[article and photography by Ted Fauceglia] As an incurable match-the-hatch addict, I’ve spent the last 30-plus years photographing and tying patterns of every conceivable item on a trout’s menu. From minuscule midge larvae to field mice, I’ve photographed and attempted to imitate it all. This compulsion continues today, but in an effort to moderate it, I decided several years back to divert my strict adherence to coldwater natives and target warmwater fish—particularly river-dwelling smallmouth bass. TF’s Craft Fur Fathead Minnow HOOK: Mustad S71SNP-DT, size 4. THREAD: Danville ultrafine monofilament. UNDERBODY: Two layers of pearl Flashabou wrapped around the shank. BODY: Medium olive craft fur over medium gray craft fur on top, and off-white craft fur on the bottom. CHEEKS: Pink craft fur. LATERAL LINE: Several strands of black Icelandic sheep hair and two strips of pearl Flashabou. HEAD: Size 3 Fish-Skull Fish-Mask. EYES: Ice Living Eyes. It was an easy decision; I live within access to a moderately sized river that supports a thriving population of smallies. Additionally, I can still wade-fish and basically use the same tactics I’ve used for trout. The big difference is that smallies are simply not so selective as trout. Spin fishermen catch smallies with
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