Top water Smallmouth bass! As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth...

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth bass. My anticipation was very high because of all the rumors that this lake generates about being a first class fishery.

Well, if you ask me right now, I'd say that not all rumors are true...the catch rate was much lower than I had hoped for. That's OK...because the purpose of being out there paddling is to have fun and enjoy the waterscape. Catching fish is the bonus!

The lake kept her secrets closely guarded, but did give up 9 smallies and one LM bass for my efforts. I trolled, made casts and flicked a Hula Popper as a topwater treat for the fish today. Only caught 2 bass while trolling and casting. The balance of the fish came on the top water bite this morning.

Fish sizes ranged between 13 and 16 inches. No "hawgs"...mostly mid sized juveniles...which might be the norm for this lake. During my paddle today, the graph indicated a random large fish here and there, but nothing that would raise eyebrows.

The water was extremely calm, and stayed that way during the entire outing. I had a 6' super ultra light spinning rod set up with a tiny Hula Popper, and as I was trolling with a different rod in a holder, I would notice small "minnow boils" here and there out in the deep part of the lake. Adjacent to the surface disturbances I would also notice what I assumed to be a bass working the minnows over.

So, the best part of having spent time on this lake was in selectively targeting the smallies as they were right up top, feeding on the minnow pods. Every time I paddled up within casting distance and laid that popper down, the bass would rev up, start a wake and steam ahead to check out what had just plurped into his domain. Each time this happened the result was a solid take, but not always a hook up.

Ultimately, although the morning played out differently than I had expected, the trip to this backwoods resort lake paid off with a check mark of success. Very glad that I was able to finally get a kayak on this lake and give it a try!

Arrival at just about 7 am. The lake awaits!

First fish of the day...a spunky 13 incher. Not a wall hanger...but proof of life (and bass) in this lake!

Magnificently calm water! Perfect for top water lure action!

The only smallie caught trolling. Nearly everything else came from on top, out in deep water (about 30').

It was a blast to observe a top feeding bass, paddle into proximity, and then make my offering of something larger than a minnow!

Making a get away under the kayak!

Although I tried quite a few lures today (all crank baits of some sort), this pair of lures did all the work that led to success.

E.pa.al Loc: Martin's Creek

Hey Yaker it sounds like a great day on the water,great pics. Nice setup you got there

NJ219bands Loc: New Jersey

Nice 👍

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Nice morning!

Randyhartford Loc: Lawrence, Kansas

fishyaker wrote:

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth bass. My anticipation was very high because of all the rumors that this lake generates about being a first class fishery.

Well, if you ask me right now, I'd say that not all rumors are true...the catch rate was much lower than I had hoped for. That's OK...because the purpose of being out there paddling is to have fun and enjoy the waterscape. Catching fish is the bonus!

The lake kept her secrets closely guarded, but did give up 9 smallies and one LM bass for my efforts. I trolled, made casts and flicked a Hula Popper as a topwater treat for the fish today. Only caught 2 bass while trolling and casting. The balance of the fish came on the top water bite this morning.

Fish sizes ranged between 13 and 16 inches. No "hawgs"...mostly mid sized juveniles...which might be the norm for this lake. During my paddle today, the graph indicated a random large fish here and there, but nothing that would raise eyebrows.

The water was extremely calm, and stayed that way during the entire outing. I had a 6' super ultra light spinning rod set up with a tiny Hula Popper, and as I was trolling with a different rod in a holder, I would notice small "minnow boils" here and there out in the deep part of the lake. Adjacent to the surface disturbances I would also notice what I assumed to be a bass working the minnows over.

So, the best part of having spent time on this lake was in selectively targeting the smallies as they were right up top, feeding on the minnow pods. Every time I paddled up within casting distance and laid that popper down, the bass would rev up, start a wake and steam ahead to check out what had just plurped into his domain. Each time this happened the result was a solid take, but not always a hook up.

Ultimately, although the morning played out differently than I had expected, the trip to this backwoods resort lake paid off with a check mark of success. Very glad that I was able to finally get a kayak on this lake and give it a try!

