Canada Smallies need help

Doh!

Lines - Power Pro 10/2, Fireline Crystal 8/3, Berkley Tracer Braid 2 pound equivalent diameter and the Daiwa Samurai 15/2 and the 18/2.5. The Samurai is the 8 strand, super smooth braid like the Power Pro Slick.

I used to use an 8# fluoro leader, but now 10# of about 30 - 40" to start.

thanks

I don't know how much you fish Door County, but I've been on the water over 170 days since 1995 and am at 5,000 smallies in all weather conditions. When I began using the Kalin's full-time in 2008 (I wish I wouldn't have waited), it was the 5". The top DC guide in my opinion swears by the 5" and he and I have had some good natured talks. We also joke about "how slow is slow". We both agree, "just faster than stopped, and not hitting the bottom".

But, in particular the past two years the 4" Smoke Salt and Pepper has been hard to beat. I haven't done any scientific studies. LOL But, most of my 680 smallies in 17 days of fishing from May 6 - June 24 came on the 4" Smoke Salt and Pepper. All this being said. Either one on the Gopher Tackle Big Johns Mushroom head jig, 3/32 oz., 2/0 hook, swum as slow as possible, should work. 4" will be better in colder water.

Tip for River guys. Blue Pearl Salt and Pepper and add the 1/16 oz Gopher Jig with 2/0 hook. I've used the 1/16 with succes in DC. They've made me some 3/0 versions that I like even better.

I may be somewhat of a one-trick pony, but the DC numbers are only some of the positive results and numbers with this great presentation.

And, there are probably many other guys who have done well in DC who may have never used the Kalin's Lunker grub and have their own favorite presentations. I do, but they just haven't produced as well.

SR

Also, another bait I forgot in my earlier list is a jerkbait. A size 8 X-Rap in clown color or olive green (for the natural look) is hard to beat.

Also, of my last couple thousand Door County smallies, almost all have been on the 4" Smoke Salt and Pepper.

This has worked great on other clear lakes, which you'd probably see in Canada. Stained water, Smoke Salt and Pepper.

SR

I'd also suggest a 3/8 or 1/2 oz. bright chartreuse spinnerbait with painted chartreuse blades. Smallies LOVE big spinnerbaits. The painted blades are crucial though IMO.

A dropshot rig with either a tube, finesse worm, or small craw bait on it also cannot be beat.

Good luck!