Rigged for smallies with Seth Feider

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Are you curious how one of the best smallmouth bass fishermen in the game is rigged on smallie pregnant waters? Minnesotan Seth Feider took a few minutes out of Bassmaster University to show us his secrets during the day off from the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Mille Lacs Lake.
Are you curious how one of the best smallmouth bass fishermen in the game is rigged on smallie pregnant waters? Minnesotan Seth Feider took a few minutes out of Bassmaster University to show us his secrets during the day off from the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship at Mille Lacs Lake.
One of Feider's key pieces of equipment is his 52-inch Minn Kota Fortrex 112. The longer shaft allows him to stay in control with the waves get big, which is a very common occurrence on Mille Lacs.
One of Feider’s key pieces of equipment is his 52-inch Minn Kota Fortrex 112. The longer shaft allows him to stay in control with the waves get big, which is a very common occurrence on Mille Lacs.
The Fortrex is one of Minn Kota's top-selling motors for good reason. Tough, strong and reliable.
The Fortrex is one of Minn Kota’s top-selling motors for good reason. Tough, strong and reliable.
At the bow, Feider relies on a Humminbird 1199. Mapping and sonar are absolutely critical to effectively staying on the fish.
At the bow, Feider relies on a Humminbird 1199. Mapping and sonar are absolutely critical to effectively staying on the fish.
Another important piece of equipment is the Hydrowave. Here the speaker is attached at the base of his trolling motor.
Another important piece of equipment is the Hydrowave. Here the speaker is attached at the base of his trolling motor.
He likes to run the Power Play track for smallies.
He likes to run the Power Play track for smallies.
His rod selection is minimal. Fewer rods means easier decisions. In fact, much of what you see here are backups to his two primary rod-and-reel combos for this tournament.
His rod selection is minimal. Fewer rods means easier decisions. In fact, much of what you see here are backups to his two primary rod-and-reel combos for this tournament.
Feider likes a 7-foot medium-light rod for working a drop shot. The lighter Daiwa combo makes it easier to keep his presentation in contact with the structure.
Feider likes a 7-foot medium-light rod for working a drop shot. The lighter Daiwa combo makes it easier to keep his presentation in contact with the structure.
His drop shot rig typically has a 12-inch drop from the hook to the bait.
His drop shot rig typically has a 12-inch drop from the hook to the bait.
He also fills the spool with a high-visibility braided line that helps him see the line. He prefers a long clear fluorocarbon leader that separates his braided line from the presentation.
He also fills the spool with a high-visibility braided line that helps him see the line. He prefers a long clear fluorocarbon leader that separates his braided line from the presentation.
Another rod he keeps handy is rigged with a lightweight tube jig for dragging rock and gravel bars.
Another rod he keeps handy is rigged with a lightweight tube jig for dragging rock and gravel bars.
He never fishes for smallies without a jerkbait handy. He loves the new Rapala Shadow Rap Shad -- so do the fish!
He never fishes for smallies without a jerkbait handy. He loves the new Rapala Shadow Rap Shad — so do the fish!
The Shadow Rap Shad can be bombed a long distance, and it has a very unique action. When paused during the retrieve, the bait slightly rises creating a very tempting situation for a feeding smallie.
The Shadow Rap Shad can be bombed a long distance, and it has a very unique action. When paused during the retrieve, the bait slightly rises creating a very tempting situation for a feeding smallie.
The 31-year-old pro keeps a healthy supply of Rapala jerkbaits on-hand.
The 31-year-old pro keeps a healthy supply of Rapala jerkbaits on-hand.
You'll notice he loves natural colors.
You’ll notice he loves natural colors.
He keeps a healthy supply of drop shot weights handy to cover a multitude of situations.
He keeps a healthy supply of drop shot weights handy to cover a multitude of situations.
He likes a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce weight to cover a multitude of scenarios.
He likes a 3/8- to 1/2-ounce weight to cover a multitude of scenarios.
Feider loves using the VMC size 2 Neko rig hooks. He can only recall losing two smallies ever with these hooks. And, as many fish as this guy has caught from this lake, that's saying something.
Feider loves using the VMC size 2 Neko rig hooks. He can only recall losing two smallies ever with these hooks. And, as many fish as this guy has caught from this lake, that’s saying something.
A small drop shot hook is key for this finesse presentation. While low profile, these hooks are sticky and very effective.
A small drop shot hook is key for this finesse presentation. While low profile, these hooks are sticky and very effective.
Feider has stuck a lot of fish this week with this rig.
Feider has stuck a lot of fish this week with this rig.
Feider also keeps a steady supply of hair jigs on hand. Like he said,
Feider also keeps a steady supply of hair jigs on hand. Like he said, “Long hair, don’t care!”
He'll also keep small swimbaits on-hand for casting or even rigging on the drop shot.
He’ll also keep small swimbaits on-hand for casting or even rigging on the drop shot.
Smallies like to eat on top, too. Feider has caught a lot of fish on this Storm Arashi Top Walker.
Smallies like to eat on top, too. Feider has caught a lot of fish on this Storm Arashi Top Walker.
The brand new Arashi Spinbait is a great smallie presentation as well. It's similar to the spy baiting technique, but the added props on the nose and tail increase the attracting action.
The brand new Arashi Spinbait is a great smallie presentation as well. It’s similar to the spy baiting technique, but the added props on the nose and tail increase the attracting action.
The Rapala Skitter Prop is another fine topwater selection. He sanded one down to create his own color pattern.
The Rapala Skitter Prop is another fine topwater selection. He sanded one down to create his own color pattern.
Feider loves this old-school Rapala Cranking Rap. The smaller body profile is easier for smallmouths to eat. This one has seen some action over the years.
Feider loves this old-school Rapala Cranking Rap. The smaller body profile is easier for smallmouths to eat. This one has seen some action over the years.
Jigs are also on the menu in Feider's boat. He'll trim the skirt short to keep the meal compact.
Jigs are also on the menu in Feider’s boat. He’ll trim the skirt short to keep the meal compact.
Feider also adds color and scent to the plastic craw trailer. He prefers orange to increase visibility, but it's a good craw color in general.
Feider also adds color and scent to the plastic craw trailer. He prefers orange to increase visibility, but it’s a good craw color in general.
That's a good looking jig.
That’s a good looking jig.
As we were shooting the gallery, KVD showed up and began asking Feider about his hair jigs. Of course, the GOAT had to pull out a few of his own to show off. At the end of their conversation, they traded a jig for a jig. Pretty neat encounter.
As we were shooting the gallery, KVD showed up and began asking Feider about his hair jigs. Of course, the GOAT had to pull out a few of his own to show off. At the end of their conversation, they traded a jig for a jig. Pretty neat encounter.
And finally, his command center is where he locates likely fish-holding structure. The twin Humminbirds offer mapping, traditional sonar, Side Scan and Down Scan. He does a lot of work from this spot. Thanks for the education Seth!
And finally, his command center is where he locates likely fish-holding structure. The twin Humminbirds offer mapping, traditional sonar, Side Scan and Down Scan. He does a lot of work from this spot. Thanks for the education Seth!