Between jobs chunker
 

I had some unexpected free time in between jobs so I decided to check out a spot in Piscataway that I've fished around many times, but never in this exact specific location.

Given it was 3pm wasn't really expecting much. Luckily, the water is still at good levels and was just a touch stained from the rain in the am. This thing hit my 1/8 bitsy bug paired with artificial hellgramite. AMAZING fight on light action. Has to be my best smallmouth of the year and one of my pb's. I forgot to weigh it, but I measured 17 1/2 inches.

Also saw many sunny beds and fry in the shallows.

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Perfect, it's a thrill catching one that size. Looks like a heavy fish too.
Now what water did it come from; fast run or deep hole etc?

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

very nice bronzeback i thought that i was the only one using a helgie and bitsy bug combo for smallmouth they work well in the slower deeper water.

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Nice SMB, I may have to try the imitation hellgramites :)

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

It was more of slower, relatively deeper (3 foot or so) stretch like icebadger indicated.

It was actually 1st time using this set up. Inspired by NDyakangler on youtube, he always uses bitsy bugs. I've been using the hellgramite on standard jigs with no luck. It just felt right to pair the two. Brush guard makes lil more snag resistant and the skirt should give more action I thought.

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Great looking river Bronze!!!:D

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Good idea. NDYakAngler is one of my favorite channels. Great guy that isnt annoying unlike many popular youtube anglers and it also helps he's fishing the world's best smallmouth rivers.

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

That thing is a football!
Monster fish!
Good job.

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Awesome smallie, dude!

Re: Between jobs chunker
 

Sweet smallie man, love to see them all fattened up like that!:D