Smallmouth season is just around the bend.

[Fred Mertz]

Funny you should ask...I was just sorting out my smallie boxes


If you're looking for an alternative to the fly posted above for about half the cost,
people I trust tell me the Murdich Minnow is catching anything big that swims, including
smallies. 


And you can get them here...http://www.michiganstreamside.com/flies_streamers.htm
(Mod, please yank this link, if not appropriate)

And, here's one I made and called the Silly Crayfish.


It's silly because of the silly legs, how easy it is to tie, and how many smallies it catches.  The 1 1/4 inch holographic copper isn't cheap, but it sure grabs their attention.

Can't wait to get after 'em again!

Mike,  thanks for starting this thread.  I'd love to see other's "go to" flies for smallies.

[Looper Flies]

These are a few examples that worked wonders for me last season:

[Fred Mertz]

Sam,
Those look good!
What hook are you tying them on?

[Steve H]

Fred, take a look at this thread with the complete instructions and recipe.

http://trophyfishingtn.com/smf/index.php?topic=3661.0

Great fly!

[Fred Mertz]

Thanks Steve.  I'll give it a shot.

[Troy Basso]

Well I hope you all realize ther are no smallmouth in Middle Tennessee at all. That coupled with the cost of travel and fuel I suggest everyone who is thinking about smallies just forget it and go catch some skip jack.... we have plenty of those

[Glenn Hawkins]

Here is some tying info I found on a pattern called Surf Candy.  Check it out.
http://www.stripersurf.com/FG_RubberCandy.htm

[gaspergou]

Thanks to whoever pointed out that Charlie's Airheads are hollow (Duh!). I built up a new test batch using the blunt end of a Sharpie as a base, everting the hair backwards over the pen and goo-ing the heck out of the head. More Shamu-looking than CAs, but also more gizzard shad-like. Hmm... Length on that is about 4". On a quick test below Nickajack this past Saturday they had excellent action and accounted for several nice white bass and a big drum (boy, that was a hoot!). I'm not sure the little bit of extra flotation over wool-based versions is worth the additional effort during tying, but I'll keep at it...

The second pic is one of the aforementioned muskie-sized wool-based/goo-covered versions. I tossed one for a bit hoping for a wayward striper, to no avail. Looks like it's going to be a while before the rivers drop enough to test them on toothy critters... 



[attachment deleted by admin]

[GT]

Fred Mertz, Our smallie boxes look very similiar. I see a lot of the same patterns in yours that I carry. red/white hackles, zoo cougars, T&A bows, clouser floating minnows,wigle minnows,  etc.

I've been tying more articulated lately. Good for bass and trout

[Steve H]

Nice flies.

[John M]

Nice flies Gary we need to get together and fish this season if it every quits raining

[Fred Mertz]

GT,
Those are some nice ties you have there. 
Looks like you do fine work.  I love to fish the crayfish patterns, too.

Sam,
Tried to tie one of your yellow and chartruese flies.  Used a red hook.



I've got some work to do to make them look as good as yours, but it looks like it may fish.
How are you presenting them to the fish?  Just on the quarter swing?
Thanks for sharing the pattern.

[Looper Flies]

strip, strip, pause...

kinda like them workin' wemmens.....    i support single mommas

don't tell my wife