While the smallmouth only grows to about half the size of the largemouth, it is much more agile, faster and powerful for its size. It eats pretty much the same foods, just smaller specimens. It is without argument one of the finest game fish an angler can pursue. The thrill of the frantic runs and jumps are the source of many a fisherman's dreams.

Fishing For Smallmouth Bass

SPRING:

Top Baits: Small crankbaits, small jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow to moderate depths as the smallmouth move into the shallows for warmer water, spawning and food source activity. Gravel points and submerged humps are prime holding areas.

SUMMER:
 
Top Baits: Small crankbaits, Jigs and plastic worms.
Fish shallow in the mornings and evenings and move deeper as the sun rises. Use lures that mimic crawfish as this is a favorite food for smallmouth bass. Follow points and rocky or gravel structure deeper until you establish the proper depth. Smallmouth's are also known to feed at night during the hot summer months.

FALL:

Top Baits: Small jigs, small crankbaits and spoons. Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As the sun rises move deeper toward outside structure and use small spoons or jigs. Top Baits: Small jigs, small crankbaits and spoons.Fish shallow to moderate depths in the mornings and evenings. As the sun rises move deeper toward outside structure and use small spoons or jigs.

WINTER

Top Baits: Jigs, spoons and plastic worms. Try shallow in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Smallmouth are less active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow, easy to catch manner and fish deepstructure.
"Deep" depends on the overall depth of the lake you are fishing. In some lakes you may need to go as deep as 60 feet while others seldom hold fish below 45 feet. Top Baits: Jigs, spoons and plastic worms.Try shallow in the mornings then move deeper as the sun rises. Smallmouth are less active in cold water, so move your bait in a slow, easy to catch manner and fish deepstructure. "Deep" depends on the overall depth of the lake you are fishing. In some lakes you may need to go as deep as 60 feet while others seldom hold fish below 45 feet.