Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fall Smallmouth Bass

26. May 2009

By October, the lakes and rivers in the north east are about seventy to seventy-five degrees, and the fish are suspending in the deeper water. After there are a few nights where the temperatures start to really drop the water temperatures, the smallmouth bass start to become far more catchable. Long points that run out [...]

Winter Smallmouth Bass

26. May 2009

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When the water temperatures are about 52-56 degrees here, usually about mid November, the smallmouth we have caught were always on a point with a fast taper into deeper water. If the smallmouth are in water deeper than fifteen feet, we throw a blade bait or tailspinner, if they are shallower than that, we throw [...]

Smallmouth Bass Are Not Like Largemouth Bass!

26. May 2009

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Time and time again over the years, we have listened to many anglers and clients express their frustration at trying to catch smallmouth bass. Most anglers don’t realize that these fish have their own set of behaviors that sets them apart from largemouth bass. The major differences between a smallmouth and a largemouth bass are [...]

A December to Remember: Blade Baits and Reservoir Smallmouth

26. May 2009

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Looking back at the past year, I realize that I have learned more since last March than in the previous five years combined. The switch from river to reservoir smallmouth fishing brought an entirely new set of rules, patterns, and techniques. The technique that I learned late in the year, vertical jigging a blade bait, [...]

Smallmouth Bass Lures

26. May 2009

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Lures used for Smallmouth bass fishing should be downsized versions of those used for Largemouth Bass, to accomodate their smaller mouths. A variety of crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, topwaters, soft baits and jigs can be effective. Sizes ranging from 1/8 oz. - 1/2 oz. are most commonly used. Top Water Baits Tiny Torpedo: 1-7/8″ length, 1/4 oz, [...]

Smallmouth Bass Flies

26. May 2009

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Below are some of the best Smallmouth Flies for topwater and sub-surface action. Stonefly Bugger - size 6 Franke Hellgrammite - size 4 Clouser Minnow - size 6 Clouser Deep Minnow - Size 6 Gaines’ Sneaky Pete - size 4 Crayfish - size 8 Popper size 4 - 6 Zonkers size 4 - 6 Bead Head Woolly Bugger size 4-6 Dragonfly size 4-6 Foam Slider [...]

Knots for Fly Fishing

26. May 2009

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There is no substitute for learning to tie good knots. If you build your own leaders you have the added flexibility of customizing leaders for different presentations and fishing situations. Nail knot - Used to attach the leader butt to the fly line. If you lightly coat this knot with epoxy, it will last all [...]

Fly Fishing Leaders and Tippet

26. May 2009

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The goal for most fly fishers is to provide the fish with a drag-free drift. This means the fly must look like it is not attached to anything (the leader) as it drifts in the current. A leader designed to fall on the water with built in slack will help accomplish this. The George Harvey leader [...]

Fly Casting

26. May 2009

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Understanding the mechanics and physics of the cast will help you to optimize your casting skills and develop your own casting style. Line speed and timing, not power, will gain you more distance and control. You cannot make a cast until you get the end of the line moving. On the back cast, the end [...]

Wading for Smallmouth Bass Primer

26. May 2009

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One of the simplest forms of fishing without a boat is to walk into the water and cast. It is a no-frills way of approaching fish and searching shallow stretches that may or may not be canoe, boat or kayak accessible. There are a few things to keep in mind when wading that may help [...]