Catching LAKE ST. CLAIR Early Spring Smallmouth

[@wjb111]

Got the itch!

[@MichaelCross]

wjb111 no doubt, same here!

[@AjLynn45thParallelFishing]

Nicely Done ~ Glad you can fish, here in MI we are in lock down. No motor boats. Really frustrating. Guess that means I'll be coming to your house . . . Stay Safe.

[@MichaelCross]

Aj Lynn thanks for checking out the video. I’m in MI too and was fortunate to get t this footage the week before the boating ban went into effect. Frustrating is putting it mildly!

[@AjLynn45thParallelFishing]

@@MichaelCross 01 May is an important date in our world - Good Luck !

[@MichaelCross]

Aj Lynn indeed!

[@Dark30Outdoors]

Awesome drone footage! Mad props!!

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks! The drone is a whole new dimension of planning but worth it when the footage turns out!

[@FishhookTerry]

That was just so fun to watch, can’t wait till we can get back out there

[@MichaelCross]

Fishhook Terry you and me both! There was so much footage I didn’t include talking about covid, thankful we could still get out fishing, fish through it, etc... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rjbassfishingtravel2041]

Nice job Mike. Glad you made it out before the lock down. The governor really put a hurting on the fishing this year. Our up north trip is in serious jeopardy. Our St. Clair trip already got cancelled for this month. Like the new drone footage touches you did in the video. Some sweet shots in this video. Appreciate it from a creator's standpoint. I know the time it takes to put those extra shots in a video. Tight lines from Rick & Jim

[@MichaelCross]

R & J BASS FISHING & TRAVEL appreciate it guys! It’s fun working with the drone; albeit a new challenge (especially when you’re by yourself). The DJI autopilot/ai is a lifesaver!

[@xrtimes2221]

"Score tracker update" Great Job Mike Love it

[@MichaelCross]

Hance Wilson folks at home folks at home!

[@tylerferris8220]

Good stuff man!

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks bud for the feedback and checking out the channel. If you haven’t already, smash the like and subscribe. More coming.

[@TW14137]

Good vid, I like it! Would like it more without the extra noise(music), but that's your prerogative. Thanks

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the clip and comment. I have used some music for compilation parts but, like this one, leave good portions without music as well.

[@claytonbrown8911]

Headed up there from ky may 3-7 how will the bite be?

[@MichaelCross]

You’ll have a great trip. It will be very crowded but you’ll catch’em.

[@nonstoptackle7710]

i am going down this summer , any tips on how to catch them in the summer like . like what type of structure i need to fish and or type of baits , thanks .

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the channel. I have a video from last summer to maybe check out. In full disclosure, I don’t fish LSC as much mid-summer for several reasons: inland tourney schedule, I run an 18.5’ rig and it’s no match for running off shore with wind (or worse the cruiser boat traffic), and the smallmouth really roam a lot. It’s hard to find specific structure to target. It’s more about covering water and finding a school of active fish. For baits, I prefer to throw a crankbait until I start to catch some, then slow down with a dropshot. Some guys like to drift and drag but that’s not my style as much. If you can put the time in, finding shallow spots in the channels is an option but takes time to find those areas they move up on.

[@nonstoptackle7710]

Michael Cross thanks for the info , hope to get to use it and catch some nice fish !! 🐠

[@bassmatazzfishing]

Good Videos and views! Good info as well

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the video and channel!

[@rougehead5464]

Found your channel off of IG. I’m pretty sure all the bass you caught that day broke my pb😂 nice video!

[@MichaelCross]

Rouge Head thanks for checking out the channel and sub. Lake St Clair is a special place; it makes even the average joe like myself look like a pro.

[@ryandoll3684]

On my way to LSC for the first time ever tomorrow after work 🎣🔥 I'm soo geeked I probably wont sleep ! My buddy was just there this past weeknd and hes taking me back ! Nice stuff by the way you just gained a sub 👍

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the video. How was your trip?

[@golfishuntim]

Thanks for the video. I just moved to Michigan from Iowa. Can wait to fish LSC for big smallies! What Ned Rig weight do you like to use? Thanks 🙏🏼

[@MichaelCross]

First, welcome to Michigan! As for ned jigs, I tend to go with 1/6oz size predominantly. The zman finesse shroom is good but hooks will eventually break, especially if you horse on them. I’ve bought some of the swagger ned Flanders jig in the same size this off season and they have a beefier hook.

[@silentstorm77]

Hey man, first time watching you......Looks like I’m gonna have to get out and do some ol’ fashioned shore fishing at blossom heath today lol. I’m surprised the water isn’t a muddy soup with all the weather we’ve been having lately.

[@MichaelCross]

First, thanks for checking out the channel! Second, that area is probably the best shot at decent shore fishing right now. With the boating ban, I’ve been tempted to head down myself!

[@silentstorm77]

Michael Cross, just was there with the family from 2-3:30, looks like the small mouths were biting. Came back alone around 5pm and crazy high waves, so I Just fished the docks and couldn’t even get a goby lol.

[@MichaelCross]

silentstorm77 at least you got out. That north wind was ugly this afternoon.

[@producedbyloco6241]

have you been back since the ban was lifted? like this past week at all??

[@MichaelCross]

Yes, I went out the first weekend the ban was lifted and have been out a couple times since. Feels good to be on the water again.

[@jamieblair8915]

We are heading up this week for a few days, can't wait. We should be on the water Wednesday.

[@MichaelCross]

Jamie Blair should be a great trip. The water will likely more stained or dirty after the wind and rain the first part of this week. Bite has been a little slower too. You may want to target some deeper water (11-12fow) if you find cleaner water. Fish are spreading out too getting ready to make beds, etc. Hope you have a great trip!

[@bassinpassion9313]

Great vid man,we were out that day too.It was a very good bite,we take a break every now and then and hit the canal’s for largemouth.Btw,what launch did you go out of?

[@MichaelCross]

I don’t blame ya! The largemouth on Lake St Clair is probably one of the most understate, if not the best, in the state! My biggest largie every year usually comes out of LSC!

[@brewsybmumma]

Great video. I like idea of doing a tourney this format. My only question is does anyone know if you are even allowed to weigh the fish or is it catch & immediate release? This format could be adopted for all tourneys & would be much better for the health of the fish.

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the video. I think the technical rule is "catch & immediate release" for this time of the season; that said, it's a common practice to catch, weigh, release bigger fish. Either way, the process is very simple, quick and would absolutely be a healthy format for future tourneys.

[@gagebrownell]

Hey michael, I will be going to LSC for my first time targeting smallmouth this coming Wednesday. Any tips on where to launch, where to fish, etc? Thanks!

[@MichaelCross]

Thanks for checking out the channel. Where you coming in from? Wednesday is gonna be a good weather day for sure! I may even be out there. The 9mile launch (city of st clair shores) just opened. It’s $10 I believe but puts you closest to the mile roads. The mile roads are possibly the biggest community hole in America; you can’t go wrong with anywhere from the “400 club” down to “Fords Cove/Gross Pointe Yacht Club”. It’s about a 5-6mile stretch. They won’t be as grouped up like they are in prespawn; they will start to spread out looking for spots to bed. Anywhere from 8-12FOW, pick your poison and cover water. Good luck!

[@gagebrownell]

Michael Cross I believe my group planned to launch at 9 mile actually. Maybe I’ll see your boat out there. Thanks for the tips

[@MichaelCross]

I’ll be going out of a launch close to 9mi potentially. If you see a guy in blue bibs, silver/maroon Triton w/dual power poles, swing by!