The river environment is very dynamic and water conditions can change in a matter of a few hours.  Based on much of the research I’ve reviewed, smallmouth tend to be sight feeders. As a result, color selection is high on my priority list.  Factors like scent, profile, and action are certainly part of the tube equation but in the spirit of keeping it simple, I”m going to focus on color. Here’s a quick and easy breakdown that can help you narrow your color choices quickly.

In the rivers I fish smallmouth have two primary food sources, crayfish and various minnow species. The most coveted is the crayfish. Of course a tube bait is a great crayfish imitation. Water clarity is my litmus test for choosing a tube color.

In clear water conditions, I’m looking to “match the hatch” and use more natural colors. Smallmouth in clear water seem to shy away from unnatural colors. There are exceptions to every rule but I find this statement to be accurate far more often then not.

If  I’ve decided to throw a tube in clear water, I’ll select colors that match the color of the crayfish in the body of water I’m fishing. When I’m fishing familiar waters, I typically know the color of the crayfish. If I’m fishing unfamiliar waters, I’ll turn rocks and observe a few crayfish then look at my tube selection to find the closest color match. Colors like pumking, carolina pumpkin, and various shades of green or brown work well in clear water. Laminated two color baits can also be great choices because often the bottom of a crayfish is lighter than the top.

Once the water crosses the line to stained or muddy, I start looking for colors that will provide contrast. Again, I’m trying to appeal to the smallmouths sense of sight. In muddy water, I may also go to a tube with a slightly bigger profile. The goal is to make the bait stand out in stained water. Great contrasting colors are dark greens, black, and dark browns. If the water is dark, but the sun is shining I may choose a bait with red, gold, or silver metal flake…sometimes all three!

This quick and easy guide will get you on your way to success with tubes in various water condition. The key is to be aware of changes in water clarity. I’ve been around fishing long enough to know that there are very few “hard and fast” rules and I know that conditions can change rapidly. As fisherman, we need to be aware of those changes and make the right choices. Color is just one of them!

I recently had the good fortune to be one the the “first kids on my block” to receive a Temple Fork Outfitters Gary Loomis Signature Series rod. Now that’s  a mouthful! Like any serious fisherman, I was first overjoyed with my new acquisition. After my head came out of the clouds, I proceed to put the rod through the paces over the period of several weeks. Overall I found the rod to offer exceptional performance and  value for a rod in the 100 dollar price range. It met or exceeded my expectations in a number of area. It’s no wonder Field & Stream called this series the “Best New Spinning Rod of 2010”.

The rod I chose to field test was a 7.5 foot spinning rod with medium power and a fast action. I selected the rod specifically for kayak fishing and tossing unweighted finesse baits such as a three inch soft stickbait. I like 7 - 7.5 foot rods for kayak fishing. Rods of this length increase your casting distance, make it easier to leverage fish from a low vantage point, and allow you to work a smallmouth bass around almost any kayak bow.

Ok…enough with the technical stuff…time for the review.

First Impressions

The fist thing I noticed out of the box about this rod was that it balanced very well. Some longer rods that I own are very tip heavy. The rod is still a little tip heavy at 7.5 feet but it is not as pronounced as I anticipated. The overall workmanship of the rods is excellent. The “fit” and “finish” is first class. The wraps are well done, the guides are straight and the split grip handle is nicely done. The AAA cork handle has synthetic rings at both ends of the fore grip, grip, and fighting butt that make them more durable. The Signature Series Rods also sport SIC guides, one of the hardest insert materials available.

One of the great things about these TFO rods is that you do not need to read the fine print on the rod blank to determine what power rod you have in your hands. Each power has a specific color on the exposed blank of the split grip handle. For example, my medium light power spinning rod has a silver color on the exposed blank of the split grip. That’s great for guys like me who pile a minimum of 5 rods into a kayak or boat. Color coding makes it easy to be sure I have the right rod in my hand.

Casting

The medium light power rod casts my unweighted baits like a bullet. The rod loads nicely and stores a lot of energy. On the forward cast, the rod blank generates good acceleration and launches a three inch stickbait more than a respectable distance. This is what I was hoping for and the TFO rod delivered.  The Loomis Signature Series is  definitely a smooth ride.

