Buyer's Guide: Basic Smallmouth Baits & Gear

[@thejonath]

EXTREMELY underrated vidéo... This stuff with a single spinning rod opens a looooot of posibility for a new fisherman .

[@stevec9625]

Thanks. I'm packing for a backcountry kayak smallmouth trip in northern New Hampshire. I think you nailed my gear list for me.

[@joshmackenzie9068]

Great video Bro! I was pulling crank bait at my favorite walleye lake, but it was 103* way to hot for eye, but hey a bad day on the boat is still a great day! Something hit my line, I mean HIT my line, thought I snagged, then it started to run, what the heck did I just catch. Several minutes later I have a smally in the boat. Never cought one before. I'm hooked! Despite the wings hoodie (Avs all the way!) I still chose to watch. I'm glad I did. So many articles and videos talk about lures, but the way you explain when and how to use them is super helpful. Thanks man

[@billyburton4487]

Dude, you are positive and people feed off that. Keep it up!!! Your info is TOO good.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you Billy! I really appreciate that - I try to keep it upbeat and positive :-)

[@timperry6095]

A lot of great information here, Ben. This is a video I’ll have to rewatch a few times to make sure I get it all. Thank you! Looking forward to the upcoming buyer’s guides as it really helps me understand how you set up your fishing arsenal.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you Tim! That was my thought too - especially as we're in the winter months where most people are working to get stuff ready for next season, I thought it'd be an interesting insight into the fishing gear and things that I use

[@HeavyChevy32]

My very first smallmouth EVER, i caught this year on a Keitech swing impact fat on an Alabama rig. That was a crazy different bite!

[@brnowak_fishing]

That's so cool! An A-Rig absolutely gets smashhhhheeeddd!

[@HeavyChevy32]

Yes it does! That smallie was fighting so hard it felt like i was snagged!

[@ifitdontshatteritdontmatte4715]

@@HeavyChevy32 that’s how you know you got a good one if you think the fish is a snag 💯

[@bcleave88]

i just got into smallmouth fishing last year and this is one of the best videos ive watched. Not to simple, not overly complicated. A great start up video. It can get discouraging listening to people tell you that you need a different rod set up for every different bait. Thanks!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you man! Yes, I think we often make it seem way too difficult, especially with rod setup. I’m a big believer in keeping it simple, especially to start

[@bcleave88]

The Smallmouth Experience yep. I understand later in the future having a bunch of set ups the more you learn. But at first, I just want to learn to catch some fish.

[@SupermanBB]

Excellent video. Well done man. as a lifelong angler I can say you were bang on and presented the info really well. You deserve more subs!

[@michaelgallardo6113]

Great video I went out to Lake michigan and got skunked. Small mouth everywhere this video helps

[@carlstreet7095]

Like your hoodie! Been a Wings fan for years!

[@shawnbeck2303]

Its probably the rattle inside instead of the color or the wobble. I watched a video of colors in the water and how they change as the deeper you go down. Great VIDEO! Shawn

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks Shawn!

[@HeavyChevy32]

Man, i lost my first jerkbait fish this year. I had a good sized smallmouth strike my Rapala X-Rap in a white with black back color. I was working it just a little too fast and it hit it right as i was pulling it from the river! First time ever using a jerkbait and i lost the fish lol

[@juanlemos80]

This guy is great! Thank you!

[@my71chevro1et]

I also like that Provoke 106x

[@kurtriedmuller8223]

Awesome video super informative straight to the point thanks Ben

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you Kurt!

[@davidcloyd1296]

That was a very good video, thanks

[@akbuilder7626]

Heddon Zara Spook gets big bass.

[@philturinsky27]

Where is a good spot to fish for smallies from shore? I'm near lake st. Clair and lake Erie. Willing to drive far as well. I live outside of Detroit!!

[@terryclowers4433]

Wife said every Tuesday and Thursday we'll be eating bologna and pork and beans lol she supprised me Thanksgiving morning with a 12'. kayak great show 👌👍 and you are the new Westmoreland now that you know who he is .do you think those colors would work here in East Tennessee I live in the same area as Alex hey there's an idea you need to come down here and do a show on Norris Lake with him!

[@brnowak_fishing]

That's so cool! That Kayak is going to be absolutely awesome! Yeah, that'd be awesome to come down and fish Norris. All of these colors would work down there as well - in fact most of them Alex has thrown on lakes like Norris and caught fish; particularly the hard baits

[@nawinchester]

A++++++++ Video Ben. Excellent content. Love the buyers guide content. Really appreciate your insight on the baits that work for catching bronzebacks. Keep it coming. Until then, pursue your passion. :-)

[@glenndaugherity6187]

I’m surprised you didn’t mention the sleeper (spybait) !

[@kdfbaits409]

I throw the Shinobi Shad prop bait/prop bait and it works really well and displaces a lot of water!