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissa... (show quote)

I love the look of that jointed crank! I have had some success with one like that on LMB.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

E.pa.al wrote:

Hey Yaker it sounds like a great day on the water,great pics. Nice setup you got there

Thank you E.pa.al! A fun day indeed! I've been wanting to give this lake a try for over 20 years...and finally made it happen today! The kayak is a 14 footer, pretty light and an easy roll to the water on the beach dolly!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

NJ219bands wrote:

Nice 👍

Thank you NJ219! I was hoping for some really big bass, but I'm happy for the ones that showed up to the banquet as they were!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

OJdidit wrote:

Nice morning!

Thank you OJdidit! When I saw the calm winds in the forecast last night I could hardly wait to rise and shine this morning. My wife helped me load the kayak last night so all I had to do was hop in the truck and head out!

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

Randyhartford wrote:

I love the look of that jointed crank! I have had some success with one like that on LMB.

Thank you Randy! That is one of my "go to" Rapalas for smallmouth bass. This morning it took a smallie, and the only LM bass that I ended up in a tango with. It has a very realistic appearance, and such enticing action that a fish can't stand to let it go by!

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

fishyaker wrote:

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth bass. My anticipation was very high because of all the rumors that this lake generates about being a first class fishery.

Well, if you ask me right now, I'd say that not all rumors are true...the catch rate was much lower than I had hoped for. That's OK...because the purpose of being out there paddling is to have fun and enjoy the waterscape. Catching fish is the bonus!

The lake kept her secrets closely guarded, but did give up 9 smallies and one LM bass for my efforts. I trolled, made casts and flicked a Hula Popper as a topwater treat for the fish today. Only caught 2 bass while trolling and casting. The balance of the fish came on the top water bite this morning.

Fish sizes ranged between 13 and 16 inches. No "hawgs"...mostly mid sized juveniles...which might be the norm for this lake. During my paddle today, the graph indicated a random large fish here and there, but nothing that would raise eyebrows.

The water was extremely calm, and stayed that way during the entire outing. I had a 6' super ultra light spinning rod set up with a tiny Hula Popper, and as I was trolling with a different rod in a holder, I would notice small "minnow boils" here and there out in the deep part of the lake. Adjacent to the surface disturbances I would also notice what I assumed to be a bass working the minnows over.

So, the best part of having spent time on this lake was in selectively targeting the smallies as they were right up top, feeding on the minnow pods. Every time I paddled up within casting distance and laid that popper down, the bass would rev up, start a wake and steam ahead to check out what had just plurped into his domain. Each time this happened the result was a solid take, but not always a hook up.

Ultimately, although the morning played out differently than I had expected, the trip to this backwoods resort lake paid off with a check mark of success. Very glad that I was able to finally get a kayak on this lake and give it a try!

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissa... (show quote)

Once again FY, great narrative and photos. Those smallies must have been an absolute blast on your ultralight, good going.

DCGravity Loc: Fairfax, VA (by way of Cleveland OH)

What a wonderful morning you had, fy! The natural surroundings, your perception of the activities below the surface, periodically punctuated by the smallies you caught. Very sublime how you framed your "money" lures with the lily pad background.👍

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

fishyaker wrote:

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth bass. My anticipation was very high because of all the rumors that this lake generates about being a first class fishery.

Well, if you ask me right now, I'd say that not all rumors are true...the catch rate was much lower than I had hoped for. That's OK...because the purpose of being out there paddling is to have fun and enjoy the waterscape. Catching fish is the bonus!

The lake kept her secrets closely guarded, but did give up 9 smallies and one LM bass for my efforts. I trolled, made casts and flicked a Hula Popper as a topwater treat for the fish today. Only caught 2 bass while trolling and casting. The balance of the fish came on the top water bite this morning.

Fish sizes ranged between 13 and 16 inches. No "hawgs"...mostly mid sized juveniles...which might be the norm for this lake. During my paddle today, the graph indicated a random large fish here and there, but nothing that would raise eyebrows.

