I’m newer to the area and have never targeted smallmouth. Would it be better looking for them on the Dam side of Watauga or somewhere else? Would like to take my kids with me. I have only caught spots the past few times so far around mid lake (Little Milligan).
Thanks for watching and the awesome question. Currently, most smallmouth & largemouth, are post-spawn and usually a little difficult to catch. We have caught them in the past on topwater baits, like spooks, pop-r’s and ploppers. Flipping worms and jigs around laydowns or any kind of wood, should get bites, too. As far as fishing above or below the dam, I always fish in the lake, above the dam. Best Fishes!
Love all the videos! My dad and myself just found the tight line videos over the summer and have been catching fish off it! I'm hooked on tight line fishing! I now have a 3" fluke mold to make my own flukes just for winter fishing
Both have advantages. I prefer Watauga, primarily because it’s closer to my home. Both have great fishing for smallies, largemouth and spotted bass. Both are mountainous and beautiful. Norris is much larger. Do a little research and determine the location best for you. I know you’ll love either place! Thanks for watching and the great question. Best Fishes! Nathan Light
Mike, normally we put in at either Rat Branch or Fish Springs, sometimes Lake View. Rat Branch is free, but, not as secure as the others. As the water warms, we move to other techniques. Tightlining will still work, however, they are hard to keep hooked up in warmer water. Thanks for the questions and watching!
Brian - I prefer a #1 hook in a 1/8 oz jig... The 1/0’s are ok, but, hard to hook them with 6 pound line. The #1 penetrates easier, I feel. Great question! Nathan Light
I’m newer to the area and have never targeted smallmouth. Would it be better looking for them on the Dam side of Watauga or somewhere else? Would like to take my kids with me. I have only caught spots the past few times so far around mid lake (Little Milligan).
Thanks for watching and the awesome question. Currently, most smallmouth & largemouth, are post-spawn and usually a little difficult to catch. We have caught them in the past on topwater baits, like spooks, pop-r’s and ploppers. Flipping worms and jigs around laydowns or any kind of wood, should get bites, too. As far as fishing above or below the dam, I always fish in the lake, above the dam. Best Fishes!
Love all the videos! My dad and myself just found the tight line videos over the summer and have been catching fish off it! I'm hooked on tight line fishing! I now have a 3" fluke mold to make my own flukes just for winter fishing
Thanks for watching and letting us know you are in the know on tightlining! Post pics of your big fish over on 3B FaceBook page. Best Fishes!
Great video thanks guys.
Debating between Norris or Watauga lake for retirement .
What lake is better fishing in your opinion ?
Both have advantages. I prefer Watauga, primarily because it’s closer to my home. Both have great fishing for smallies, largemouth and spotted bass. Both are mountainous and beautiful. Norris is much larger. Do a little research and determine the location best for you. I know you’ll love either place! Thanks for watching and the great question. Best Fishes! Nathan Light
Awesome video guys. Loved hanging out with you at the expo.
Thanks! We had a blast!
Nice video! Going fishing at Warriors Path when ever the roads clear.
You should be good to go!
3BOutdoorsTV Yes, been a thousand times since my comment. Caught some small mouth, large mouth, blue gill, red eye, and some sun fish.
Great video guys! Nice fish catching in January. Always enjoy your videos. Is there a part of the lake you have the best luck? or a creek arm?
Thanks for watching Mike! Normally, we like the lower section of the lake, because it usually has the clearest water.
Can I bug you 1 more time. What boat ramp do you guys launch out of? Are you guys still tightlining now or moving on to other techniques? Thanks!
Mike, normally we put in at either Rat Branch or Fish Springs, sometimes Lake View. Rat Branch is free, but, not as secure as the others. As the water warms, we move to other techniques. Tightlining will still work, however, they are hard to keep hooked up in warmer water. Thanks for the questions and watching!
Thanks 3B!. Me and my bros are going to go out next weekend and see if we can catch a few!
Catch'em!
With the 3 inch gulp minnow do you 1/0 or 2/0 jig hook size.
Brian - I prefer a #1 hook in a 1/8 oz jig... The 1/0’s are ok, but, hard to hook them with 6 pound line. The #1 penetrates easier, I feel. Great question! Nathan Light
What was the exact bait you was using
3" Berkley Gulp Minnow in Smelt Color.