Catch bass in overlooked waters

The Midwest is the home to numerous small creeks that most anglers overlook. Many of these creeks have springs feeding them water during the often dry summer. The water remains cool and Smallmouth Bass thrive.  The best feature of these small creeks is most anglers do not give a second thought about fishing them.

Many anglers drive across these creeks everyday during their daily travels but fail to realize their fish producing potential. In Missouri there are countless waterways that intersect state highways and county roads. Some run through private land while others have several public access areas. The public access areas often times become popular swimming holes.

Just up or down stream from these swimming holes the water becomes home to many species including Smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass often grow to trophy size in these tiny streams and become quite aggressive when chasing prey. This aggressive nature makes them extremely fun to catch, especially on light tackle.

To take advantage of these opportunities finds you a good map of your area and mark highways where they are intersected by creeks. Use a satellite map service and locate these areas for a better view of the waters above and below the roadway. If you find a steady supply of water in the basin chances are good the creek will be the home to Smallmouth bass and/or Largemouth bass. These areas should be explored to determine the fishing potential they offer.

Very basic tackle is required for creeks and small rivers. Often times a pocket full of lures and one medium action outfit is all that is required for a fun and productive day on the water. Wading these waters is the easiest way to learn the waterway and its fishing potential. The best time to wade creeks is during the hottest months of summer. The cool water is necessary for the Smallmouth bass and keeps the angler cool as well.

The most productive lures are soft plastic crawdads and worms. Stand up and shaky head jigs are ideal to rig these lure for a natural presentation. Small spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are also productive for creek bass. Pumpkinseed and green pumpkin are good color choices for soft plastics in clear creeks. For spinnerbaits and buzzbaits white, chartreuse and chartreuse/white skirts have been my most productive for many years.

Get out and explore the waterways while staying cool fishing during the hot summer season. While there are many public accesses to creeks most do, at some point, cross private land. Always seek permission before entering private land.

Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig

Now available is the Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig.

 The Change-Up Jig features a full silicone skirt, Mustad 5/0 Hook, powder coat finish and a screw lock keeper.

The Change-Up Jig allows anglers to have a Texas Rigged plastic trailer.

Trim the top of the skirt to create a finesse skirt.


Remove the skirt to create a screw lock shaky head.

The Midwest Custom Tackle Change-Up Jig is available exclusively at Midwest Fishing Tackle

Evolution Gorilla Pliers

Recently I had the opportunity to try the Evolution Gorilla Pliers and was very impressed with this fishing tool. The features include a tungsten coated (replaceable) cutter designed to cut leaders, line and light wire. The cutters cut braid, mono and fluorocarbon line easily and quickly without leaving frayed end on the braid.

These 6.5 inch pliers have a split ring nose, a crimp and hook holder. I didn’t use the crimp but found the split ring nose and hook holder work great for changing hooks on lures and the hook holder grips most common sized hooks very tightly.

Most pliers I have used in the past were too heavy to carry on a pair of shorts using a sheath. However, these aircraft grade aluminum pliers fit nicely and securely into the included nylon sheath. The light-weight of these pliers created no issues with pulling on my shorts and I often forgot they were on my waist band. The included lanyard was a perfect length for use and also made of light-weight material. I never once was left looking for them on the floor of the boat when I needed them. The sheath features a Velcro strap for securing the Gorilla Pliers into place and it is easy to release when the pliers are needed.

Gorilla Pliers are now available online at www.MidwestTackleShop.com and at www.Gambler-Bang.com.

Gambler Big EZ

The Gambler Big EZ combines the features of a soft plastic swimbait with a soft plastic jerkbait. The lure features hook slots on both top and bottom, a swimbait paddle tail. Also, the segmented design of the body allows for plenty of side to side swimming action. This lure can be swam like a swimbait or twitched like a soft plastic jerkbait.
The Gambler Big EZ is made with soft, yet durable plastic. It is cabable of holding up to several strikes but soft enough to feel natural and create plenty of action in the water.
I used it with weightless, weighted and jig heads. All three riggings worked great. The hook slots on the body kept the hook weedless but allowed for easy hooking of striking fish.
The Big EZ comes in 11 attractive colors for any conditions. It is available online at www.MidwestTackleShop.com and www.Gambler-Bang.com