Sensitivity

I fished the TFO Gary Loomis Signature Series Rod using both monofilament line and 6/20 braid with a 10lb. test fluorocarbon leader. I found the sensitivity exceptional using both monofilament an braided lines for a rod in this price range . Honestly, because of the length of the rod and the medium light power, I had concerns that I would not be able to feel those subtle “taps” often associated with finesse’n smallmouth bass. My fears were quickly calmed once I started fishing. Even with a slight bow in the line caused by the current, I could certainly feel those taps. In addition to unweighted plastics, I also threw some 3 inch worms on a 1/16 oz jig head and found that I could feel bottom and even the subtle difference when a twig or some random water plants were hung on my bait.

Fighting Performance

During the past several weeks I’ve probably caught close to 100 smallmouth on the Gary Loomis Signature Series Rod. The medium light power, fast action rod has ample backbone to wear out even the most rambunctious, broad shouldered smallmouth. The length of the rod I chose was also a bonus when trying to work a smallmouth around the bow of my kayak.

The Temple Fork Outfitter’s Gary Loomis Signature Series Rod definitely exceeded my expectations for a rod in this price range. Are there rods that are more sensitivity, lighter, and have more bells and whistles? We all know  that answer to that…yes. However, at the 100 dollar price point this rod offers exceptional quality. If you are a budge minded angler, who still wants a quality product, the Gary Loomis Signature Rod by TFO should be at the top of your list. I know I’m already planning a second rod. I need a new soft jerkbait rod!

I had the good fortune of being invited by the Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau to join several outdoor writers for a four day trip to experience the Smallmouth bass fishing available on French Creek near Meadville, Pennsylvania. We spent two days on the creek and caught a good number of smallmouth bass despite less than ideal conditions. Recent rains had the water up and muddy but that didn’t stop the smallmouth from feeding! The smallmouth we caught ranged from 8 inches to 17 inches. I’m sure there are probably some bigger fish lurking in the creek!

French Creeks headwaters start in New York State then flow 117 miles through Pennsylvania. The creek eventually dumps into the Allegheny River below Meadville Pennsylvania. The creek holds good numbers of smallmouth bass and even some walleye. We caught both on our trip. I even caught a bonus Pike. I am told by local fisherman that the water never quite gets crystal clear in the summer. It tends to have a little “brown” color to it.

French Creek is fairly shallow overall but offers riffles, runs, and deeper pools. Hot spots for smallmouth are naturally occurring wing dams formed by smaller creeks depositing sand, gravel, and chunk rock as they flow into French Creek. These “wing dams” as I call them create great current breaks and eddies.

There are plenty of access point on the river where you can take out or put in. The creek is easily wade fished when low and is a great creek to fish via kayak. The French Creek Project produces maps of the creek that include access points and distances between access points. This makes it easy to plan float trips.

Most of the fish we caught came on crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and some on soft plastics. Productive baits were truly a function of the high muddy water. Once the water level drops, soft plastic baits are definitely the ticket.

If your looking for a nice little flow that offers great fishing and a relaxing float, this is definitely a creek you’d want to consider. I know that my time on the water was thoroughly enjoyable. The good numbers of smallmouth bass we were able to catch in the high turbid waters indicates that there is a healthy population. French Creek in northwest Pennsylvnian is  great flow and the entire region including the Allegheny River is a fantastic fishing destination for any serious smallmouth fisherman.

Photograph for article by Dan Henninger.

