Spring Fishing For Big River Smallies!

Fishing for big smallies on a small river! It's spring time and in Minnesota the fishing season has just begun, so it's back to the river to chase some smallmouth bass!
Gear used on this trip:
Rod: St Croix Legend Tour. 5'9" M XF amzn.to/43cwFX0
Reel: Abu Garcia Revo MGX 20 amzn.to/3BYAwf3
Line: Trilene Sensation 12lb amzn.to/45cTQ5s
Pliers: Umpqua Rivergrip amzn.to/41SPJbY
Net: Frabill 3673 amzn.to/3IlyclS (new floating version)
Anchor: Power Pole Micro amzn.to/3og6xMd

[@etxrey]

I’m sooo ready for you to start posting topwater videos. Those are my absolute favorite from you. Btw I love the way you handle the fish respectfully…also no shouting and exaggeration for the camera. Best KZbinr in my opinion.

[@looneytunechi3]

Agreee

[@corypope7400]

Caught the biggest pike of my life today (27 inches). I know it’s not a tank, but I caught it out of my fishing kayak using a 360gt searchbait here in Minnesota. My wife and I moved to Minnesota 2 years ago, and your channel single-handedly got me back into fishing. Thanks so much man.

[@ndyakangler]

Congrats on the PB! Those 360gt’s are great for spring pike! I’m heading out tomorrow to see if they’ll hit the Whopper Plopper yet. Right around this time last year I got on an awesome topwater bite for a couple weeks.

[@spoot8835]

​@@ndyakangler I gotta ask, what river do you fish for the muskies and northerns in your videos?

[@Nigarothe1rankedschoolshooter]

@@spoot8835I think he said red river

[@SolidMango-gh3jk]

I like how Chill your fishing is. Whenever I go I feel so rushed for time and line in water time that I sometimes forget to just slow down and enjoy it all. Your vids help realize.

[@TVNando]

So true. I feel as though it’s because he dedicates the entire morning or afternoon to sundown to fish. I always have stuff going on and I just take an hour or less attempting to fish during the day. So rushed but his videos let me relax and slow it down.

[@VORIANYT]

Finally! The man posted!

[@cruzmerc509]

You know how many videos I've watched I'm a new angler thanks to this man😂

[@PlainsToPinesOutdoors]

It was only Six days

[@VORIANYT]

@@PlainsToPinesOutdoors Too damn long lol

[@car24dude]

I’m thinking a lot about your video, and IF…… the pike could be a eel substitute for a Japanese sushi…..? And…….. or a big strong fish can pull your small boat (Kayak) down or upstream?

[@hbrianunderwood4946]

That river is absolutely beautiful. Haven't seen water like that in a long time. Nice job, Matt.

[@antoniomora1255]

The Guadiana river over here in Spain was very much like that: deep slow-moving clear water teeming with life. Currently it is ruined. These NDYangler videos take me back to those happy childhood memories.

[@frankhunt5018]

@@antoniomora1255 Why is your river ruined now?

[@antoniomora1255]

@@frankhunt5018

[@antoniomora1255]

The Guadiana river as it passes through the province of Ciudad Real, where I live, was destroyed by diffuse agricultural pollution and, above all, by the drastic decrease in its flow due to uncontrolled extraction of groundwater for agricultural purposes in the upper part of its course. This river rises in the Lagunas de Ruidera, filters and flows underground forming a kind of large undergroud lake. It then re-emerged on the surface several kilometers away from its source in the area called Ojos del Guadiana, forming the natural paradise of the Tablas de Daimiel, that used to be home to a great variety of waterfowl. The Guadiana has not reappeared since 1982, thus disappearing its upper course. In the historic site of Alarcos the Guadiana was noisy because of the large amount of water it carried even in summer. Nowadays only a small amount of water flows, which is the effluent of the wastewater treatment plant of Ciudad Real. In terms of quality and quantity of flow the Guadiana River remained almost pristine until 1974 and people used to bathe in its waters and eat its fish and crawdads. Since then there has been eutrophication due to the massive use of fertilizers, pollution due to the start-up in 1976 of the sewage system of Ciudad Real with untreated water discharges for several years until the start-up of a sewage treatment plant. Worst of all, as said above, it stopped flowing in 1982 due to the uncontrolled expansion of agricultural irrigation, and those abundant and clean waters have been replaced by isolated lagoons of murky and scarce water connected by a kind of stream. Only carp, tortoises and American crawdads live there. Gone are the Iberian crawdad, shrimps and freshwater mussels. A real pity, isn´t it?

[@antoniomora1255]

@@frankhunt5018 Above is my answer to your question.

