The most underrated technique for catching BIG Smallmouth

In this #TackleTipTuesday video brought to you by Mercury Marine, two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Champion Jamie Hartman talks about one of the most effective techniques to catch big smallmouth across the country. Hartman maps out his entire Carolina Rig setup and a few key aspects he feels are important for catching smallmouth on this setup. #bassmaster #fishing

[@bassfischer4273]

Thanks Jamie. When you do your follow-up to this one, please talk about smallie location and the c-rig. Especially in the summer, finding them can be maddening.

[@ethanxmcmahon]

isolated grass from 10-16 ft / isolated rock piles 18-25ft. just look for obvious holding spots within the lake but take the time to find the isolated cover within those points or humps, if you dont have the graphs to help find that than just drag till you feel it

[@adamestepp6527]

Jamie what is your go to bait for small mouth on a Carolina rig? Thanks

[@BLocke88]

Yea, what plastic does he use while using this setup

[@ManiacRider3113]

I use 10lb.
Tried both 8 and 10. The only difference is 10 won't break off as often when in rocks or heavy cover. I cathh'em😜

[@west777s]

Would like to know what his go to bait is as well for smallies on the C rig?

[@joestrummer9507]

He's affiliated w/Riot Baits so it must be another company's product, my guess is a Zoom UV Speed Craw or NetBait Paca Slim.

[@AShoresfishing]

You don’t need light line. 10 lb test works just as good. The only fish that is line shy is spotted bass. I went to lake Shasta for spotted bass fishing and had to switch to light line. Here in Idaho we catch hundreds of smallies on 10-20 pound line

[@BassmasterOfficial]

Hartman recommends 12-15 pound test in clear situations and 20 when its stained to dirty water conditions. Definitely don't need to mess with light line for this application.

[@AShoresfishing]

Yep. I cringe whenever I see people use 5lb test and having to work extra hard for a two pounder