[@FOUCHFABS]

I fish a smallmouth lake in nc called lake james. I went 2 days ago and i probably saw 200 fish jump, even seen them cruising top of water like a shark! Lol. I only caught 1 all day on a 4 inch Yamamoto wacky rig. I tried popper, riser bait, crank, dark sleeper. Any suggestions?

[@juanoramo]

Nice show, just got skunked fishing 15ft of water for smallies in lake Michigan on the Chicago shore, I'll try some if those Dt10s and Have you ever tried the sniper goby swimbait?

[@kencleg7721]

Tiki worms

[@kentyler966]

Good stuff, hopefully you will discuss yearly smallmouth location on big water. I fish lake Michigan near Milwaukee, not exactly ideal smallmouth water but it’s what I have to work and we do have some smallmouth around.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hey Ken - I'll do my best. One of the things that I've found with big water is that rather than looking at it like one big lake, I prefer to look at it in sections - where different ramps represent a different ecosystem or environment that'll impact the way the fish live and move. Basically understanding the key elements of certain areas of the Great Lakes (certain ramps) and the type of cover/structure those areas have and how that will impact the fish's movements throughout the season. Hopefully that makes some sense

[@zacharynicely7127]

Any tips for color on the New River? I live in West Virginia, but I’m gonna be fishing around Pembroke VA soon.

[@johnshideler5244]

Smallies and the Wings. Hard to go wrong with that combination. LGRW.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Agreed dude! :-)

[@MisterTwister88]

Good stuff Ben, best of luck with your new channel 👍

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you so much!

[@BassGeek]

Man I love the shadow raps. I like the shadow raps until we get to the spawn and I go with the shadown rap shad in spawn to post spawn.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Right?! That shadow rap is the deal when can cast it - spinning rod is the key there!

[@BassGeek]

@@brnowak_fishing I've got a great casting rod setup that does a great job. Fitz vursa rod med mod.

[@nawinchester]

Ben, I know you are truly an unbiased user of fishing equipment, not swayed by brand names, only fishability, so can you tell me if you have any experience with the Lew's Team Lew's Pro Speed Stick LFS-X5 Casting or Spinning Rods? Would love to get your take/feedback on these rods and new technology Lew's has put into these rods.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hey Nick - I've fished the LFS-xf spinning rod and it's a very nice rod. I have no complaints at all :-)

[@jimfrancis]

B., what's yer best fluoro to braid knot?

[@davidshea6317]

Always seem to have issues with getting my knot floro to braid. The guides hang up. Any advice..

[@victorxavier9977]

Hey Ben another great video thx!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks Victor!

[@great207]

I really enjoyed this video. Hopefully I can catch more smallmouth this year. Where in Michigan are you? I live in Cadillac, so not too far from Grand traverse bay.

[@makeupstarr192]

Will the crank bait work with stubborn bass

[@chrisroose779]

Can you still do good with silent cranks I never use them but I have a bunch

[@stephenzeppenfeldt221]

Do you know what time of month smallmouth spawn in Maine?

[@travisjones828]

I’ve been fishing sense highschool but never got knowledgeable about what to use. I’ve caught tons of fish but I use worms. That’s all I know. There’s a pond close to my place that’s stocked with small mouth and we used to slay them in highschool. It’s so grown in with undergrowth that I’m having a hard time getting bites. Like I said I’m still novice to all of this. What would you recommend for real shallow, heavy undergrowth. I caught about a 10” last week but it took a while. The pond is active, I’ve seen bigger ones there but trying to cast into the deeper parts only gets me snagged up and a dirty hook

[@constellationshots3893]

would you recommend craw colors for smallies that feed mainly on crawfish?

[@mikefromoh2925]

Hey man just found your channel and subscribed- looks like you really have it dialed in as far as your bait selection for your area! I am down in Ohio and generally speaking we have shallower, muddier water to deal with (unfortunately). I would say your techniques and baits work here, just need to go with shallower cranks and jerkbaits, and add some weed guarded or Texas rig style baits for some of the log jam and weedy areas. Also a fluoro leader is much more optional here, and I often lean towards colored lines such as the Berkeley Transition to help detect soft bites. Do you have a fall shady run on any of your water and if yes What is your favorite bait for it? Thanks, God bless U too.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hey Mike - We have a small shad run in the fall. My favorite bait to throw is a small swimbait/spinnerbait depending on clarity or a squarebill when fish push up into the rivers around wood.

[@victorsimonsen921]

good info

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks Victor!

[@cabinvibeetsystore9094]

New sub ! Liked 👍😊👏❤️🔥

[@upstateangler9575]

Whats your favorite ned head ? I have seen a bunch of guys using a weedless ned jig almost has a EWG style hook on it but can't seem to come across them now .

[@brnowak_fishing]

I really like the Berkley Half Head - that's probably my favorite, but I'm not really fishing around a lot of heavy cover (grass, wood, etc). The one you're thinking of is Lifted Jigs Weedless EWG Ned Head - it's an awesome design and the people that run the company are great!

