Boat Control

Wading streams and paddling around in float boats (modified inner tubes) is a legitimate and highly effective way for anglers to take smallies. But for other environments a boat is required. Boat control is the most overlooked and underrated factor in angling. Smallmouth boat control is often as simple as holding the boat into the wind with an electric motor while you methodically work your chosen area with a casted lure. Unfortunately, it's not always that easy -- special situations will demand special methods of boat control.

One way is to move the boat very slowly in reverse, preferably with an electric motor. This method allows you to achieve the ideal combination of slow speed and superb control needed to present jigs, bait rigs, jigging spoons, and any other terminal tackle which can be fished vertically, directly under the boat. Backtrolling for smallmouths is especially effective when the fish are inactive and holding on deeper structures. For further details about this method, refer to the walleye unit.

Backtrolling is popular with lake fishermen. But the invention of the "slippin'" technique is one of the most important innovations for river fishing. This method gives new meaning to the phrase "running like heck to stand still." The technique involves running a motor at exactly the same speed as the current to maintain a constant position. By slowing down or speeding up slightly, the boat can be moved anywhere on the section of river with perfect control. In moderate current I prefer to use a bow-mounted electric or a sort of modified backtroll. In very heavy current the boat must be run frontwards. Lures can either be Fished under the boat, if there is nough water over the fish-holding area on deep current breaks, or cast From a "slippin'" boat in shallow water. Jigs can be presented any way in current except directly down,tream. Crank baits and spinner baits should be presented across or against the current. Live bait can be drifted or fished downstream from the boat on bait rigs.

One of my favorite applications of the slippin' technique is to backtroll with a friend ever so slowly up a shallow river with moderate flow. One angler stands in the stern facing upstream and controls the motor tiller with his knees while presenting a jig. The other angler presents a crank bait or bait rig downstream from the backwards bow of the boat.

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