Overall Best of Show - Hobie Cat - Hobie Mirage Pro Angler

Freshwater Reel - Shimano American Corporation - Stradic CI4

Saltwater Reel - Daiwa - Saltist Lever Drag

Freshwater Rod - USA Custom Rods - Camo Stix

Saltwater Rod - G. Loomis - Pro Green 882S

Line - Pure Fishing - Berkley Trilene TransOptic

Soft Lure - Sebile USA - Magic Swimmer Soft Pro Model

Hard Lure - Sebile USA - Spin Shad

Marine - Hobie Cat - Hobie Mirage Pro Angler

Tackle Management - Plano Molding Company - Liqua-Bait Locker System

Terminal Tackle - Better Bait Systems - Circle Hook Rig

Apparel - Cablz, Inc. - Cablz

Electronics - Lowrance-Navico - Lowrance HDS-10

Eyewear - Costa Del Mar Sunglasses - Zane

Fishing Accessory - Durasafe - Codeable Locks

Giftware - Master Vision - Mini Lantern

Kids Tackle - Ross Reels USA/Ross Worldwide Outdoors - Journey Youth Fly Fishing Outfit

Here are some of the features (from the Confluence press release):

• All new, dual seating system combines a “Captain’s Seat” perch for a higher perspective above the water and the cockpit “Freedom Elite Seating” (FES) system for the ultimate adjustability.
• The FES is so cool it deserves more explanation. The breathable and ergonomically padded seat adjusts fore and aft in the boat. A leg lifter and oversized backrest offer full-body comfort. The FES folds and stows under the Captain’s Seat when not in use; and the entire chair is easily removed to be used as a beach chair when you’re done on the water.
• Side and thwart padding act as an extended thigh pad and makes for quiet paddle storage, a cooler exterior and shoulder-carrying comfort.
• Dual SlideTrax accessory system offers endless opportunities for individualized options, including dashboards, rod holders and covers.
• An integral trolling motor mounting block, adjustable foot pedals, bungee rigging and a stern skid plate come standard.

Pricing for the Commander 120 starts at $995.00

Kayak Fishing Clinic - Part 2

Kayak Fishing Clinic - Part 3

Jeff Little is the author of “In Pursuit of Trophy Smallmouth Bass: My Life in a Kayak” and owner of Blue Ridge Kayak Fishing, LLC , a guide and instruction service that teaches paddling technique as it relates to kayak fishing for river and reservoir smallmouth. Jeff is on the Wilderness Systems Kayaks Pro Staff and chases both river and reservoir smallmouth in the Mid Atlantic region.

Chad Hoover is the owner of www.KayakBassFishing.com and regional contributor for the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas for Kayak Angler Magazine. Chad is on the Wilderness Systems Pro Staff and does many demo days, events and conducts kayak fishing clinics throughout the southeast and Mid-Atlantic. He also guides custom trips for kayak bass fishing in Virginia, North and South Carolina.

Jeff Little is the author of  “In Pursuit of Trophy Smallmouth Bass: My Life in a Kayak” and owner of  Blue Ridge Kayak Fishing, LLC , a guide and instruction service that teaches paddling technique as it relates to kayak fishing for river and reservoir smallmouth. Jeff is on the Wilderness Systems Kayaks Pro Staff and chases both river and reservoir smallmouth in the Mid Atlantic region.

Chad Hoover is the owner of www.KayakBassFishing.com and regional contributor for the Mid-Atlantic and Carolinas for Kayak Angler Magazine. Chad is on the Wilderness Systems Pro Staff and does many demo days, events and conducts kayak fishing clinics throughout the southeast and Mid-Atlantic. He also guides custom trips for kayak bass fishing in Virginia, North and South Carolina.

Join the regions fishing experts during Appomattox River Company Super Demo Day June 13th for on the water demonstrations and discussion of fishing strategies.

10am Kayak Fishing 101 with Wayne Bradby
Wayne will discuss the basics for getting started in kayak fishing, topics that will be covered include - boat selection, paddle selection, safety items, depth sounders, anchor trolleys, boat rigging, gear stowage, etc…

11am Kayak Fly-fishing for inshore species with Cory Routh
Cory is the Author of “Kayak Fishing the Complete Guide” and will give an on water presentation using the Native Ultimate as a platform for Fly-fishing, he’ll discuss casting, presentation, equipment, maneuvering strokes, safety, etc…

12 noon River Fishing for Smallmouth Bass with Jeff Little
Jeff is the Author of “In Pursuit of Trophy Smallmouth Bass, my life in a Kayak” and a member of the Wilderness Systems fishing team, during this presentation he’ll share some strategies and techniques for Smallmouth Bass fishing success.

