Why We Call It Red Eye

There are several species of Ambloplites more commonly known as Rock Bass. They are widely spread through much of the eastern and middleUnited States and Canada found in the St. Lawrence, Great Lakes, and mid to upper Mississippi drainages. Other names are Red Eye and Goggle Eye. They max out at 10-12 inches long and may weigh a little over a pound. They love to eat flies we fish for smallmouth. Rock Bass will hit hard, but then their size betrays them and they come in easily. This one hit a crippled minnow diver.

The Big Bugs Are Here!

The emergence of the big Hexagenia mayflies signal the high point of trout fishing across much of the upper Midwest and is a much anticipated event. These bugs range in size from a #6 to #2 and when they are on the water may bring out the biggest trout in the stream to feed on the surface. This is a late evening into dark occurence. Anglers get into position around an hour before dark and wait for the Hexes to apppear. If they show up and fish feed, all is good. However, this is all unpredictable and you may not get bugs at all or the bugs may show, but the fish may not feed on top.

Reelly Good Stuff!

Here is the line up of tools on Capt. Brian Mezaros' 22 foot Scout Bay boat. For smallmouth, Capt. B fishes Scott 9foot, 7-wt. X2S rods with Nautilus CCF #8 reels that are loaded with Scientific Anglers 250 grain Streamer Express lines. For toothy critters, 9 foot 10-wt. X2S rods, CCF #10 reels, and 400 grain Streamer Express lines get the nod.

Maga Bronzeback

So what does a guide do on his day off? Well, he usually goes fishing. JD joined Scott Fly Rod Pro Capt. Brian Mezaros of Great Lakes Fly Fishing for a windy, rainy day on Lake St. Clair. Capt Brian stuck this monster smallmouth bass, that taped out over 22 inches long and around 61/2 pounds pounds on the boga grip. Other smallies, largemouth, rock bass and a bowfin added to the days assortment. Two muskies followed to the boat, but no takers.

The Look Says It All

The Fishdog questions JD's strategy for chasing smallmouth at Presque Isle.