WE WORK CRANK BAITS AND SOFT PLASTICS FOR SMALLMOUTH BASS

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LOCATION: Ashokan Reservoir, NY

SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING TRIP

Air Temp: average 61 degrees
Water Temp: average 66 degrees 
Fish caught: Smallmouth Bass
Water Quality: very clear
Lures: no live bait was used, all fish were caught and released on artificial bait... plastic worms, tubes

Rods: 6.6 fast tip to 7.0 foot medium light spinning rods.
Reels: Spinning Reels
Line: 6 lb to 8 lb mono, 15lb braid with 12lb fluro leader

We usually hit this reservoir every year without fail in September in anticipation of the Smallmouth Bass coming up out of the deep water to feed in preparation for the long winter to come.

As in past trips here we try several different lures (metal, plastics, crank baits) and tackle combinations on this water to see what works the best overall. And after numerous casts and bait changes we found the Smallmouth preferred soft plastics. You just never know what they are going to go for so bring a selection to cover your bases.

Note the extreme low water level and the distance to it from our boats that we had to deal with. This reservoir has a history of low water during this time of the year so we were not surprised. Dragging the boats over these rocks is something you have to contend with but it is worth it due to the volume of fish that can be caught here from a boat.