Join Nick Dumke and Beau Browning as they go after summertime smallmouth bass up north, using some staple techniques such as the drop shot and the Ned rig. In this particular body of water, clear water and rocky bottom structure are two of the biggest factors that Dumke and Browning pay attention to while targeting these fish. The two also touch on the importance of having a wide-range of fishing experience that can be applied to mastering new bodies of water.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
NED SETUP #1 (Dumke)
- PLASTIC – Rapala Crush City Ned BLT: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- JIG – VMC Ned Rig Jig, 1/8-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – ARK Invoker Tour Series, 7’6″ Medium Light: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – ARK Gravity GS5 Spinning Reel 3000: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE (Braid) – Sufix 832, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- LINE (fluorocarbon leader) – Sufix Advance Fluorocarbon, 8-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse
DROP SHOT SETUP #1 (Dumke)
- PLASTIC – DUO Realis Finder Shad: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – BKK DSS-Worm Soft Plastic Hook #1: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- ROD – St. Croix Mojo Bass Trigon Spinning Rod 7’3″ Medium Light: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- REEL – Seviin GS Spinning Reel 2500: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
NED SETUP #2 (Browning)
- PLASTIC – Z-Man Finesse TRD: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- JIG – Z-Man Football NedZ: Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
DROP SHOT SETUP #2 (Browning)
- PLASTIC – Z-Man Drop KickerZ: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- HOOK – No. 1 Light Wire Drop Shot Hook: Buy Drop Shot Hooks at Tackle Warehouse
DROP SHOT TECHNIQUE
Browning highlights the drop shot technique, ideal for finicky smallmouth bass. He uses light line and a 1/4-ounce weight to keep the bait hovering just off the bottom. A small finesse worm, nose-hooked, provides a natural presentation. Keep your rod tip up and gently shake it to create subtle bait action.
NED RIG TECHNIQUE
Dumke demonstrates the Ned rig, a simple yet effective method for smallmouth bass. Pair a mushroom jig head with a small soft plastic bait. Let the bait sink to the bottom, then slowly drag it along, pausing occasionally. This subtle presentation is irresistible to smallmouth bass. Use a variety of weights and colors to match the conditions and fish preferences.
BOAT, ELECTRONICS, MISC
- BOAT – 2024 Ranger Z520R: Check out at Ranger
- GRAPHS (CONSOLE) – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 10″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- GRAPHS (BOW) – Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 12″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Garmin LVS34 Live Scope: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Garmin Force 100lb, 36V, 50″: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR: Power Pole 8 ft. Blades: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOW MOUNT: Bass Boat Technologies “Mega” Dual Dash Mount: Buy at BBT
- CONSOLE MOUNT: Bass Boat Technologies Dual Stack “Hood” Bow Mount: Buy at BBT
DUMKE’S CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
- SUNGLASSES – Island Optics Anglers: Buy at Island Optics
- SHIRT – Huk A1A Performance Crew: Buy at Huk
- PANTS – Huk Creekbed Pant: Buy at Huk
