This creek is FULL of bass and musky! Come along as we drift a new river in search of anything that will bite! We find smallmouth, largemouth, and GIANT muskie as we kayak through deep pools and shallow riffles. With no expectations and no information we adapt to the changing conditions, catching fish on everything from topwater to crankbaits. We even get the opportunity to throw big baits at some fired up musky!
Today’s video is all about relaxing and having a good time. When we arrived in East Tennessee we knew that river drifting in the kayaks was going to be a great opportunity for all sorts of species and this is our first chance to get out and try it. We anticipated big smallmouth in this stream but we had no idea that 4’ long predators would be lurking in every pool! Thankfully Matt had packed a travel rod and a couple big baits just in case… while he never connected on a musky, he had multiple opportunities throughout the day as fish chased and reacted to his glide bait.
If you’ve never considered travel rods they’re a great option for bringing rods along in tight spaces like the kayak. We use travel rods when traveling out of the country but they’ve proven to be invaluable for last second trips. Because they pack down so small they’re great for keeping in the car, truck, or kayak “just in case”.
Below you’ll find a breakdown of the gear we were using throughout the day including the rods, travel rods, and kayaks. The bait and equipment links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item. The kayak link goes directly to the manufacturer’s website where you can get more information on the Sportsman Series kayak.
Topwater…
-Megabass Pop X Popper: https://bit.ly/3i9T3sg
-River2Sea Whopper Plopper 75 (Phantom Shad): http://bit.ly/2bsPbQV
Ned Rig…
Bait- Roboworm 3″ (Black Blue Pumpkin): http://bit.ly/2j9F0Xy
Hook- Swagger Tungsten 1/8 oz Ned Head: http://bit.ly/2KcIB6M
Stick Bait…
Bait- Yamamoto 4″ Senko (Watermelon): http://bit.ly/2axAmNS
Hook- Gamakatsu Weedless Finesse Wide Gap Size 1: http://bit.ly/2aKGmHM
Finesse Swimbait…
Bait- Keitech 4″ Easy Shiner: http://bit.ly/2bxJK6H
Hook- Dirty Jigs 1/8 oz Guppy Head 1/0: http://bit.ly/2nyUJRS
Crankbait…
Bait- Megabass Super-Z Z1 Squarebill: https://bit.ly/2Y9dkHB
Colors: Mat Craw 2, Wild Craw
Glidebait…
Bait- River2Sea S-Waver 200: http://bit.ly/2aiu8Sh
Color: Bone
Kayak…
Old Town Sportsman Autopilot 136: https://bit.ly/3h9ngaS
Finesse Crankbait Combo…
Rod- G Loomis IMX Pro 7’2″ Deep Flex 864 CBR: http://bit.ly/2og0BmK
Reel- Shimano Aldebaran MGL 50 HG: http://bit.ly/2uQ4oH8
Line- Sunline Assassin 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2h4LNjm
Finesse Spinning Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2osaj3q
Reel- Shimano Ultegra 1000: http://bit.ly/2nfApml
Line- Power Pro 15 lb Braid: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader- Sunline Sniper 6 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Budget Finesse Spinning Combo…
Rod- Shimano Intenza 7′ Medium Light: http://bit.ly/2s7kaQn
Reel- Shimano NASCI 2500: http://bit.ly/2g278cC
Line- Power Pro Maxcuatro 20 lb: http://bit.ly/2clBRiQ
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb Mono: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
Travel Rods are an amazing option when space and storage are an issue. Today Matt was using an older version of an F5 Swimbait travel rod paired with a Tranx 300 casting reel. There are a variety of widely available travel rods at various budgets to meet the needs of every angler. If you’re interested in giving them a try here are some of our favorites.
Travels Rods…
High End Casting- Megabass Triza Series: https://bit.ly/2Glg3au
Budget Casting- Daiwa Ardito TR Travel: https://bit.ly/36f22pT
Budget Spinning- Daiwa Ardito TR Travel: https://bit.ly/3n3MIT2
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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Equipment We Recommend…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#bassfishing #kayakfishing #kayak