EPISODE · Sep 17, 2025 · 4 MIN
The Flogger: Old-School Sight Fishing for Deep Water Smallmouth
from Bass Cast Radio · host Brian Carter
While largemouth anglers sight fish bedding bass in the shallows, what happens when smallmouth spawn in 10+ feet of clear water where wind and sun make visual detection nearly impossible? In this fascinating episode of The Bass Vault, we dive into the history and application of the Flogger (or bathyscope) - a cone-shaped underwater viewing device that's been revolutionizing smallmouth fishing up north and on the Great Lakes. Originally developed in Europe for underwater viewing, this 3-foot telescope-like tool with a glass bottom plate allows anglers to peer straight down through the water column, cutting through surface glare and chop to spot bedding smallmouth in deep, clear water. Learn how this non-electronic tool complements Forward Facing Sonar by providing visual confirmation of what you're actually looking at, helping experienced users determine the exact size of bass on beds. While you can't fish and use it simultaneously, and it requires leaning over the boat and plenty of practice, the Flogger gives serious smallmouth anglers a significant edge during the spawn when these bronze backs are holding in deeper water beyond traditional sight fishing depths.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bass-cast-radio--1838782/support.Become a Patreon memebet now for less then a pack of worms you can support Bass Cast Radio as well as get each epsiode a day early & commercial free. Just click the link below. PATREON
What this episode covers
While largemouth anglers sight fish bedding bass in the shallows, what happens when smallmouth spawn in 10+ feet of clear water where wind and sun make visual detection nearly impossible? In this fascinating episode of The Bass Vault, we dive into the history and application of the Flogger (or bathyscope) - a cone-shaped underwater viewing device that's been revolutionizing smallmouth fishing up north and on the Great Lakes. Originally developed in Europe for underwater viewing, this 3-foot telescope-like tool with a glass bottom plate allows anglers to peer straight down through the water column, cutting through surface glare and chop to spot bedding smallmouth in deep, clear water. Learn how this non-electronic tool complements Forward Facing Sonar by providing visual confirmation of what you're actually looking at, helping experienced users determine the exact size of bass on beds. While you can't fish and use it simultaneously, and it requires leaning over the boat and plenty of practice, the Flogger gives serious smallmouth anglers a significant edge during the spawn when these bronze backs are holding in deeper water beyond traditional sight fishing depths.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/bass-cast-radio--1838782/support.Become a Patreon memebet now for less then a pack of worms you can support Bass Cast Radio as well as get each epsiode a day early & commercial free. Just click the link below. PATREON
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The Flogger: Old-School Sight Fishing for Deep Water Smallmouth
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