Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips and Tricks

Bass fishing is often one of the most fulfilling forms of the sport of fishing, but catching smallmouth bass isn't always the easiest of ventures. Smallmouth bass love to fight, jump, and head for the rocks and weeds which means a lot of challenges, even for the seasoned fisherman. Catching smallmouth bass means entertaining a little more skill than hooking brim, but any fisherman will tell you that these smaller cousins to the largemouth are a fun fish with a fight that makes them a lake and stream favorite.

The equipment necessary for catching smallmouth bass is a medium pole and 10-14 pound test line. The reasons for this are simple. You need to be able to feel the action on the line, which can be defeated by a long pole, and the line needs to be strong enough to stand up to the weeds, rocks, and flipping fish. I prefer a spinner reel but my wife uses the standard that came with her cheap Walmart special Zebco pole. Even with the most generic of setups, she's pulled in some decent specimens. The hook is important for smallmouth bass fishing as is the sinkers, especially when using artificial bait.

Bait for catching smallmouth bass should relate to the normal diet of the fish. If they had their way, smallmouth bass would likely feed on crayfish all day long, but when you don't have access to crawdads, nightcrawlers are a classic favorite. I prefer to use the whole nightcrawler when trying for the monster smallmouth bass. During your trip, you may consider mixing it up with shad, minnows, or another classic baitfish. Probably the oddest catch of a monster smallmouth bass was my wife hooking one with a cricket when she was fishing for sunfish. One of the biggest smallmouth bass my brother in law caught was hooked with a leech. Of course, there is a wide assortment of artificial baits and lures that are also popular for catching smallmouth bass. Be sure to have a few decent crank baits. The lesson for smallmouth bass fishing is that they like to hit anything that moves. They are aggressive and often quite eager if you know where to find them.

Finding the right location for catching smallmouth bass is not rocket science, but you have to know a lot about the smallmouth bass to be somewhat successful. If you are new to catching smallmouth bass, fish in the spring when the fish are nesting, which gives the smallmouth a literal smorgasbord of bait fry and the mating instinct is kicking in which draws them in toward the shore. Smallmouth bass love weeds and rock outcroppings as well as areas slightly downstream from inner lake or stream structures like islands. The sun has to be right, which you can get a feel for as you fish. Be sure to hide behind rock facings or the fish will be able to see where you're sitting. A new fisherman may opt to research state records and fishing reports to see where the monsters have been hitting. Typically message boards can help you choose smallmouth fishing spots that have a reputation for a decent number of fish. Smaller well stocked ponds should not be discounted and clear streams are often a favorite.

Get a feel for it. Try a pay fishing spot that is well stocked to get good practice in before you head out to the big lakes, and please if you're not planning on eating your catch be sure to only handle the fish with cloth (like a used pillowcase that has been cleaned in chemical and perfume free detergent and rinsed twice) to not damage the slime coating and minimize stress on the fish. Be sure to have a valid fishing license, and follow all the catch limits and regulations of the state where you're fishing. Good luck in catching the smallmouth bass of legends.