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Q. |
I have been an avid smallmouth fisherman on the Potomac for 30 years.
The last 15 or so I have been into ultra-light fishing and wanted to try my hand at fly
fishing. I was hoping you could help me determine what equipment setup would be best for
smallmouth on the Potomac. I need to know what length and weight rod, weight and taper
line, and what leader (tippet?) is the best setup. I have seen many web-sites
recommending various fly's but none outlining the rod/reel and line setup. Can you help or
steer me to someone who can. - Thanks Hank S. |
A. |
A 7 weight rod would be my choice. Might be a little heavy, but not
for some of the bigger flies you'll want to throw. When I outfit for clients, I
carry a 5, 6, 7, and 8 with the 5 being used the least, while the 6 and seven are used the
most. And the 8 for the heavy Clousers. As far as line, don't skimp, get the
Wulff Triangle Taper in either weight-forward or Bass. It loads the rod without
having to throw half your line out. Leader/tippets don't have to be fancy, just hard
mono 10 LB test for most smallmouth purposes. - Tim Freese
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Q. |
I am an avid smallmouth fisherman in the VA area and have spent a lot
of my teenage years on the river. I grew up using spinning reels and after 100-fish days
never thought about using baitcaster reels. After a past trip down the Potomac in the
fall, I found success with a 1/8 ounce buzzbait, but I had trouble keeping the lure on the
surface. Now, I think it is time to get a baitcaster reel for a quicker line retrieve. I
would appreciate it if you could give me some input on the better baitcaster reels for
light action smallie fishing. Thank you - John K. |
A.1 |
A controversy, I love it! I would dispute the notion that a baitcaster can yield faster retrieves. I do think a baitcaster is more accurate in casting, and generally gives you more muscle on hook set. But spinning reels are available in up to around 6:1 retrieve, and may have larger spools than baitcasters, which determines how much line is retrieved at a revolution. Fly fishers swear that, if you are right handed, a right hand retrieve is always going to be faster for you than a left handed retrieve. Generally, spin fishermen use a left hand retrieve, while baitcasters a right hand retrieve. This may account for some of the difference in perceived speed. A baitcaster gives you more casting control, particularly at the moment the lure impacts the water, as you can thumb the spool to first slow, then stop the bait at impact. So, a baitcaster provides a way to reliably start the bait coming back upon impact that is more reliable than spinning, where you must stick your finger in the spool to stop the line, not an easily controlled process, more like full go vs. full stop. Here is how I would compare the two methods, assuming say 8 lb. test line, with a buzzbait.
I think you could set up a spinning rod, say 7' medium-heavy action, that would have
the backbone to set a hook but enough flex to cast great distances, a real necessity in
our kind of fishing. Couple this with a reel with a fast retrieve ratio, and
large spool and you're all set! Speed, distance and flexibility to go light
make spinning the preferred choice for buzzing, but by a narrow margin.
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A.2 |
Bait casting is for girls! Seriously though, 99% of serious river smallmouth fishermen use spinning gear. Now, I'm not advocating following the masses (not always), but stick with you're instincts and stick with the spinning gear. Smallmouth fishermen tend to throw lighter baits than do largemouth fishermen, its not debatable that lighter baits are thrown better with spinning gear. 1/8 ounce does not count, that's light, so unless you're throwing really ugly crankbaits around or umbrella rigs. The problem keeping the buzzbait on the surface is not with your reel setup, I argue its with you're buzzbait, a good one should stay on the surface with a comfortable and somewhat lazy pace. If not, throw it out. - Jeff Kelble
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| A.3 | Still no one answered the question about the reel he asked. Some still prefer to use baitcasters for "retrieve" baits (compared to "feel" baits or jigs). My choice is Shimano. The Chronarch is expensive but the action is worth it particularly for small baits. If you want to go better, look at the Calais, but don't expect to go back to the others once you've tried it. The reel is useless without the correct rod for the small baits. I prefer 6 to 6 1/2 foot medium to medium light for distance and accuracy. You can go longer if you want to just fling it. Glass works but you have to set the hook harder. "Feel" is not so important with the retrieve baits. 6-lb. test is better for casting the small baits, but until you become practiced, you will break some bait off. The key to small baits with baitcasters is setting the reel correctly and loading the rod tip during the cast. You will experience a learning curve that will cost you fish in the beginning. And then there are windy days.... - Ken Sullins |
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