1pm Fishing Lakes, Ponds Reservoirs for Largemouth Bass with Chad Hoover
Chad is also a member of the Wilderness Systems fishing team and will show benefits of “stand up” Kayak Fishing - sight casting, reading water, lure presentation along with rigging suggestions for Bass fishing flatwater.

2pm Maneuvering Tricks for Kayak Anglers with “Kayak Kevin” Whitley
“Kayak Kevin” is the first Kayak Angler to earn the Virginia “Master Angler” award and will explain some of the maneuvering techniques necessary to position a kayak for lure presentation landing big fish. He’ll also discuss the VA fish tagging program which he is very active in, along with the thrill of hooking into trophy fish from a Kayak.

3pm Captains meeting for “Farmville Lakes Demo Day Tournament”
Meet at the Demo Site to get identifier, log sheet, discuss tournament rules.
6am Sunday June 14 - Captains Meeting at Briery Creek Lake with Vic for late arrivals.
6am Sunday June 14 - Captains Meeting at Sandy River Reservoir with Ray for late arrivals.
For details call Vic at (757) 890-0500

Exploring new water with a kayak and a fishing rod requires a few resources, proper planning, and a healthy sense of adventure. While sitting down to write this article, I decided to jot down all the different names of flowing water that I’ve caught smallmouth from. In about ten minutes, I came up with 71 names of creeks and rivers I have explored looking for smallmouth. Last Saturday I added another, which I will not name. The exact name and location of this small creek is not important. The process by which three of us explored the new water last Saturday is an important skill set. It starts with a vague notion of an area you wish to explore.

The seeds of this particular trip were planted at the  Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While talking smallmouth with two buddies, one of them pulled out a stack of prints. The photos were taken the previous summer on several wade trips he went on with friends. They were holding many different 18 to 21 inch chunky smallmouth. The creek in the background couldn’t have been more than a single cast across. He readily named the creek, something I would not be so quick to do if it was in my back yard. He said that despite it’s being near where a lot of people live, is overlooked and under fished. I was intrigued.

If you haven’t heard rumor of big fish in some overlooked stream, you can still find out about them. In fact, your tax dollars and license fees are paying to gather this kind of information. It’s yours for the taking. Contact the fisheries biologist who assesses the stream and river fisheries in your area. They usually have a wealth of information, from electro shocking surveys, to the type of forage you may want to imitate while fishing a new area. Fishing clubs like the Potomac River Smallmouth Club www.prsc.org can also provide a source of information on new waters that may be worth your exploration. Also, using the search function on online message forums like the forum on this site can give you some insight on what techniques and patterns will work in a given area.

Back to the creek in question, once my buddy disclosed the name of the creek, I knew that I needed one of the two mandatory tools of new water exploration: a whitewater paddling guide. I quickly weaved through the crowd walking around the show, making my way over to the Blue Mountain Outfitters booth (www.bluemountainoutfitters.net). This paddling shop located on the banks of the Susquehanna River has an extensive selection of paddling guidebooks. I asked if I could borrow a copy of Edward Gertler’s Keystone Canoeing for a few minutes and made my way back to my two buddies.

Looking up the creek in question, we were able to find several different bridge crossings where the creek could be accessed. Additionally, on the map of the creek were mile markings, helpful in choosing an appropriate float trip distance. While exploring, I try to average a mile an hour. I made a mental note of some of the spots my buddy mentioned as we looked over the book before I returned it to Mary at the Blue Mountain Outfitters booth.

When I got back to see Mary, I asked if she had a DeLorme’s Atlas for Pennsylvania. The atlas for the state in which you explore is the other essential tool for exploration. Finding the creek on the map, I got an idea of how far it was going to take me to drive to the creek, and then looked for possible shuttle routes. I placed the Atlas back on the book rack, and stored this information in the back of my head for six months or so.

Fast-forwarding to about three weeks ago, I received a phone call from Mark Anderson. He was within a short drive of this creek, and asked if I knew of any good places to fish. I could think of plenty of smallmouth rivers in the area, but had in mind that one tiny creek that I would explore with Mark and his buddy Tom. I told him that I needed to do a little more research, but would be in touch with the details of when, where, and how we would go about float fishing this new water.

