Buyer's Guide: Basic Smallmouth Baits & Gear

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With winter pushing in, now is the time to make a "Buyer's Guide" of Smallmouth Gear to help you get ready for next season. This Buyer's Guide lists the "must have" Smallmouth Baits and Gear that I recommend for beginning or general purpose smallmouth bass fishing!
New Buyer's Guide videos will be posted every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the winter!
For the Full Video Schedule check out my Patreon► bit.ly/BRNPatreon
💥MONSTERBASS Box ► bit.ly/MONSTERBASS💥
Use code "BEN15" for $15 Off your First Box!
Crankbaits:
Rapala DT10 (Ike's Blue Back Herring, Caribbean Shad, Demon) - omnia.direct/92023DT10
Strike King 3xd (Chart Perch, Wicked, Green Gizzard Shad) - omnia.direct/92023SK3xD
Jerkbaits:
Rapala Shadow Rap Deep (Haymaker, Olive Green, Moss Back Shiner) - omnia.direct/92023RapalaDeep
6th Sense Provoke 106x (American Shad, Ghost Pro Shad) - omnia.direct/92023Provoke
Spinnerbaits:
Booyah 3/8oz Double Willow (White, Chartreuse/White) - omnia.direct/92023Booyah
Swimbaits:
Keitech Swing Impact Fat (Tennessee Shad, Electric Shad, Ayu) - omnia.direct/92023Keitech
Strike King Rage Swimmer (Ayu, Pro Blue Red Pearl) - omnia.direct/92023RageSwimmer
VMC Swimbait Jighead (1/4 or 3/8oz) - omnia.direct/92023VMCSwim
Tube:
KVD 3.5" Coffee Tube (Magic Goby, KVD Kick, Smoke Gold Purple Flake) - omnia.direct/92023Tube
Bite Me Tube Jighead (3/16 or 1/4oz) - omnia.direct/92023Biteme
Dropshot:
Berkley Powerbait Flat Worm (Mango Magic, Goby) - omnia.direct/92023FlatWorm
VMC Neko Hook (#2) - omnia.direct/92023VMCNeko
QuikDrop Dropshot Weights (3/16 or 1/4oz) - omnia.direct/92023Dropshot
Ned Rig:
Z-Man TRD TicklerZ (Green Pumpkin) - omnia.direct/92023TicklerZ
Z-Man Hula StickZ (Drew's Craw) - omnia.direct/92023Hula
Z-Man TRD ShroomZ Head (1/5oz) - omnia.direct/92023NedHook
Line:
PowerPro Vermillion Red Braid (15lb) - omnia.direct/92023PowerPro
Sunline Fluorocarbon (8 or 14lb) - omnia.direct/92023Sunline
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Пікірлер: 112

  • @thejonath
    @thejonath Жыл бұрын

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

  • @stevec9625
    @stevec9625 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @timperry6095
    @timperry60954 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @juanlemos80
    @juanlemos802 жыл бұрын

    This guy is great! Thank you!

  • @my71chevro1et
    @my71chevro1et4 жыл бұрын

    I also like that Provoke 106x

  • @SupermanBB
    @SupermanBB Жыл бұрын

    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!

  • @kurtriedmuller8223
    @kurtriedmuller82234 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video super informative straight to the point thanks Ben

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you Kurt!

  • @joshmackenzie9068
    @joshmackenzie90682 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @Cooper260
    @Cooper260 Жыл бұрын

    Great channel very informative

  • @billyburton4487
    @billyburton44874 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @davidcloyd1296
    @davidcloyd12967 ай бұрын

    That was a very good video, thanks

  • @carlstreet7095
    @carlstreet709510 ай бұрын

    Like your hoodie! Been a Wings fan for years!

  • @victorsimonsen921
    @victorsimonsen9214 жыл бұрын

    good info

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Victor!

  • @nawinchester
    @nawinchester4 жыл бұрын

    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. :-)

  • @MisterTwister88
    @MisterTwister884 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @victorxavier9977
    @victorxavier99774 жыл бұрын

    Hey Ben another great video thx!

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Victor!

  • @michaelgallardo6113
    @michaelgallardo6113 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @HeavyChevy32
    @HeavyChevy324 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @HeavyChevy32

    @HeavyChevy32

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @ifitdontshatteritdontmatte4715

    @ifitdontshatteritdontmatte4715

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @davidmelendez4729
    @davidmelendez47294 жыл бұрын

    YES! 👊🏽👍🏽💥

  • @shawnbeck2303
    @shawnbeck23034 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Shawn!