[@mitcholson9795]

Well matt, you inspired me to fish for smallies more and I was very successful last summer on a river close to home here in Wisconsin. The whopper plopper is my go to bait during the hot summer months. And you've also inspired me to get a kayak which I just got a couple weeks ago. Thanks for all your great videos

[@amandajoyce7608]

It never fails to amaze me, the clarity of your water, you can identify and target your quarry. I like to watch particularly carefully at the water you intend to fish. However, my TV’s resolution vs. your polarized lenses - no contest. We rarely have conditions like that here in the mountains. I have to read the water and the “fishyness.” My favourite day fishing was salmon fishing in the river. While everyone else was bait fishing I was fly fishing. It was a good day! I wish many of those memories for you.

[@bebopjones7985]

The Bob Ross of fishing! I totally dig this channel. Though my Ohio pike/muskie kayak fishing is awesome, yours is so relaxed and cool---I watch all the time!🎣

[@sandikosowan8032]

I use his vids to fall his voice is exactly like bob Ross.. soothing

[@proteusxavier9477]

That 21 incher alone was worth the trip. 👍 Great catch.

[@Dark30Outdoors]

A 21" river smallie is a special fish! Well done Matt!! 👍👍

[@user-ifishoften]

Thanks for keeping me sane all Winter watching all your videos. I wade fished my local river two weeks ago and hit a bunch of Lake Erie smallies coming up river to spawn. A 3” senko wacky rigged did the trick. You have taught this old fisherman a lot of new tricks. Thanks!

[@Jhossack11]

Man your videos are top notch! That water clarity and your low key (not freaking out/yelling) excitement is like art! Fun and relaxing to watch!

[@jeffh4505]

I've actually fallen asleep watching his videos (not a hit against him), it's so calm and peaceful.

[@larrywhittaker9901]

The one grabbed it on the drop..i hate when they do that. I always worry about my hook set.. THE COLORS ON THAT ONE JUST BEAUTIFUL ❤

[@photogr4u]

A 21" Smalley, one word! WOW! Awesome fishing video.

[@randyrandy7864]

I bought a kayak two years ago to fish my favorite MN river it has added so much joy not just in loading and unloading but in the ease of getting into the sweet spots. Your videos remind all of us to relax a little and enjoy fishing Thanks

[@joegrande4848]

Those jigs you really have to set the hook on them. When swimming the swim jig don't bring rod tip past the 10 o'clock position. Pop pause 1 to 2 seconds lure will fall alittle pop again wait 1 to 2 seconds. Then, 1 more time. When popping swimming, you do this subtly. I don't use them anymore because now I use lighter poles with lighter hooks. Eventually, I'll get 1 medium heavy 7ft or 7 ft plus rod. I've caught several nice largemouth and smallmouth bass on a swim jig. My go-to has been 1/16 or 1/8 oz crappie jigs with white grub worm with procure trophy bass. 😊

[@Bamainjc]

The first smallie video of the year !!!! Always my favorite one

[@rolandgdean]

Another awesome time Matt...and another launch at "The Temple of Doom"...at least that's what it is in my head...lol. A slow start but a great recovery. Good to see the "lost lure" and the lost fish mentions in there...makes me feel like I'm not alone in my fishing struggles. Always good to see your content and I hope all is well with the new house.

[@ndyakangler]

I might have cast my lure into trees a few times on this trip too! Still working on getting the rust off.

[@rolandgdean]

@@ndyakangler You're better than me on your worst day Matt...lol.

[@strngplyr37]

Great way to start the weekend, love your videos! Your videos inspired me to go out and start fishing more, went out and bought a fancy new St. Croix rod and Daiwa reel and I've been having a blast

[@ndyakangler]

Those two make a nice combo! That’s what almost all my casting setups are now.

[@BlakJak]

I bought a Mojo Bass just because of his videos haha. I paired it with a Garcia Revo X though. He should be sponsored since he's out here selling rods for them!

[@jeremylamovsky3669]

I'm never fishing anything but Pfleugers. For the price, I love them. First one I bought back in 2010 and im still using it. Works just as good as the day I bought it. That and I'm from Akron where they used to be made back when my grandfather's used em. I've always used St.Croix eyecons and premier series, but I had a buddy randomly send me a cheaper triumph which is surprisingly good. Talk about a good friend lol. But I actually just bought a cheap lightning rod to keep in the car and it's actually really good for an all purpose emergency rod. I've been using it for casting big husky jerks from the Erie breakwalls

[@emptytombprod]

16:15 thats a NICEEEE smallie!!! Sheeeeshhhh

[@larrywhittaker9901]

I saw comment about 21 incher and IVE BEEN SITTING HERE DROOLING waiting ❤

[@CPTFiXtion]

Whoa. On a Friday??? Gonna have a hard time saving this for tomorrow's coffee

[@ndyakangler]

I’m going to be fishing all day tomorrow so I figured I’d post today so I could respond to a few comments.

