomed I would bet. Thats a rule that should be looked into.

Sooooo do they consider using a net “CHEATING”!?!?! If so, that is pathetic!!!

Hey Rick, I’ll make you a deal. Let me fish with you and pick your brain on Bass fishing and I’ll teach ya how to land smallmouth.

What’s the difference between fighting a smallie for two minutes or trolling with it on your line for two minutes? You can go as far back as you’d like and find that FISHING 101 teaches us to take our time and wear out the big ones before attempting to land them (something most of us tournament guys do NOT do )

Side note- I think it’s a cover up! What Rick is really doing is hooking a big smallie in a school and getting far away from it so his co-angler can’t cast in there and catch one of the big ones…

Don’t hate, I’m simply asking a question…

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Side note- I think it’s a cover up!

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You got me thinking Dave. You may be right. If I was in a tournment situation and just stuck a nice Smallie, why would I want to leave the spot? There’s a good chance there are more fish bunched right there.

And I understand what you’re saying about how the fish is being played out. I guess I’d much rather fight the fish on a shorter line near the boat than at the end of a long line with who knows what kind of junk in the water. I could see Mr. Smallie tying in improved clinch knot with my line around a stump

Good discussion!

Rootski

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What’s the difference between fighting a smallie for two minutes or trolling with it on your line for two minutes?

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How long does a Smallie fight last with a net in the boat?

Don’t be hatin’, I’m just asking….

If you’re netting the fish I’d guess around 4 minutes…

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If you’re netting the fish I’d guess around 4 minutes…

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Blue… if he didn’t say it, I would have.

The no-net rule is in place for the TV audience. I like it.

Blue! OMG that’s funny stuff!
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I was watching Edwin Evers on Erie and he was having a heckuva time boating those massive smallies. A couple other pros bellied the fish and basically slapped ’em up on the side of the boat to pull the fish into the boat. I thought of this thread and it became clear to me at that moment that I would much rather see these guys use a net on those fish. It might take away some of the suspense, but it would promote best practices in my opinion.

Of the topic, but if you want to watch some incredible smallies being boated, take a peek at the Elite tourney that was held on Erie. I think it was on ESPN 2. Wow! Numerous smallies over 5lbs!

Make sure to watch FLW at Detroit. It is on this Suinday…FSN. You’ll see the Western Erie Basin…