  • @akbuilder7626
    @akbuilder76264 жыл бұрын

    Heddon Zara Spook gets big bass.

  • @HeavyChevy32
    @HeavyChevy324 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @kentyler966
    @kentyler9664 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @constellationshots3893
    @constellationshots38933 жыл бұрын

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

  • @micropterus5868
    @micropterus58684 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much!

  • @bcleave88
    @bcleave884 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @bcleave88

    4 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @FOUCHFABS
    @FOUCHFABS2 жыл бұрын

    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?

  • @chrisroose779
    @chrisroose7793 жыл бұрын

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

  • @makeupstarr192
    @makeupstarr1922 жыл бұрын

    Will the crank bait work with stubborn bass

  • @great207
    @great2074 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @terryclowers4433
    @terryclowers44334 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @jimfrancis
    @jimfrancis2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @zacharynicely7127
    @zacharynicely71272 жыл бұрын

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

  • @johnshideler5244
    @johnshideler52443 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Agreed dude! :-)

  • @davidshea6317
    @davidshea63172 жыл бұрын

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

  • @philturinsky27
    @philturinsky272 жыл бұрын

    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!!

  • @nawinchester
    @nawinchester4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @BassGeek
    @BassGeek4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @BassGeek

    @BassGeek

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @juanoramo
    @juanoramo Жыл бұрын

    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

    @kencleg7721

    Жыл бұрын

    Tiki worms

  • @jasonbeckfishing
    @jasonbeckfishing4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @cabinvibeetsystore9094
    @cabinvibeetsystore9094 Жыл бұрын

    New sub ! Liked 👍😊👏❤️🔥

  • @TheDruxlol
    @TheDruxlol4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @stephenzeppenfeldt221
    @stephenzeppenfeldt221 Жыл бұрын

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

  • @glenndaugherity6187
    @glenndaugherity61874 жыл бұрын

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

  • @kdfbaits409

    @kdfbaits409

    2 жыл бұрын

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

  • @upstateangler9575
    @upstateangler95754 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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
    @terryclowers44334 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @OklahomasWorstAngler
    @OklahomasWorstAngler4 жыл бұрын

    I just like chasing Ben videos

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @karlgetsfish2257
    @karlgetsfish22574 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @travisjones828
    @travisjones8282 жыл бұрын

    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

  • @brandonhabermas3428
    @brandonhabermas34284 жыл бұрын

    Go wings

  • @benbaxter1949
    @benbaxter19494 жыл бұрын

    First, love ur vids

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks Ben!

  • @mikefromoh2925
    @mikefromoh29253 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brnowak_fishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @jasonmartin729
    @jasonmartin72910 ай бұрын

    What about a crawfish dt

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    9 ай бұрын

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

  • @myankovich01
    @myankovich014 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @hunterbushell3276
    @hunterbushell32762 жыл бұрын

    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
    @skyelerscott59034 жыл бұрын

    would a kvd 1.5 or a 1.5 deep diver work

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @skyelerscott5903

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@brnowak_fishing tthank you

  • @Shawn_Lai
    @Shawn_Lai4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Shawn_Lai
    @Shawn_Lai4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @Shawn_Lai

    @Shawn_Lai

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @tylerleigh3264
    @tylerleigh32643 жыл бұрын

    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.

  • @johngill9071
    @johngill90714 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    john Gill thanks for watching John

  • @zachfisher915
    @zachfisher9154 жыл бұрын

    Has nothing to do with fishing but LGRW

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @zachfisher915

    @zachfisher915

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Very true!

  • @JCDropshot
    @JCDropshot4 жыл бұрын

    Ssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhh 👨‍🦯🎣🎣🎣🎣

  • @rosshall312
    @rosshall3124 жыл бұрын

    Bass do not see chartreuse !!!!

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @brentbusick2245

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @rosshall312

    4 жыл бұрын

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

  • @brentbusick2245

    @brentbusick2245

    4 жыл бұрын

    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

    @rosshall312

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@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 ????

  • @nickwilson3498
    @nickwilson34984 жыл бұрын

    Way to many adds

  • @brnowak_fishing

    @brnowak_fishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Whoops 🤷🏼‍♂️ sorry

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