| If you've never tried ultra light fishing for | | | | like some sort of 'worm ball'. |
| Smallmouth Bass, you need to put it at the top | | | | The actual technique that I've experienced |
| of your fishing list. When I use the phrase 'ultra | | | | success with is to bounce my live worm off the |
| light fishing', I'm referring to ultra light gear spooled | | | | bottom, as it flows naturally downstream with the |
| with 4-6 pound test line and using small hooks and | | | | current. The rig is set up thusly: grab the end of |
| baits. If you've never had the pleasure of catching | | | | your line and tie on a small barrel swivel. Now tie |
| a 3+ pound Smallmouth on ultra light fishing gear, | | | | on a pre tied set of gang hooks (they can be tied |
| let me tell you, it's as much fun as you can have | | | | yourself or purchased, it makes little difference). |
| with your clothes on! I personally prefer to ultra | | | | At this point, split shot sinkers are added to the |
| light fish for Smallmouth Bass in the flowing | | | | line above the swivel. You want enough split shots |
| waters of rivers and streams, so that's what I'm | | | | to get your rig to the bottom, but not too many. |
| going to focus on in this article. | | | | Too much weight will result in getting snagged. |
| One of the most effective ways to catch | | | | Now add ½ of a live night crawler to the |
| Smallmouth Bass in a river and or stream situation | | | | gang hooks, and your good to go. |
| is through the use of live bait. Minnows, | | | | The goal is to bounce your offering off the |
| hellgrammites, leeches, crayfish, and worms can all | | | | bottom as it tumbles naturally downstream. Don't |
| be used effectively. A set of gang hooks is | | | | worry; with practice telling the difference between |
| probably the best way to present all of these | | | | bites and bottom will be easy. With a little practice |
| baits, but especially worms. You see, gang hooks | | | | you'll be using this technique to catch Smallmouth |
| enable the angler to present a live worm in a | | | | on ultra light fishing gear. And once you catch a |
| completely natural manner. In a "natural manner" | | | | few and realize how much fun it is, the fish won't |
| simply means outstretched, the way God | | | | be the only ones getting hooked, you will be |
| intended, rather than being threaded onto a hook | | | | hooked as well. |