Smallmouth Bass Fishing

by Juan Veruete, KayakFishPA.com

When it comes to lures, the number one topic of discussion is almost always centered around color selection. How many times has another angler asked you, “What color are you using?”. This question often becomes more complicated when you are talking about river fishing for smallmouth bass.

The river environment is very dynamic and water conditions can change in a matter of a few hours.  Based on much of the research I’ve reviewed, smallmouth tend to be sight feeders. As a result, color selection is high on my priority list.  Factors like scent, profile, and action are certainly part of the tube equation but in the spirit of keeping it simple, I”m going to focus on color. Here’s a quick and easy breakdown that can help you narrow your color choices quickly.

In the rivers I fish smallmouth have two primary food sources, crayfish and various minnow species. The most coveted is the crayfish. Of course a tube bait is a great crayfish imitation. Water clarity is my litmus test for choosing a tube color.

In clear water conditions, I’m looking to “match the hatch” and use more natural colors. Smallmouth in clear water seem to shy away from unnatural colors. There are exceptions to every rule but I find this statement to be accurate far more often then not.

If  I’ve decided to throw a tube in clear water, I’ll select colors that match the color of the crayfish in the body of water I’m fishing. When I’m fishing familiar waters, I typically know the color of the crayfish. If I’m fishing unfamiliar waters, I’ll turn rocks and observe a few crayfish then look at my tube selection to find the closest color match. Colors like pumking, carolina pumpkin, and various shades of green or brown work well in clear water. Laminated two color baits can also be great choices because often the bottom of a crayfish is lighter than the top.

Once the water crosses the line to stained or muddy, I start looking for colors that will provide contrast. Again, I’m trying to appeal to the smallmouths sense of sight. In muddy water, I may also go to a tube with a slightly bigger profile. The goal is to make the bait stand out in stained water. Great contrasting colors are dark greens, black, and dark browns. If the water is dark, but the sun is shining I may choose a bait with red, gold, or silver metal flake…sometimes all three!

This quick and easy guide will get you on your way to success with tubes in various water condition. The key is to be aware of changes in water clarity. I’ve been around fishing long enough to know that there are very few “hard and fast” rules and I know that conditions can change rapidly. As fisherman, we need to be aware of those changes and make the right choices. Color is just one of them!