Namakin smallmouth ?

Cranks, flukes, spinnerbaits?

Can I live bait with a circle hook and be confident I won’t gut hook the fish?

Will be working shallow water mostly and looking for ideas.

Thanks

Brian:

I had guys in the boat last year that live baited w/out circle hooks until we got somewhat of a pattern going. Just make sure you set the hook once you get hit. For all of the fish we caught during the two years we fished ML, I think we only mortally injured two or three both years combined. Too many for sure, but out of 150-200 fish a pretty good percentage.

Mark

we had good luck with crank baits. Jointed worked very well. Hot days we would work the shaded side of the island. Islands with sheer rock wall shore lines were the best.

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Can I live bait with a circle hook and be confident I won’t gut hook the fish?

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Yes, the hooks need an edge of some sort to catch on to work

I have been up there the past 2 years and the best bait I have found is a K-tail on a jig. Just casting and swimming it back, catch Smallies, Northern and Walleye doing this. Find points, any trees that have fallen in or big boulder groups and you should be on fish. Good Luck that is a Beautiful place. Are you camping or staying at a resort??

I have a seasonal on the Ash River Trail.
Going up for a week with a buddy who likes Smallies so we will give them a shot, thanks.