Caught my first Smallmouth in Lake Washington this evening; fishing from the shore around Kirkland.

Caught and released a very nice 14 -15" smallmouth that fell to a Rapala lipless shad. It was tucked under a dock, and I must say it was an excellent fighter on my 7' light Loomis. A short 6 foot flip/finesse cast under the pier did the trick., and it hit the Rapala on the sink.

I lost another one on a 5" Senko, I think it was a short take that never made it to the hook. It was hanging on for 6-7 seconds. I guess with Senkos, you have to hold a few seconds before setting the hook to give a smaller fish a chance to inhale it. I lost another one the other day on a " Storm Wild Eye Minnow"-- Swims great, but I can see smaller fish missing because the tail is so long on the minnow. I tried a lot of shallow areas with no strikes, the only action was under docks!

I had a great time, fishing from 7-9, around the docks, and shallows.

Joe

Rob G.

6/11/2008 8:12:00 AM

great report...I like how you documented your tackle and all your techniques. I feel like I'm really killing the trout right now (cuz there are so many) I'm ready to move over to the dark side of bass fishing....

Bigbass Dez

6/11/2008 8:30:00 AM

Good Job JOE . I am always a fan of a angler that uses more than one technique...I have had alot of success under the docks as well ..Keep puting in work i see a 5 pounder in your future ...BBD

JoeC.

6/11/2008 10:19:00 AM

Thanks Bigbass, and Rob:

You do have to work hard for the bass; especially if you on shore/foot. They seem to be under cover.

I was down in Lake Shasta (CA) last month averaging 10-12 smallmouth an afternoon with a rented boat. Lakes like that can really spoil you!

Joe C.

mrbass

6/12/2008 12:17:00 AM

hey JoeC., good work! I my self have statred smallie fishing. but still large mouth is my main target. With hooks you have to try different ones to see how the hook up is always not the same,due to the bite. now this works for me small short srikes I go to offset long shank like a sluggo hook, it puts the hook in faster if the bass think they are slik. so far my hook up rate is better. but what ever you try happy fishing......................fish on.....................

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