Join Wired2fish staffer Kobie Koenig on a beautiful fall day as he heads out to explore Canadian shield waters. In the North country, as the temperatures drop, smallmouth bass tend to gather around their deep wintering holes, where mimicking baitfish with lures like an umbrella rig are the key to success. Koenig is on a mission to find packs of smallmouth lurking in deeper waters before they transition into winter mode.
FEATURED PRODUCT (retail links)
- SWIMBAIT – Storm Largo Shad, 4″, Pearl: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- JIG HEAD – VMC Flat Shad Jig Head, 1/2-ounce: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- UMBRELLA RIG – Hog Farmer Baits Minnesota Rig: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- ROD – Ark Invoker Pro Series Casting Rod, 7’4″ Med-Hvy Regular: Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- REEL – Lew’s Pro-TI Casting Reel, 7.5:1: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
- LINE – Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon, 17-pound: Buy at Bass Pro Shops, Buy at Tackle Warehouse
Koenig demonstrates the effectiveness of fishing an umbrella rig (Alabama rig), particularly in the later half of the year when north country bass are packing on the pounds. With just one hook and swim bait (Minnesota rig), this ‘finesse’ umbrella rig system allows him to cover expansive rocky areas without getting snagged. Having spent a considerable amount of time fishing this technique, Koenig shares his insights into choice of gear for this specific setup. A 7’4” medium-heavy, regular action rod, lighter than usual line, and a slower gear ratio reel is the perfect combination for optimal performance.
The use of advanced fish-finding technology helps Koenig breakdown Canadian shield lakes like this where fishable spots seem endless. Koenig showcases the power of forward-facing sonar with TargetLock and MEGA 360 imaging to locate fish and maximize his chances of success. You’ll witness live-action as he spot-locks the boat, staying off the fish and making repeated casts to tempt them. Koenig discusses the importance of watching your bait at all times. Having a gauge to where the bait is helps Koenig stay in the strike zone.
BOAT & ELECTRONICS
- FISH FINDER (bow stack) – Humminbird APEX 13 CHIRP MEGA SI+: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- FISH FINDER (console) – Humminbird APEX 16 CHIRP MEGA SI+: Humminbird SOLIX 15 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- 360 SONAR – Humminbird MEGA 360 Imaging: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- LIVE SONAR – Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging TargetLock: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- TROLLING MOTOR – Minn Kota Ultrex 112lb-36V Trolling Motor: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BOW GRAPH MOUNT – Precision Sonar Over and Under Bow Mount for Deck: Buy at Precision Sonar
- CONSOLE GRAPH MOUNT – Precision Sonar Lund Pro-V Bass Smart Bracket Console Mounting System: Buy at Precision Sonar
- SHALLOW WATER ANCHOR – Minn Kota Raptor, 8′: Buy at Bass Pro Shops
- BASS BOAT – Lund 2075 Pro-V Bass: Check out at Lund Boats
- MOTOR – Mercury FourStroke, 250hp: Check out at Mercury
