Having moved to New Mexico, I miss the chance to snag for spoonbill. If fishing from shore, you will need:
1 - A heavy duty rod, like a trolling rod.
2 - A reel that matches.
3 - Heavy line. Recommend 60# minimum. I have used line as heavy as 120#. After casting for hours, remove the line and reverse it on the reel placing the worn line on the bottom.
4 - 3'0' or 4'0' treble hooks.
5 - 6oz or 8oz sinkers

Depending on your law on how many hooks that can be used at a time, tie a sinker on the end of the line followed as many as 3 hooks spaced about two feet apart above the sinker. This is very important: after attaching the hooks, hook the line around the treble part of the hooks so that when you hold the rig horizontal, the points of the hooks are pointed horizontal also.
How to use this rig. Cast out, quickly reel in he slack, pull hard, reel in the slack, pull hard, reel in the slack until the hooks have been retrieved. Repeat. Be prepared for a hard days work. If in a boat, while trolling, mostly across the current, pull relax, pull relax, repeat.
GOOD LUCK

Never used anything for smallies in streams but night crawlers.

Your county extension agent can help you.

I do not consider those OLD. I'm still using the fly rod and reel that I bought in he 1950's.

In my youth we used old spark plugs.

In my youth we used spark plugs.

The only bait that I ever took when I went small mouth fishing were night crawlers.
Never skunked but, may have missed out not trying other b ate.

Went to Wal-Mart yesterday to buy a new dip net. I caught my self selecting more lures. I haven't used any of the last 20. Forced my self to the nets and left.

Crappy fishermen often use such a hook because they normally fish in snags.

Check your local regulations. In some areas it's illegal to return invasive species to the water.

Whatever you pick, I recommend one with a lock open blade. This will keep a beginner from folding the blade back on to his fingers.

You have a game and fish office there. They will help you. There is a lot of good fishing just North of you on the Reo Grand.

The guy moving his house is spreading his wealth. Creating employment for workers. This is better than stashing it in the bank.

Come spring, check spoonbill fishing.

I 'm still useing my first fly rod ; purchased with paper route money in 1956. I changed to a fancier reel 20 years later. It still catches my fair share of fish. Expensive is not necessary; experience helps.