Jack Link’s Hook The Beast: Giant Summer Smallies

BEFORE THE GOBY invasion, the development of advanced fishing sonar and the introduction of refined finesse tactics, a 5-pound smallmouth was the trophy of a lifetime. It was the fish you mounted, hung on the wall and boasted about to anyone who would listen. These days, it takes a 6- or 7-pound smallie to earn bragging rights.

The abundant, bottom-dwelling goby is easy prey, and the smallmouth have grown fat feasting on them, especially in Northern waters. Today’s bass anglers are far more knowledgeable than in the past, particularly with finesse tactics. And many anglers now take full advantage of forward-looking sonar.

Even so, it takes a bit of luck to catch a trophy smallmouth. But you can improve your odds by taking the advice of Idaho’s Brandon Palaniuk, who has proved his ability to consistently catch heavyweight brown bass