River Smallmouth Secrets with Rick York | Free Fishing Weekend & RiverMasters Tournament Preview

Send us Fan MailThis week on American Roots Outdoors, host Alex Rutledge and Redbone Rick sit down with 2024 RiverMasters Elite Series Classic Champion Rick York to break down everything you need to know about chasing river smallmouth bass in the Ozarks. Rick shares how these fish think like predators, where they hold in current, what they eat, and exactly how to present your baits to trigger strikes — from down baits and tube jigs to crankbaits and spinnerbaits. We also cover current events, the CRSA tournament results, Missouri's Free Fishing Weekend, and the first 2026 RiverMasters Elite Series tournament at Doniphan. Plus, stay for the bonus segment featuring fish fry recipes, a trout fishing report from the Eleven Point River, and more fun with the crew.Chapter Markers added:1:18 – Welcome & Current Events10:42 – Meet Rick York – 2024 RiverMasters Classic Champion19:09 – River Smallmouth: Behavior, Habitat & Diet27:53 – Smallmouth Fishing Techniques & Lure Presentation35:39 – Wrap-Up & River Masters Tournament Preview37:32 – Bonus: Recipes, Trout Fishing & Tournament TalkMissouri Hunting Heritage Federation:https://www.mhhf.us/To follow American Roots Outdoors Podcast:https://www.facebook.com/groups/448812356525413To learn more about American Roots Outdoors:https://americanrootsoutdoors.com/https://www.facebook.com/AmericanRootsOutdoors/To follow Alex Rutledge:https://www.facebook.com/americanrootsalex/To follow Wayne Lach:https://www.facebook.com/wayne.lach.5To follow Mike Crase:https://www.facebook.com/mike.crase