[@terryclowers4433]

What knot do you use to connect your floro to the braid

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hey Terry - I am using the Alberto knot lately. It protects the fluorocarbon as it comes through the guides and reduces breakoffs

[@jasonmartin729]

What about a crawfish dt

[@brnowak_fishing]

A DT is a great crankbait. Color depends on time of year for me

[@JASONBECKFISHING]

Ben do you think there is a big difference from Smallmouth found in lakes rather then ones found in rivers ? Will these style baits applications work for both types of water ways ?

[@brnowak_fishing]

The biggest differences are where the fish are living. River fish are typically more current related/oriented whereas lake fish tend to be more nomadic, following bait and related to underwater cover/structure changes. These applications will 100% work for river fish and lake fish alike

[@OklahomasWorstAngler]

I just like chasing Ben videos

[@brnowak_fishing]

I love me some Oklahoma’s Worst Anglers WHALE vids!

[@davidmelendez4729]

YES! 👊🏽👍🏽💥

[@TheDruxlol]

any of the higher end stuff? LC/megabass? not so much into the rapalas

[@brnowak_fishing]

There are some great Lucky Craft and Megabass options - a couple guys around here love the MB Deep X200 LBOs. I also love the Megabass Vision 110+1 jerkbait

[@micropterus5868]

Great video Ben! As always, thanks for what you do!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thank you so much!

[@Trapstar636]

Hey Ben what do you throw your tubes with ? Bait caster or spinning?

[@brnowak_fishing]

Jon Doe If I’m throwing 3/8oz or lighter I use a spinning. 3/8 or heavier baitcaster. It really depends on the situation for the 3/8oz and what rod I feel like throwing it on at the time

[@hunterbushell3276]

Im always throwing a variety of baits but almost every big smallie I've caught in the last few years I've caught on a fluke

[@skyelerscott5903]

would a kvd 1.5 or a 1.5 deep diver work

[@brnowak_fishing]

It could, but a lot of times I’m fishing medium depths 7-15fow is my main focus so I like something a little bit deeper

[@skyelerscott5903]

@@brnowak_fishing tthank you

[@myankovich01]

Love your channel.....but "GO HAWKS" LOL

[@brnowak_fishing]

Yeah - there's not much to cheer about for the Wings this season, that's for sure 😂

[@Shawn_Lai]

Great video but too much *ichigan... haha go buckeyes!

[@brnowak_fishing]

Hahahah :-) careful or I might try to take your shoe

[@tylerleigh3264]

The one thing I disagree with here is the 1/5 oz Ned head. The point of the Ned rig is a slow moving, finesse, do nothing presentation. I never go over 1/8 oz but I like 1/10 or less. It sinks at the perfect speed on the fall without being too slow in deep water. I even go down to a 1/32 oz Ned head if I’m fishing really shallow. But whatever catches fish for you is the best for you.

[@benbaxter1949]

First, love ur vids

[@brnowak_fishing]

Thanks Ben!

[@Shawn_Lai]

No videos for 2 weeks?! Where you been bruhhh??

[@brnowak_fishing]

Sorry - I've been sick and just need to get back on the horse. Sorry I've been away

[@Shawn_Lai]

@@brnowak_fishing my bad... hope you feel better! Now I feel bad haha.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Shawn Lai don’t feel bad at all!!! I appreciate you reaching out :-) New video coming tonight

[@brandonhabermas3428]

Go wings

[@JCDropshot]

Ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh 👨‍🦯🎣🎣🎣🎣

[@zachfisher915]

Has nothing to do with fishing but LGRW

[@brnowak_fishing]

YES! They're so good this year!!! Keep this 12 game losing streak going lol

[@zachfisher915]

@@brnowak_fishing all streaks must come to an end eventually.

[@brnowak_fishing]

Very true!

[@rosshall312]

Bass do not see chartreuse !!!!

[@brnowak_fishing]

They probably don’t see the colors like we see them, but it’s a bright color that silhouettes well in dirty water and a color that fish eat - Smallmouth in particular.

[@brentbusick2245]

There’s a reason why chartreuse is one of the best color spinnerbait, crankbaits and even grubs for smallmouth. It’s because it works!

[@rosshall312]

@@brentbusick2245 it does work !! What happens in clear water ? Nobody fishis chartreuse worms ?

[@brentbusick2245]

Ross Hall so the water is always clear where you fish? Many many many bass are caught on chartreuse every year throughout the year.

[@rosshall312]

@@brentbusick2245 it's a sillewet kind of thing ! It also disipers first in the water collom,. Purples is the best down deep ! Hold ur bait to the sun ! If it shines through . Clear water ,. If u can't see the light,. Dirty water !!! White, chartruse, black n blue ,. And also clear !!! Is best ! Why clear ????

[@johngill9071]

Love your videos. Would love if you responded to my comment?

[@brnowak_fishing]

john Gill thanks for watching John

[@nickwilson3498]

Way to many adds

[@brnowak_fishing]

Whoops 🤷🏼‍♂️ sorry