[@christinerogers5331]

Thank you, Matt, I can't think of a better way to start my weekend like floating a beautiful river for some awesome smallies. Take care and be safe, anxiously awaiting your next video!

[@kzv34952]

Do you plan to take out your new kayak anytime soon? Would be awesome to see a video of the pickup, review, and maiden voyage. I look forward to the frog fishing videos!

[@ndyakangler]

I took it out the other day but didn’t catch much so I hit delete on the footage. I’ll give it another try this week.

[@kzv34952]

@@ndyakangler Good luck on your next trip out and the rest of the MN season.

[@sienervanrensburg6644]

I'm amazed at how clean the rivers and other places you have been fishing. I can only wish that the rivers would be so clean in my country.

[@daveyboy6985]

Where you from?

[@tommyrq180]

Veteran smallie river fisherman on the Rappahannock River in Virginia. Clear, just like this. My go-to for reticent smallmouth is to leave it sit where I can see it. Smallmouth follow the bait and swim away. Leave it there. They come back, sometimes several times. Then they tip up and inhale it. Smallmouth have a GPS like my Lab-they mark something and put it in their memory. Especially the really big ones. Let it sit and they’ll come get it. Visual, too. Exciting! 😅

[@wisconsinrogue8753]

Thank you so much from a Wisconsin old timer. Haven't smiled that much in a while.

[@jonboll2066]

Can't wait for the top water vids.. just around the corner!

[@heavenbound358]

I learned that bitsy bug trick from you. It is a smallie Slayer!!!

[@ndyakangler]

I always keep a few Bitsy Bugs in my smallie tackle box!

[@ronaldkulas5748]

Man, that is a beautiful river. I love rivers.

[@bassassinscreedon9758]

Thanks for all the amazing content, Matt. Always an inspiration. Much love to you and your family. Tight lines, friend.

[@larrywhittaker9901]

I sometimes will eat crappies or walleyes or even occasional channel cat. No way would i eat those BEAUTIFUL SMALLMOUTH BASS...and such good fighters they have earned my RESPECT ❤

[@angryangler8719]

by far my favorite river around. so beautiful every time i go.

[@thewesty101]

Reasonable chonger at the end of the day is a good day. Thanks for the ride!

[@midsodorproductions1205]

13:51 "saw this guy and he had a buddy swimming along with him" His buddy: "don't do it,you better not do it".

[@Ericrawnsley]

I feel like I've watched you're videos so much I can tell instantly when you are at spots you've been to in previous videos like the building at the start. Great video dude. As always.

[@callmetylerRS]

Taking the kids this weekend. Slow day fishing better than... well a lot of stuff.

[@woodstocknun]

lovely birds with a nice natural soundtrack

[@k9companion231]

Man you are a Bass Master!!!! Definitely quality fish. Thanks for bringing us along!

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Always nice to have a good season opener. Nice footballs.

[@elizabethsuarez3914]

Not even kidding, you are the Bob Ross of fishing! Could listen to ya talk all day! 😝 love your vids!! 🎣

[@vintagecrazyjay4970]

Quit playing around and get to 1 Million subscribers already!!! Love your content Matt, super relaxing videos. My favorite video of yours is when you caught one of your largest bass ever with your grandpa's Shakespeare mouse...great stuff!

[@willisdaillist8815]

When he started speaking as the smallie lol.. hey there Mr pike

[@minnesotanice369]

I don't even need to lift a boat buy bait but can live vicariously in full zen here before bed thanks to this outstanding citizen

[@Jack-gh3vs]

It’s been so stormy here in Colorado the last few weeks that it’s really pushing back on my fishing windows. Hopefully it’ll get nice enough to bust out the duckling lure soon. Wish we had really nice fishing rivers like you do here.

[@donpanico7708]

Nice to see a new video. I’m sure it’s been a long winter for you and your glad to get out and start smashing those smallies. That 21 incher makes the day!!

[@jacobrotter6826]

I just discovered this chanel and love it! Keep up the hard work!

[@southsideronnie]

Nice fishing. Getting a few really nice fish trumps pulling a few dozen little guys. Thank you for sharing!!

[@patricwagner7147]

Always a pleasure and inspiration to watch the videos

[@jtbowling9764]

There's nothing more fun to catch than a river smallie in my opinion.

[@rayflynn7942]

woke up turned on my phone and caught some pig smallies after a bit of a slow start. Gonna demolish a fry up cause being on the water really sharpens my appetite ,just love being in the canoe with this guy😊

[@mellowfellowfishing]

I have the same jig/plastics, very different results 😀 thanks!

[@thomasneal7126]

I love fishing the bitsy bug jigs. I notice that 8 out of 10 fish I catch I always hook then in the roof of their mouth and don't have as many shake loose.

