patience

Hi Folks, Guided with the boat this am under overcast skies with a steady wind out of the west.  Surface temperature in the lake was 76 degrees.  We made a point of fishing calm shorelines and getting out of the wind as much as possible.  I always like surface fishing for smallmouth bass when there is high humidity.  We worked poppers off drop offs into 10' to 15' of water.  Long rocky points that extended into the lake a ways were productive this morning.  We saw a lot smallies come to the surface.  I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to be patient when the lure or fly first lands on the water.  Also extremely important to let the fish eat the surface presentation prior to setting the hook.  The lake we fished was pretty clear and you could see the smallies move to the surface to eat.  The anticipation of the strike will kill you, but you have to wait.  Awful good surface bite this morning with no angling pressure what so ever.  Remember to clean your gear and keep the non-native species at home.  Have Fun, Willy