Crappie Magnets for Smallmouth on Rivers

[wordty]

How should I fish CMs on a river for smallmouth? As a jig trailer? Under a bobber? Using the twitch method? On a chatterbait?

On the subject of chatterbaits, what is a good bait/ trailer to put on those hooks?

Anything else you would suggest as a good smallmouth bait on rivers besides flukes (I've seen the videos on here of the local guy throwing flukes for smallmouth).

Thanks for any help!

[TNBronzeback]

alot of factors to consider there when choosing baits. You talking big river like cumberland, or small creeks/streams? Water depth, current speed all have a good factor on what to take. I keep a small assortment of small cranks, crawfish imitator plastics, a few top water baits, in-line spinners, lead heads and some assortment of minnow immitator plastics (curly tails, bobby garlands, CM.
they all work well in thier own ways but it depends on the water conditions. take a bunch with ya and give em a few tosses, the fish will let ya know what looks good to them! LOL
good luck.

[wordty]

Hey thanks for the response...I should have said small rivers and streams, particularly the HARPETH.

[jad2t]

I'd definitely stay away from the bobber method in very shallow water. You'll get hung up a lot. The twitching method works great in small creeks for smallies. I've done it many times and had success and so have a lot of members. Keep in mind that this time of year the smallies will be in holes and under rock ledges. Look also for shaded areas or overturned rootballs as this makes great cover for them. Toss one out on top of the ledge and let it fall off, give it a few twitches and see if one comes out and grabs it and runs back inside. It's really cool.

[Travis C.]

I catch a lot of smallies on Old Hickory fishing the right banks with trout magnets. My preferred is green/black for them there it may be called catalpa. My method there is twitching, 2lb test SOS and actually have better results with the added fluoro leader section of 2lb test. It does make a difference if the water is remotely clear.

Here is one from a trip

http://i260.photobucket.com/albums/ii40/MrCarney1979/93012016-Copy_zps043e5b4b.jpg

Lost a better fish that same trip at the boat horsing it in. You don't want to do that on the smallies with light line just let the drag play out instead.

[Travis C.]

If you want addition baits for places like you are interested in fishing... live crayfish and creek chubs are how I would go. A seine, cast net or even dip net then you will have all the bait to definitely catch smallies.

Use light line no bigger than 6lb, small hook, maybe a BB shot then let it drift into the root balls, rock shelves or downed trees.

[Alphahawk]

If I am in Smallie waters I will be throwing a Trout Magnet. That is if I can use it...not too good for fast current or very deep water....takes too long to get down deep. The Crappie Magnet is a great bait....but if Smallies are present I am throwing a Trout Magnet according to water conditions.




Regards

[TroutFiend]

Just got in from a local stream wading for LM and smallies. Throwing the TM and CM I pickup a few bass but get a lot of gills in the process. My go to bait is the strike king bitsy tube 2.75" green pumpkin color. Twitched or bumped along the bottom on a Eagle Claw #1 hook unweighted on 4# test. You will eliminate most of the gills and pickup some large bass and Redeye.

[jaysouth]

I've caught both smallmouth and largemouth on both crappie magnets and trout magnets. Neither may be the most efficient lure depending on the water you are fishing, but they do produce.

All the bass I've caught have been using the 'twich' method, about how you would fish the average jig.