Smallie tatics for bass opener - tips needed

[EBass]

I'm going to be in Atkin this weekend and I believe we're going to head over to the big pond. What are some of tip n tactics needed to locate some of these fish? My guess is still in prespawn mode with the water temp being a little cool yet.

Any help would be great. I don't get up there much.

Thanks,
EBass

[catchin'whopper]

I have talked to some people and i guess the talk is topwaters for them, but i am also interested in hearing more. i am going to be there with 3 other boats on saturday going for those smallies. pretty much look for the rock piles with adjacent sand, i also typically find the fish with spawning beds with some fist size rock/sand mix. dragging tube baits works good too, just will snag the bottom some.

[WallEYES]

Crawlers and tubes on the south end rock piles. Should be fun!

[EBass]

I see. Nothing better than a smallie slamming topwater. Ok maybe a few things, but not much. Thanks for the info!

Any one else? I'll post my results on Tues.

[BarTender]

Rock piles on the south en as well as around the islands. casting rattel raps and husky jerks.

[EBass]

Another Q for you smallie lovers such as myself. Do they spwan in the sand, rock or both?

And thanks for the replies!

EBass

[joneshat11]

Was trolling for walleyes east of wealthwood on opening day, and my father and myself doubled on some prespawn smallies (on accident guys). One was 18 inches and the other was barely under 22 inches. Both were still full of eggs so unless they recoupe by now my guess smally fishing would be slow for opener. Was fun pulling them in though as at first we thought we had the same fish on.

JonesHat11

[Rick]

They like a sandy bottom to spawn in. The scoop out the sand for their nests. They also prefer to have rocks in that sand where they spawn.

Your best bet is pumpkinseed tubes with slo-poke jigs.

Cranks can be productive as well.

Don't forget to work those shallow rock points that drop into deeper water. You'll often find some of the bigger gals hanging out on these.

For numbers though work the rock flats. Sight fishing is a blast.

Be sure to follow the regs and wait until opening day to target them.

[EBass]

Thanks for all the replies and the tips. I think we'll go for smallies during the day and around dusk go for some eyes. Best of both worlds! I won't be on Mille Lacs until the bass opener so that's all gravey.

Searching the flats is a great time. I did see about a 3 pound largemouth last year. I thought that was pretty cool considering there's not many of them.

[catchin'whopper]

Mille Lacs has tons of smallies, i personally think it is one, if not the best smallmouth fishery in minnesota. Pretty stiff competition with Rainy and Vermillion though.

Good luck Ebass fishing for them on saturday, i will be there as well, with 2 other boats including my brother Alphid. Those guys got it right for baits mentioned above, Topwaters, Tubes (dragging them on teh bottom seem to work better than hopping for smallies), and husky jerks and small cranks. Should be a blast!!

[catchin'whopper]

With the tubes, there are special jig heads that are skinnier lead at the top, or like a darter head, taht you use, instead of teh usual leadhead ball jig, (I guess i will call it that for lack of better description.). just cast them out and you will reel it on top of rocks you might have to hop it some to avoid some snagging, but try to keep it at a minimum. (but also like any fishing presentation, sometimes the fish want it more active and hopped, i just find that smallies more oftentimes prefer it dragged.) Look for some sandy areas with some rock like the people above said. should be great weather, with light se winds at 5 mph! should see them on beds!! wow, i am stoked. catchin'whopper is gettin'ready.

[This message has been edited by catchin'whopper (edited 05-23-2003).]

[EBass]

Catchnwhopper,

I just bought a rod called Jig-a-whopper. Hmm...

I think I have it covered will all the tips I got here. Thanks Everyone!! I've caught them before, but like 7 in a day which I know I can do better as I saw plenty more. My biggest was 20" piggy that really didn't fight. Kinda weird, but still a nice fish.

I can't wait till Sat. I'm so excited to see the pond when it's not all iced up. Oh look another school of smallies! Woo Hoo

Good luck to you as well.

Hey one quick Q: Are you like lindy riggin tubes when dragging or just casting them out and slowly reeling them in?