Looking at the creek map in Keystone Canoeing, I found a nearby town. At the website, www.topozone.com, I typed in the town’s name, and got a better look at the lay of the land. Printing out a few of the USGS based topographical maps, and taping them together, I had a very detailed map of the creek. Details such as bridge crossings, streamflow gauges, places where the road came close to the creek, dam sites, and parklands all came into play when we floated. Each of these landmarks provided an update throughout the day on how far we had progressed toward the take out. Without some way of knowing where you are in the float, it’s possible to end up paddling the last few miles in the dark, or to end the day before you want to. I carried this homemade map in a ziploc bag. Some times, I will take exploration maps to be laminated at a Kinko’s. An easier method is to carry a GPS unit with topographical maps downloaded. Either way, having a more detailed map will help you pace yourself appropriately.

I needed to tell Mark and his friend Tom where to meet me. We decided on a local regional park that bordered the creek. I did a google search for the park, found the address, and used mapquest.com to print directions. I called Mark, provided the address, and then we agreed on a meeting time. I arrived early, looking for a place for us to access the creek. Tom, Mark, and I met and reviewed the topozone map, Keystone Canoeing, and the DeLorme’s Atlas, and then started driving the shuttle route. From the mile marks on the Keystone Canoeing map of the creek, we found that we could to either a 6 mile float, or a 9 mile float. Seeing how low the creek was, we opted for the short one, hoping that we would avoid a 9 mile hike instead of float trip. As it turned out, we only had to get out and drag through four or so riffles.

We put in upstream from a bridge crossing, dragging the kayaks across a bike trail. Before launching, we flipped a few rocks to check out the hue of the local crawfish. The shells were a medium brown with a slight blue/green tint. The tips and hinges of the claws were a reddish orange. I had a hand poured soft plastic that matched the color. Mark and Tom nose hooked 3 inch soft plastic stick baits on a #4 octopus hook to imitate the minnow forage. Apparently, the mid water column presentation was preferred.

Seeing that they had found the first solid pattern, I tried alternate presentations to find something to catch a larger fish. The buzzbait chugging through shady areas got nipped at by smaller fish, but none of them were able to take it down and get hooked. Thinking that mid water column with a larger offering would take a bigger fish, I tied on a spinnerbait. A steady retrieve through one of the deeper pools resulted in a 15 incher following it back to the kayak without hitting it. While Mark and Tom continued to catch numerous smaller fish on the 3 inch soft stick bait, I kept trying to find something that might get a bigger fish to bite.

Crankbaits are not my favorite. When I was 11 years old, I had a farm pond largemouth embed a crankbait treble deep into my thumb, requiring a trip to the emergency room. When I got serious about smallmouth fishing nine years ago, I used them, hooking and loosing many big ones. I recently learned the importance of using a softer tipped fiberglass rod instead of trying to use a stiffer jig rod to land fish on crankbaits. Since then, I’ve developed more confidence that when I use a crankbait, the fish will stay hooked.

Drifting motionless down the shallow side of a pool, I spotted a very pronounced series of ledges and trenches. I put down the spinnerbait rod, and picked up the fiberglass crankbait rod. Waiting until I was even with the jagged drop off, I launched a rootbeer colored bandit 300 to the opposite shoreline where the ledge drop off started. I could immediately feel the long plastic bill of the crankbait ping and grind against the rocks. Half way back, the constant jarring transitioned to an off angle glide toward deeper water. Slowing my retrieve to figure out what was happening, I could tell that something had grabbed it, probably unaware that it was hooked. Keeping soft tension on the fish, I watched intently as it appeared from behind a larger boulder. It saw me and dove under the large rock. My kayak was being pulled despite my not reeling in. Mark paddled closer, asking “Do you have one?!” I just nodded, not taking my eyes off of where my line disappeared behind the boulder. The thick bass shot out in a different direction once my kayak cleared the boulder. By then, Mark could see the churning of the water from the powerful fish’s tail thrusts. Once the fish was safely inside my landing net, I back paddled away from the deepest part of the pool, hoping that there were others there that we had not yet spooked. I knew that we had found one of the few isolated big fish spots in an otherwise dink filled creek.

