A Tribute
By Tyler Brinks
PHOTOS BY JODY WHITE
to Tributaries
A deep dive into the OTHER Northern smallmouth fisheries
N orthern smallmouth fishing in the electronics-heavy era is often predicated on roaming expansive openlake areas with eyes glued to a bow-mounted screen — usually equipped with forward-facing sonar . As the game has evolved , it ’ s become clear that there really are few better ways to catch lots of big brown fish .
But for those who don ’ t want to run with the crowd or spend countless hours bobbing around offshore , there are other options . If your speed is fishing targets on a river system or forgoing electronics and drop-shots in favor of a good pair of sunglasses and some power-fishing tackle , you don ’ t have to miss out on all the fun .
Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit veteran Matt Stefan is a huge fan of what you might call “ alternative ” smallmouth fishing , opting for tributaries off the main lake to catch smallmouth relating to current . At the 2020 Tackle Warehouse TITLE on Sturgeon Bay , he opened eyes by finding great success targeting smallies in three tributaries off the Bay , just like he fished growing up .
JUNE-JULY 2021 | MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM 41