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My approach to smaller fish is I simply don't target them. This isn't to suggest I don't incidentally catch them, but most of my gear and technique is geared towards big stuff. I typically won't start the fishing season until mid may(when the big migrants arrive), and will avoid the late season daytime fishing, which is mostly micros. A couple other suggestions though...
1. Don't pad your numbers by standing at the shore banging 10 or 20 or 50 plus tiny fish just to say you caught a bunch. Let them be or quit earlier...how many do you really need to catch anyways?
2. If you're really in need, get an ultralight and catch some bluegills, they pull just as hard provided you scale the gear down. A 15" fish on an 8',9', or 10' surf rod just isn't sporting.
3. Give it a rest at some point...guys chase the fish throughout the winter in their natal waters, thus the fish never get a break, regardless of size.
4. Fish bigger offerings if you're among a lot of small fish. Many here frown on eels, but utilizing them is a great way to keep the small fish from being hooked in large numbers.
5. Take a lesson from Numbskull and target something really challenging such as a sea robin with a topwater plug...how many here can say they've ever done it successfully?
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