Tom joined us as we took a few quick photos of the big healthy fish, and we hopped out to wade fish the deeper part of the pool. I looked through my kayak’s milk crate to dig out two more crankbaits for Tom and Mark. From three different angles, we thoroughly probed the pool with crankbaits. A school of carp spooked out from one of the deeper trenches. After about 10 minutes of casting, I figured that we had exhausted our chances at catching another big one from the spot. About to suggest that we move downstream, I heard Tom yell out, “Yeeeeeeah! Take that you little……” His rod was curved down toward the edge of the first trench when a fat 16 incher cleared the surface. We snapped a few shots, and continued to work the spot.

Smaller water like this creek will contain isolated spots like these that harbor big fish. From the looks of the interesting and dynamic structure of this pool, I doubt that we had caught the two biggest fish in the spot. On the six mile float we came across two other spots like this. Once you realize the structure, depth, and/or cover that hold the larger fish on a small creek like this, it becomes a matter of paddling until you see what you like.

Reaching the take out about 6:30 p.m., Mark and I drove the shuttle route to retrieve my pickup truck. When we returned, we found that Tom had made friends with the parks ranger. From where we took out, we had a fairly long carry to a parking lot. However, the park ranger was nice enough to allow us to drive right down to where we had pulled the kayaks up the bank. We discussed the fishery, the history of the area, and the park in general. Local resources, and just asking locals questions about the area often yields valuable information such as alternate access sites.

So in summary, two mandatory tools for exploring a creek you’ve never seen are a paddling guide book to give you details such as access points and distances, and a DeLorme’s Atlas to help with your shuttle routes. Other online and person to person resources exist that can help you make more of your exploration of new water. The most important thing though is your sense of adventure. Once you successfully complete an exploratory float trip, you may want to see new water each time out.

Find out more about kayak fishing exploration with Jeff’s new book, Pursuing Trophy Smallmouth: My Life In A Kayak, available at his website: www.blueridgekayakfishing.com, or by calling Woods & Waters Publishing at (540) 894-5960.

Last summer, while I was wading in the Susquehanna River near my home, two kayakers came around an island and stopped a couple hundred yards above me where I was eventually going to be making some casts. They caught some nice smallmouths from the rocks I was slowly headed towards. Before I knew it they slipped away. I was a bit irritated….and envious.

I hadn’t even thought about buying one myself until this year when I was thinking about how to maximize my fishing time, now that time is scarce with a 3 year old to chase after. After doing some research I made my purchase and now I’m ready to hit the water. I will however, steer clear of any waders. I’ve been there and know how it is!

Fishing from a kayak is becoming so popular that kayak manufacturers now produce models specific to the sport. These models are based on the recreational hulls. They come loaded with all of the accessories you would need to add to make your kayak fishing ready. It isn’t necessary to buy the “fishing” model. You can purchase the recreational model and outfit it yourself. Either way you will have a lean, mean fishing machine!

Popular Kayak Makes/Models Used for Fishing

• Dagger Blackwater
• Perception Axcess
• Perception Swifty
• Old Town Loon
• Old Town Predator (pictured above)
• Wilderness Systems Pamlico
• Wilderness Systems Pungo

Kayaking Accessories You Will Need

• Paddle
• Life Vest / PFD
• Emergency Whistle
• Dry Bag

Outfitting / Rigging Your Kayak for Fishing
In order to get your kayak fishing ready you will need to add many items normally found on traditional fishing boats. Because you are limited in moving around a kayak you will want things to be positioned in a certain place. The best way to make sure everything is where you want it is to use your kayak for a while before mounting rod holders, etc.

Options for Rigging

• Rod Holders (Scotty)
• Recessed Rod Holders
• Paddle Holders
• Anchor System
• Extra deck rigging
• Drain Plug

By: Matthew Leo, Originally Published: 4-10-2004

*Update - While some of this info still applies, I started using a sit on top kayak for smallmouth bass fishing in 2006 and have not looked back. Info on sit on top kayaks for smallmouth bass fishing will be covered in future posts.