Had to go Mini

I guess the Labor Day weekend folks hammered the fishing area that’s available for bank fishing yesterday at lake McIntosh .
Fishing was tough this morning.
I started off fishing an older 6’6” St Croix Premier light action rod with a Shimano Soare BB 500spg and 2# line .
I fished the Premier for about thirty minutes and couldn’t handle it any longer .
The old rod just felt heavy and clumsy.
I had my Abu Garcia MB3 combo in the car but opted to put the Soare BB on a four piece 5’6” St Croix Triumph UL travel rod .
Big difference in feel . Casting distance with my hand tied jigs was about the same as with the longer rod .
I caught one fish on the Premier and a couple on the Triumph with my hand ties before switching to a Mini Trout Magnet .
First cast with a black MTM caught a fish .
I ended up catching an even dozen with nine of them on the Mini Trout Magnet .
Weather was a little warmer this morning.
The best four .

Some look down on anglers who target panfish using UL tackle and lures. To me, a challenge is a challenge regardless of species or stuff used to catch fish. I had the same experience as you: bite was dead in the water (couldn't help myself LOL), but downsizing and using light jigs helped me catch 20 fish I wouldn't have casting 1/16 oz + 2 3/4" plastics. (went to 1/24, 1/32 and lures 2" or shorter).

The weather has shifted fish locations in the lake I fish where 50-100 fish days are more the norm. Even fish seen on sonar hasn't been a sure thing like it was even a week ago. Can't wait for patterns to emerge soon where fish are schooled or grouped predictably after the 90 degree heat wave, few clouds and bright sun end.

Nice. Good job.

Glad you found some in spite of the tough conditions. It’s been a little slow for me too so don’t feel alone. Those are some good lookers you caught, no flies on that. Hope it improves by Tuesday or so when you and your friend meet.

Some pretty fish. I remember when Jeff Smith sent me the mini TM before it came out. I tried them and caught a lot of fish with them. Wish I could still use them but it is hard for me to tie one on[emoji23] Been that way for a long time now. A good lure no doubt.

Regards


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Originally Posted by Alphahawk

Some pretty fish. I remember when Jeff Smith sent me the mini TM before it came out. I tried them and caught a lot of fish with them. Wish I could still use them but it is hard for me to tie one on[emoji23] Been that way for a long time now. A good lure no doubt.

Regards


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Hardest part for me is getting the little bodies threaded straight on the hook .
I wish they made a size in between the mini and the regular TM .

Nice catches. Glad ya found some

Nice bunch for sure, Gill!

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Beautiful catches! Thanks for sharing.