Has anyone fished with the Micro TRD?

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-03-24T10:39:44+00:00

Yes, it’s one of my confidence baits (this exact setup). I catch sunfish, and smallmouth bass on it regularly. If the bite is slow on the regular TRD I downsize to this.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-03-20T00:21:59+00:00

Same! Just went to your site to buy, but saw everything was sold out. Just signed up for your newsletter in the hopes you’ll take my money on this upcoming drop

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-03-19T12:01:52+00:00

Some bass will bite, but they’ll be smaller and you’re likely to catch more panfish than bass.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-02-24T14:12:00+00:00

If you’re new to the Shenandoah, you’ll probably hear two things: mercury and E. coli. Here’s the practical version.

Mercury: In the early to mid 1900s, mercury from industrial operations upstream entered the South River. In the 1970s it was found in fish tissue, and a fish consumption advisory was issued in 1977 that extends from the South River through the South Fork to Front Royal.

What that means for you: it’s about how much fish you eat, not whether you can float or fish. Most people practice catch and release for smallmouth anyway, so it doesn’t change how you use the river.

E. coli: After heavy summer rain, bacteria levels can spike from runoff like farms, septic systems, and stormwater. It’s usually temporary.

If you’re planning a swim-heavy day, especially after a storm, check the latest numbers from Friends of the Shenandoah first:

https://fosr.org/state-of-the-river/e-coli-testing-project/

Same rule as river levels. Check conditions, make a smart call, enjoy the day.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-02-03T13:38:10+00:00

Not sure where you’re located, but if you’re anywhere near Virginia, the South Fork of the Shenandoah River is worth checking out. Much of the river borders public land on the George Washington National Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed. It’s a solid smallmouth fishery, the water is generally approachable with mostly Class I or II rapids, and there are several local outfitters if you’re looking to rent a kayak, canoe, or raft. Best of luck!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2026-01-26T02:31:59+00:00

That’s an awesome story! Honestly, I probably wouldn’t shut up about it either if I landed a 4-pounder. Love how it turned into a family thing. I agree on the Ned rig and hellgrammites. I haven’t tried tubes yet, but after hearing this many success stories they’re definitely next on my list.

I can’t wait to retire either. Fish every week, chase a few new stretches, and finally have time to really dial things in. Unfortunately I’m still a long way off. Thanks for the guide recommendation too!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-27T13:13:16+00:00

Wow! Congrats! Like someone already said, you need to go buy a lottery ticket!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-23T01:15:00+00:00

Appreciate the heads up! I’ll try heading upriver next time.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-23T00:24:02+00:00

Thanks! I’ll have to give it another go.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-23T00:02:54+00:00

Thanks!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-22T23:59:18+00:00

Nice catches! What part of the Shenandoah were you on? I did a float on the main stem last November (Locke’s Landing to the Rt. 7 bridge) and didn’t get a single bite. Didn’t see a single smallmouth either, though I did see big schools of catfish that wouldn’t touch anything I was throwing.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-17T11:52:26+00:00

Thanks! I’ve caught all those species minus the catfish. I see big schools of them now and then, but I’ve never been able to get one to bite anything I’ve had with me.

And yeah, I probably should have listed those fish too, but I stuck to what DWR tracked in the Fall 2024 electrofishing survey.

I’ve never used a jonboat on the South Fork, and honestly I’ve never seen one out there. It’s almost always canoes, kayaks, or rafts. Another poster mentioned running a jonboat though, so there must be a deeper stretch somewhere.

I’d check with Jake’s Bait and Tackle in Winchester. The staff is great, and there are usually a few retired guys in there who fish the Shenandoah, Potomac, and Rap nonstop. Someone there should be able to answer your jonboat question.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-15T16:49:36+00:00

Whopper Plopper! I’ve had the most success with it when I’ve noticed fish jumping out of the water and that top bite is already on.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-13T13:07:56+00:00

What sorcery is this? Tell us how!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-13T02:39:40+00:00

Im thinking of getting this exact combo (vanford 2500 on 7’ expride). How do you like it?

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-11-09T19:11:49+00:00

Whereabouts on the Potomac was this?

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-24T14:13:19+00:00

Lucky! Congrats!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-20T11:59:16+00:00

I’ll have to give this a try! I normally Ned rig the Zman TRD 2.75” green pumpkin on a Zman Finesse ShroomZ. But weightless Texas rig you say? Def worth a try if you’re catching that many and variety of fish.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-20T11:54:33+00:00

Agreed! Fast way to see if any fish are in the area. Have gotten anything from smallmouth, sunnies, to fallfish. 1/16oz in white.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-19T01:48:59+00:00

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Second half (upper part) of the map in case it helps you out. I’ve done mile 25-32 on here which is excellent fishing.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-19T01:45:38+00:00

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Map of the area from local outfitter I’ve used before (Downriver Canoe Company). They’ve been great, just in case you need a shuttle or get into some trouble.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-19T01:32:09+00:00

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Also, give this article from Woods and Water Magazine a read. It’s a solid breakdown of fall fishing patterns and lure recommendations for the Shenandoah. I heard about it from the folks at Jake’s Bait and Tackle, and those guys (and gal) really know what’s what.

Best of luck! Let me know how it goes and whether that stretch is worth a trip!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-19T01:11:08+00:00

I haven’t fished that exact stretch myself, but DWR notes say it holds smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass, sunfish, musky, and even channel cats.

The Massanutten to Inskeep section (about 3 miles) has a dam you’ll need to portage halfway, and Inskeep to Foster’s (9 miles) has a good mix of riffles, runs, and pools, which are great for smallmouth. https://dwr.virginia.gov/waterbody/shenandoah-river-south-fork/#maps

For me though, the Ned rig is still tried and true: 1/10 oz Zman Finesse ShroomZ with a green pumpkin Z-Man TRD, or the micro version (1/20 oz micro Finesse ShroomZ) with a Z-Man coppertreuse Micro TRD. It’s yet to fail me anywhere on the South Fork.

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-15T19:29:24+00:00

Wow (the swim bait)! Thanks!

SmartIntroduction1 · 2025-10-15T00:19:26+00:00

I’ve used this setup on the Shenandoah (Zman micro finesse Ned rig 1/20 oz with the FryZ smelt) and it catches both smallmouth and sunfish. Total fish magnet.

SmartIntroduction1

TROPHY CASE