Kayak Fishing for Smallies: Keep It Simple and Productive
6-minute read
Want success kayak fishing for smallies? Then keep reading to learn some great tips from Bending Branches Ambassador Bill Schultz. He’s caught and released over 35,000 of them, and is still going!
Bending Branches National ProStaffer Bill Schultz with a nice 5-pound smallie
Bill has been a valued member of our National ProStaff team for many years now (and also has the distinction of living in our beautiful state of Wisconsin). One of the things he enjoys the most is sharing his knowledge and experience with others through articles and workshops.
We were able to nail him down between activities long enough for him to offer you his best tips on fishing for smallmouth bass from a kayak.
Enjoy our interview with Bill Schultz:
BENDING BRANCHES: Why do you particularly focus on fishing for smallies?
BILL: When I got back into fishing in 1992, I was catching and releasing whatever I could find. In late May 1994, I was fishing for walleyes on Delevan Lake in southeast Wisconsin. I caught over 100 “not quite” legal walleyes and a dozen of what I assumed were smallmouth bass. I do remember thinking how hard they fought, and as fish go, a pretty fish!
From that day in 1994 to 1998, I slowly spent more time chasing smallmouth bass, and by 1999, smallies were all I caught and released! Now after over 35,500 caught and released, I haven’t lost the excitement of this great fish!
BRANCHES: What have been your biggest keys to success?
BILL: As they say, “Location, location, location”! I’ve been fishing for smallies in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin (Door County) since 1995 and in smaller rivers in southeast and southwest Wisconsin since 1994. Just about all the locations I fish hold very good numbers of smallies. The waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan in Door County hold bigger smallies, but even an 11 or 12-incher in the current on a small river is very exciting.
Also, as we know, lures catch more anglers than fish! I have done a good job of using a relatively few very productive lures over three-plus decades I’ve chased smallies! Over the past 10 years, the Ned Rig with a Z-Man Fishing Finesse TRD has been a great presentation. The best color TRD is Green Pumpkin Goby. I have probably caught 5,000 to 6,000 on this lure alone.
Another truly great shallow river lure is the Rebel Teeny-Wee Crawfish. It has a really tight vibration, and the swimming nose down-bounces off the rocks we have in most of our rivers. Small swimbaits like the Keitech USA 2.8 FAT Swing Impact and Z-Man 2.5” and 3” Slim SwimZ have been great lures on small rivers and the big waters of Lake Michigan and Green Bay.
BRANCHES: What are your best tips for beginning kayak anglers in fishing for smallies?
BILL: I think the best advice is what I just mentioned: to try and find waters that hold good numbers. And when you find those fighting bronzebacks, keep your spots to yourself, lol!
I do feel that having the proper rod and reel is important. Places like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s and tackle stores have so many products that it can truly be overwhelming.
Here’s my offer to you beginners: If you have specific questions about rods, reels, line, lures, etc., email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com. I’ll be happy to answer your questions.
BRANCHES: What gear is essential for kayak fishing “simply and productively”?
BILL: Personally, I keep it simple by using both a paddle and a pedal kayak. I do like longer sit-on-top kayaks (SOT). I see too many kayak anglers with kayaks in that nine and ten-foot range. These are OK, but unless you only fish little rivers, go a little longer.
Also, buying the lightest, most expensive paddle you can afford is important. I’ll elaborate when answering one of the next questions.
When you’re buying your fishing kayak, be sure to take into consideration how you’re going to transport it. Are you mostly going to be alone or with someone else? Even lighter SOT paddle kayaks can weigh 70–90 pounds, with self-propelled kayaks even heavier.
Talk with your outfitter about roof rack options, and, like me, you might want to buy a nice kayak trailer like the Malone MicroSport, which is what I use. It’s so easy just backing up to the water or close to the water.
I think having two flush-mount rod holders behind the kayak seat and possibly one or two RAM rod holders is important. Also, depending on the size of the tankwell behind your seat with a SOT kayak, some sort of storage crate. These can be fancy with lids and additional rod holders, or as simple as a milk crate you add a couple rod holders to.
BRANCHES: How about gear that isn’t essential, but is helpful or optional?
BILL: Most of my kayak river fishing is on a southwest Wisconsin river, which I’m very familiar with, as I am with the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, so I’ve never put a locator on any of my kayaks, going back to day one 16 years ago.
However, a simple locator with a lightweight battery can be a nice addition, especially if you are not familiar with the waters you fish. I’m seeing some of the fishing kayaks looking like expensive bass boats with one or more locators, trolling motors, power poles, etc. Most of this is overkill for the average kayak angler.
BRANCHES: Why is a good kayak fishing paddle needed, even with a pedal kayak?
BILL: For my fishing, I have two Jackson SOT kayaks and love my paddle fishing. I also have a Jackson Coosa FD pedal kayak. It’s obvious with a paddle kayak how important the paddle is, and as noted earlier, get the lightest, most expensive paddle you can afford.
In my opinion, paddling with a heavy paddle can really dampen any kayak outing! Even with a self-propelled kayak, I use the paddle heading in and out from shore. And, if something happens to your pedal unit, you’d hate to be without a paddle!
Fishing from SOT kayaks, I use paddles with larger blades that more easily push my bigger kayaks. For quite a few years, my paddles of choice have been the Bending Branches Angler Pro Carbon or Angler Pro in the 240-255cm length with the Versa-Lok ferrule that allows me to adjust the length depending on the conditions. These are in the 27 to 30 oz. range. At a more reasonable price and still fairly light is the Bending Branches Angler Ace with the Versa-Lok.
BRANCHES: What else would you like our readers to know?
BILL: I love kayak fishing, and the excitement of a big smallmouth bass in a kayak vs. my YarCraft boat is special. It’s difficult to cover everything in a Q&A article like this, so, as noted earlier, if you have any kayak fishing or chasing smallie questions, please email me at kayakfishingwisconsin@gmail.com.
That’s a generous offer from Bill, so take him up on it if you have questions! You can also follow him on Facebook.
Now go get those smallies!
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or bbinfo@bendingbranches.com, or choose our online chat option.
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