The water was extremely calm, and stayed that way during the entire outing. I had a 6' super ultra light spinning rod set up with a tiny Hula Popper, and as I was trolling with a different rod in a holder, I would notice small "minnow boils" here and there out in the deep part of the lake. Adjacent to the surface disturbances I would also notice what I assumed to be a bass working the minnows over.

So, the best part of having spent time on this lake was in selectively targeting the smallies as they were right up top, feeding on the minnow pods. Every time I paddled up within casting distance and laid that popper down, the bass would rev up, start a wake and steam ahead to check out what had just plurped into his domain. Each time this happened the result was a solid take, but not always a hook up.

Ultimately, although the morning played out differently than I had expected, the trip to this backwoods resort lake paid off with a check mark of success. Very glad that I was able to finally get a kayak on this lake and give it a try!

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissa... (show quote)

Nice telling of the tale and showing of the tail, lol!! Beautiful pics!

Fishdadd Loc: NE Ohio

What led you to swap out the trebles for the singles on your crankbait?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

fishyaker wrote:

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissance last week, I managed to gain access to a nice little 240 acre lake this morning to target smallmouth bass. My anticipation was very high because of all the rumors that this lake generates about being a first class fishery.

Well, if you ask me right now, I'd say that not all rumors are true...the catch rate was much lower than I had hoped for. That's OK...because the purpose of being out there paddling is to have fun and enjoy the waterscape. Catching fish is the bonus!

The lake kept her secrets closely guarded, but did give up 9 smallies and one LM bass for my efforts. I trolled, made casts and flicked a Hula Popper as a topwater treat for the fish today. Only caught 2 bass while trolling and casting. The balance of the fish came on the top water bite this morning.

Fish sizes ranged between 13 and 16 inches. No "hawgs"...mostly mid sized juveniles...which might be the norm for this lake. During my paddle today, the graph indicated a random large fish here and there, but nothing that would raise eyebrows.

The water was extremely calm, and stayed that way during the entire outing. I had a 6' super ultra light spinning rod set up with a tiny Hula Popper, and as I was trolling with a different rod in a holder, I would notice small "minnow boils" here and there out in the deep part of the lake. Adjacent to the surface disturbances I would also notice what I assumed to be a bass working the minnows over.

So, the best part of having spent time on this lake was in selectively targeting the smallies as they were right up top, feeding on the minnow pods. Every time I paddled up within casting distance and laid that popper down, the bass would rev up, start a wake and steam ahead to check out what had just plurped into his domain. Each time this happened the result was a solid take, but not always a hook up.

Ultimately, although the morning played out differently than I had expected, the trip to this backwoods resort lake paid off with a check mark of success. Very glad that I was able to finally get a kayak on this lake and give it a try!

As planned, and after some preliminary reconnaissa... (show quote)

Great day Yaker. Awesome pictures and story buddy. Glad you figured out the pattern, topwater is the most exciting way to catch Bass. Thanks for sharing.

fishyaker Loc: NW Michigan (Lower Peninsula)

bknecht wrote:

Once again FY, great narrative and photos. Those smallies must have been an absolute blast on your ultralight, good going.

Thank you BK! The largest bass would have that petite little rod bent in half like a horse shoe! It was quite a blast to sneak up on the bass and then make a cast. If your accuracy was off on where you thought the bass was headed it was best to leave it alone and start twitching the Hula Popper anyways.

Quick as a bunny, the bass would know that something worth checking out had just appeared!

A couple of the fish were real jumpers, and at one point a couple of ladies, out for a morning pedal in their Hobies, stopped to watch the action. Not sure if they were interested in the fish...or perhaps my kayak...which was not among the regulars here.

Shortly after I launched, I came across a guy paddling a sea kayak and although seemingly friendly, I got asked several questions...like...

1. How did you get on the lake and where did you come from?
2. Did I plan to fish all day?

The lake is almost 100% private property, except for a very rural State Forest parcel that does provide access if you can navigate an ATV trail with your truck. At one point the trail comes withing about 500' of the lake. It took me several years before I did enough research to discover the State land. A lot of lake owners post "no trespassing" signs on their parcel edges, close to the State land, so that at a casual glance you think that there is no access at all. Kind of sneaky of you ask me!