[@budzillasohoski9858]

I live in PA and in my opinion, pound for pound, the smallmouth is the best fighting fish bar none. A two pound Smally could drag a four pound Large Mouth are all day long. Great video my friend. Glad to see you post again.

[@christopherseagrass3214]

I don’t know what river you fish but it must be the best smallmouth water there is. You catch so many chunks! Love the videos, thank you!

[@Oldbasshole]

Nice surprise getting home from work and seeing this video ! Gets me pumped to go look for smallies tomorrow!!

[@robertkreiling1746]

The best river fishing show in America . And No stupid music to ruin everything either

[@ilikestraberries]

Just watched this video with my 5 year old and two year old. They love when you use crayfish lures!

[@powersaustin63]

Beautiful river smallies! Thanks.

[@mattmansfishing5899]

When I first saw that small mouth bass at 16 minutes in the water I felt the excitement. Awesome fish. I hope I get that lucky this year.

[@acynecki]

smallmouth fight like tigers. Tons of fun to catch

[@johnweber2247]

Matt have you ever considered giving a clinic on casting? It could be a short video that can help some of the new fisherman. I know the catch rate with a cast can rise or fall with the accuracy of the placement. Your success is vastly increased by putting a lure where you want it to be.

[@snoopyt05]

My main man! Good work bro 💪🏿. I was watching the duck lure pike video with my daughter last night for the 50th time haha

[@patrickhartman6818]

As always great video and the smallie just before the last one was one of the most beautiful I have seen

[@bibobi6]

You are the best ❤

[@nysyakbro]

You motivated my buddy and I to start our own channel!

[@swiperrt]

19:13 Hahaha. Made me chuckle. Great catches, and thanks for the content!

[@1slippery2]

Thanks for sharing your float trip, appreciate it!

[@mikepollock8295]

1 thing for sure is those fish looked quite healthy! Lots of nice catches dude! Look forward to your next video and appreciate you sharing it with us. See you next adventure! Have a great rest of the weekend and be safe!

[@ndyakangler]

Probably the first time they’ve been caught this year!

[@muffinstealer88]

That was a HUGE Smally!

[@jmanf223]

that pike at the end was hilarious! I think we had the same reaction, I just froze and watched it happen

[@shlotchky]

So glad it's fishing season again so I can get more videos of you catching footballs

[@lupiaan2021]

The colors and markings on the fish are wildest I've seen! Nice video, as always \m/

[@MBPFishing]

Always a great day when you get to go for Smalley's even if you don't catch him as long as you get to go for then it's a good day. 👍😁 Catchings always great but it's bonus.

[@rossdunlop2274]

such a nice looking current

[@gus5918]

that was some elite fishing skill catching that 2nd smallie under the building!

[@adamstainker5411]

Absolutely love your videos

[@BenjySparky]

Matt you rock! Love seeing you catch them bass! Peace

[@tweedleduhm9931]

Thanks for the video! Beautiful fishes caught!

[@feldwing]

hi, nice fish nice river nice job a little hello from the france

[@davidtanner6834]

Most excellent content every time. Thanks for sharing

[@knuckledragger2412]

Did the same thing this morning. Great day👍

[@underdogoutdoors]

Wish I was fishing! So nice to watch while stuck at my desk!

[@fatballsakagrandpa3697]

Grandpa Was Here 🤘🏻💯🇺🇸🤫☕️

[@youravgfisherman400]

Always love the videos. So glad you don’t play music over ur videos. Rather here the nature and the sound of the water.

[@robwilliams4958]

Sir, you are the Bob Ross of fishing.

[@paintball4908]

That's a great day of fishing!!!!

[@craigjohnchronicles2504]

Such a good day of fishing. Hoping to get my canoe out on the water a couple of times next week - which will be the first time canoe fishing this season. I so need this...

[@pigsandapples]

Wonderful. Thank you!

[@toddsgreatoutdoors4226]

You go, brother. Keep slaying them!😊😊😊

[@dugganclhallrentals2089]

Your videos are a treat. Keep them coming.

[@kevinm594]

That "Howdy" always brightens my day!

[@hankcogburn2600]

And we’re off!!!

[@JasonJebezSam]

I absolutely NEED to experience this river some day. It looks amazing!

[@smittycubez]

Easily my favorite KZbinr great work keep it up

[@SBX70]

Those are some really nice fish, great colors! I enjoy river fishing too. Those fish are huge!

[@mattgoodchild8215]

Your back ...superb Matt Wicked video as always thank you 👍🎣🐳🍻

[@mikecollins2476]

I like that you used a spinning reel and 12lb mono felt nostalgic. Those black bitsy bugs are one of the only jigs I throw they get bit everywhere.

[@davidutley619]

another great fishing trip ... awsome job matt

[@oldmanfred8676]

Love how you added tge Bird sound tape to this video!😊 Laughing