finding a new plastic for river smalls

[jmatheny9]

I'm looking to get a new injection mold and am wondering whats everyone thinks would be the best. i fish mostly the south branch of the potomac river in west virginia for smallmouth ranging from 11-19 inches. water is less than 6ft in most places and the bottom is rocky. also, the water is most time clear but can get a little murky. Lets see how much you all can help!
p.s. i use 4 inch lizards now in pumpkin seed or watermelon red and usually put the hurting on them but looking for something bigger. 

thanks in advance.

[kipbass]

Just a guess, but a small Do it swing jig and a baby brush hog. Or, one of Do its small creature baits. I'm only suggesting since you mention the four inch lizard.

[pjmcla]

I am not a major player in clear water small mouth; but, based on my reading a mad dad craw ( 3 XL maybe ) would be a bait I would have to consider for a terrestrial,  and a 4 inch Wutz-It or 3.5" Super Fry for a minnow style bait.  Possibly the 2.5 inch Stinger Wutz-It for a smaller offering if the others seem larger than you like.   

[jmatheny9]

i like the four inch wutz-it and am thinking about the lil toad sticker. anyone have advice on the sticker?
thanks for the replies, they're greatly appreciated

[andrewlamberson]

Smallmouth are my favorite target on the Mississippi up her da Northland.

My top  baits would be:
1. MadDad 3XL on a football jig
2. CC Glider (for smallmouth and walleye) on a worm nose or darter jig
3. 4.85 Freedom fry (or the 3.85 if the fish are running smaller) rigged wacky or Carolina.

If you're looking for something different....and "bigger" I'd go with the Wittle Wutz It (4"). It would give you a totally different look/technique to throw at them.

BUT....If I could only buy/ fish ONE bait...it would have to be the 3" Super Smoothy tube. You can catch them on the fall (light jig)...bouncing off the bottom( medium weight jig)....dragged across the bottom (heavy jig)...or even as a minnow/jerk bait (using a really light worm nose jig or just a worm hook Texas rigged). Walleye love 'em too!

[Jerry V]

If it were me... I'd PM Jeff Little.  That dude has a grip like no one on what goes on with the Smallies in your part of the world.  Perhaps I can get him to chime in on this.

Jerry

[Botanophilia]

4" g tube or the already mentioned 3" smoothy.  I have the 4" g, it works great.  I use the 7" ribbon tail worm a lot for river smallies too.  I just picked up the 3.5" swim shad and will be putting that to good use this year.

[sim]

Me? I'm going to go with a 4" grub on a 3/16 shroom head - the 3.5" grub from CCM is very close to my goto for river smallies (The 4" yamamoto grub) and will likely replace the yammie grub as I run out and make my own.

I won't tell you my secret color tho...

[Justin9j]

3.5 tube. Football shaky.

[siscojj]

I fish the shenandoah river in frederick county va and the potamac is real similar,i use senkos,tubes and plastic jerk baits and usually do very well.
I make my senkos heavier than stors bought so i can get them down in the rapids and swifter waters,thats one of the many pluses for making your own baits.
You'll find that the members on this site will answere any question you have and be as helpful as possible. And im hoping one day soon do-it will release a madtom and hellgramite mold. They do produce quality products.      Jay

[Denny Welch]

Don't forget smalljaw's bucktail jigs.

[Jeff Little]

The three inch Caney Creek Glider is a good bet this time of year.  I have a custom mold that makes something very similar.  It's what I am using tomorrow on the icy Susquehanna.  Fish it on a 3/32nd oz worm nose jig, or one of the lighter weighted hook jig.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcDv7feRra8

When it warms up, or in this cold water if they are active, try a 5 inch Wutz It on a weighted hook jig. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yu1HmOTSdBk

[Lamar]

  When I fished that area with a buddy a few years back we wacked them on a sinko. It was early early spring. I remember not feeling my hands it was so cold. Great fishery. Take care of it.

[MonteSS]

My buddy fished smaller rivers and I make him 3.85 Freedom Fries using my sinking Senko formula. He fishes Texas and wacky and loves them.

[jmatheny9]

i forgot to add that we use senko styles that i make in the more slack water or behind rocks in the rapids. keep the suggestions coming though!