Going Big For Smallmouth

"Nighthawk" aka Brennen and I hit the waters of Lake Mille Lacs in search of "big" smallmouth.  With-in 10 minutes of being on the water we were on the smallies.  This was Nighthawks first smallmouth and it went a little over 19".  

We were catching most our fish while they were setting up to spawn.  We fished them on beds and had to sight fish them.  A pair of Costa 580's was required to see the fish while they set-up on their beds.  Once a fish set-up we would throw 3.5" tube jigs on their beds and wait for them to grab the bait.  

This fish wasn't able to resist my offering and went 21"  I also boated numerous other fish in the 19"-21" range.  I fish all over the country and can tell you that Mille Lacs(right now) is one of the greatest lakes in the country.  It is in great shape and the fish are all huge.  I know most people are on Lake Mille Lacs to fish walleye but I am here to tell you that it has a lot more to offer.  Not only is it a great walleye fishery but the bass and muskie action is 2nd to none.  I will be making many more ventures to Mille Lacs in the coming weeks so if you would like to get on the water for some giants-let me know.  
Until next time-Fish On!