Smallmouth bass are aggressive predators, and triggering their instinct to strike is the secret to success. They will smash lures that look like a crayfish or a fleeing baitfish. Our guide on how to fish for smallmouth bass will show you exactly how to trigger those strikes.
We will cover the lures and techniques that provoke the most aggressive strikes. Get ready to trigger an explosion.
Where to Find Smallmouth Bass: Location is Everything
The first step to catching smallmouth is knowing where they live. They absolutely love to hang out around rocks and other structures. Here are the best smallmouth bass locations:
In Lakes and Reservoirs
Smallmouth bass gather near rocky areas and change in depth.
- Target rocky points, sand bars, and offshore humps.
- Look for them along drop-offs where shallow water suddenly gets deep.
In Rivers
In moving water, they use structures to hide from the strong current.
- Fish the calm pockets of water behind big boulders and islands.
- Cast into current breaks and eddies where they wait to ambush prey.
Pro Tip: Fishing these different spots often requires a variety of gear. You can find all kinds of fishing products for the job.
The Right Gear: Your Smallmouth Bass Setup
You don’t need a lot of different setups for smallmouth bass. A versatile, medium-power rod and reel is perfect for most techniques. Here is the ideal smallmouth bass setup:
- Rod and Reel: A 6’6″ to 7′ medium-power spinning rod gives you a great balance of strength and sensitivity. A quality spinning combo is an excellent all-in-one choice that takes the guesswork out of matching your gear.
- Line Setup: Use a braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader for the best results. A 10-20 lb braid provides strength and feel, while a 6-10 lb fluorocarbon leader is nearly invisible to fish.
Best Lures and Baits for Smallmouth
Smallmouth bass are aggressive predators. Their main foods are crayfish and small baitfish, so your lures should look like them. This section covers the best lures for smallmouth bass.
Note: Remember that proper bait management is key to keeping them lively and effective.
Top Techniques and Fishing Tips
At Pokey’s Tackle Shop, here are some of our favorite smallmouth bass fishing tips. These techniques are very different from other styles, like those covered in our fly fishing rod guide, and will help you adapt to the fish’s mood.
- Match Your Speed to Their Mood: Use fast “power” lures like crankbaits and spinnerbaits to find active, aggressive fish. If the bite is slow, switch to slow “finesse” techniques with baits like a drop-shot rig or a Ned rig to entice hesitant bass.
- Fish Topwater in Low Light: During the early morning or late evening, topwater lures can create some of the most exciting and explosive strikes in all of freshwater fishing.
Get Ready for an Unforgettable Fight
The smallmouth bass has a well-earned reputation as a powerful, acrobatic fighter. They are known for big runs and high-flying jumps.
Now that you know how to fish for smallmouth bass, you’re ready for one of the best fights in freshwater. If you have more questions or need help picking the perfect lure, feel free to contact us for expert advice.
About the Authors: As the founders of Pokey’s, Greg and Gord Prokopetz have spent nearly four decades targeting Saskatchewan’s hardest-fighting fish. Their hands-on experience and passion for the sport have made them experts on aggressive species like the powerful smallmouth bass.
