New guy here - and I have a story!

[Dipsnort]

Hello, fellow fisherpersons! I'm new to the forum and hope to make this my "go to" place for bass fishing information sharing.

I am traditionally a trout kinda guy, but after watching a few bass fishing shows on the tube, I was felt somewhat introduced to the sport last Summer.

I set out for my first "pure" bass fishing experience in an Eastern Washington Lake, using my ultralite rod/reel with 4 lb. test line to go after what I thought would be "smallish" largemouth bass in the bay of a pretty clear lake. Afterall, I've caught those things up to about 10" or so on occasion while going after trout.

So there I was, casting about a 3 1/2" black/gold sinking Rapala with a very irregular retreive, when all of a sudden, it was absolutely crushed by a fish that was bent on gettin' the heck outta dodge! Turned out to be a 17" smallmouth (the first I ever remember catching) that I estimated to be 3 1/2 lbs!

Let me tell you, it didn't take long for me to figure out that I was going to need more stout gear than I was using if I was going to try catching any of this fish's buddies. So, I went back to the car and grabbed my regular trout rod with 6 lb. line and proceeded to nail two more smallies in the lake that day. Incredibly, they were all almost exactly the same size.

So anyway, my interest in bass was jump started big time, and now I go when I get the time and I think I might have a chance to catch a few.

I haven't been able to replicate that day yet, but I've been successful catching largemouths on a buzz bait and on a plastic frog in the lily pads, which I find to be heart pounding excitement!

So, here's the deal...I've got a week long family vacation scheduled at Dworshak Reservoir in Northern Idaho in late August this year, and I'm already trying to figure out the best way to nail the smallmouths there. I see that this is where the Idaho state record smallmouth was caught a few years age, and so I'm hoping that I will be able to get into the action.

I'm looking for any tips that you all might have to help me in this adventure. My topigraphical map shows the reservoir to be at an elevation of about 1600' and it looks to be a couple hundred feet deep.

I would love to try topwater baits & crank baits primarily, but am open to other tactics as well. Can anyone suggest ideas on how to catch the big boys? By the way, I will be using a float tube or pontoon boat, and I do not have depth/fish finding electronics. :help:

[Mtn. Basser]

I fished Dworshak once for smallies while I was going to the University of Idaho. It was October and we threw dropshots and carolina rigs on points and humps from 15-30 feet deep. Unfortunately, there is very little shore access due to the topography surrounding the reservoir. A float tube or pontoon will be very limiting of the areas that you can fish. We put a boat in by the dam and ran WAY up into the backwaters towards Dent Bridge. You might look for camping spots or places to put in up towards the upper end of the reservoir- this seems to be the most popular spot for smallies.

In August you will want to throw topwaters against the bank as early in the morning as you can get on the water- often times the bite slows down as soon as the sun is on the water. Throw them again right before dark. During the day crankbaits, grubs, and carolina rigs should get you the fish when they move deep for the heat of the day.

Hope this helps,
Josh.

[Mtn. Basser]

Here's a couple of links:

Map of campgrounds from the Corps of Engineers
http://www.nww.usace.army.mil/corpsoutdoors/dwa/CampSites1.htm

Idaho Fish & Game Dworshak info:
http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/common/maps/angguid/dworshak.htm

[Dipsnort]

Thanks, Mtn. Basser! As much as I've searched the internet for Dworshak, I've not seen the fishing related info. on your second link.

By the way, we're camping at Dworshak State Park, which appears to be about 5 miles West of the Dent Bridge. If I can find good fishing in the area of camp, it would definitely be a plus. :smirk:

[shalom]

Welcome Aboard . You will love this board . It is very habit forming . :dance: :angel:

[Beerbelly]

Welcome!!!!! :cheers:

[Love Fishin']

Welcome to Ifish and bass fishing. :cheers: :applause:

[Wannabe]

They have it right...topwater early. My favorite for locating bass is a good ol super spook on a casting rod with 14 lb. It casts a mile and the 14lb line floats better than lighter line which helps you to work the bait better. If their short striking you ... you may want to downsize.
Welcome aboard.
<)))><

[Dipsnort]

Thanks for the welcome folks! :smile:

Another thing I really want to do for bass it try some sort of braided line (which I have never used before), because I want to go strong with a small diameter. Is braided line appropriate for any kind of bass fishing (crank baits, top water, working slow with plastics, etc.)? How concerned should I be about the fact that even though it's small in diameter, it does not have the same "invisible" properties as monofiliment?

I have heard good things about the spook for top water fishing, but I don't currently have one in my arsenal. I guess I'll need to pick one up and give it a go. I also understand that prop baits are good for topwater smallmouth fishing in choppy water, so I've got that on my shopping list too. How about my buzz bait - will that thing work on smallmouths?

[shalom]

Dipsnort ,
You will want to pay attention to Wannabe . He is the man that I go to for advice . I have used braided line for Salmon and Steelhead with good results . I haven’t figured an application for BASS fishing yet .The braided line that I have used will sink so it would not be good for top water as you will want your line to float . I have heard of people using a fly line coating to make there line float better . I would do as Wannabe suggested and use 14-pound line . It works great for me . Another thing that he has suggested is never buy one lure or crankbait , always buy at least two of the same lure . If you only have one lure and it is catching fish you wouldn’t want to lose it and not have another . I have been there and done that and it isn’t fun . I now have two of the same lures when I fish .
Good luck fishing . :dance: :angel:

Shalom

[Fishfeet]

Hey! Welcome!! I`m in the learning stage my self, and have also been a Salmon, Steelhead type of kid for most of my life. These smallies never cease to amaze me! What a kick!! Hope to see ya on the water one of these day`s. This be one heck of a good bunch of people! Enjoy! Ff. :dance:

[Dipsnort]

Good advice on having more than one of the "good" lures! Fortunately, I rarely lose any, but I've had to replace a lost spinnerbait and plastic frog. Oh well, it gives me a chance to try out some of my other gear. I don't know about the rest of you, but when I catch one, I usually stick with the same lure/technique through thick and thin most of the rest of the day. :wink:

[Stz ll]

Welcome Aboard!! :cheers: