Summer bites can sometimes be hard to come by. Make sure you're choosing a lure that will get the job done.
In "River Fishing: Finding Summer Smallmouth Bass" we discussed what to look for on the river to locate summer smallies. Now we will highlight some tackle and lures that will help you catch them!
Jigs We're Throwing
When fishing points, eddies, or rock bluffs opt for a jigging option for summer smallmouth. This simple setup is a deadly combination and catches fish year in and year out. You can drag it, hop it, or let it drift with the current.
Whether you're using a spinning setup or a baitcaster be sure to use fluorocarbon to limit line visibility.
Crawfish Imitation
Rudder 50 PCs Jigheads, 1/16oz (https://amzn.to/3y0sKQz)
Zoom Bait Fat Albert Twin Tail, Green Pumpkin (https://amzn.to/39AUbHc)
TIP: Don't be fooled into thinking you need a weed guard or skirt for every one of your jigs. Smallmouth bass are more inclined to go after a smaller profile and less intimidating lure. Start with the basics first - then if you feel the need to add more body to your lure feel free to do so.
Bait fish Imitation
Rudder 50 PCs Jigheads, 1/16oz (https://amzn.to/3y0sKQz)
Zoom 3" Fat Albert Grub, Watermelon Seed (https://amzn.to/3QsBc27)
TIP: Green pumpkin and Watermelon are two of the most popular natural colors in the fishing world. However, if you fish a body of water that is inhabited by a lot of prey fish "Pearl" may be another good color choice for you.
Our Favorite Smallmouth Crankbaits & Jerkbaits
1. For shallow point fishing or areas that have a relatively shallow rocky bottom, try throwing one of the Bomber Lures Model A Crankbaits, 3-Pack (https://amzn.to/3N1s2qg).
These little guys come with two crawfish imitations and a bait fish imitation and are the perfect size to act as an easy meal for a smallmouth. They can be fished on either spinning or light baitcasting setups. Try and get some bottom contact and pause the lure for just a split second when you feel contact. This is typically when you get bit!
2. If you think the fish might be a little bit deeper tie on a Luck E Strike Rick Clunn Series Suspending Jerkbait (https://amzn.to/3yGQJot). Many people think this is just for largemouth but smallmouth will tear this thing up.
A suspending jerkbait is a great mid day option for smallmouth around deeper flats that border river channels as well as long runs in a river that offer big slate rock bottoms.
Topwater Go-To Lures
When fishing early mornings or late evenings when the water is calm consider throwing a Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg Jr. (https://amzn.to/3NhcijI) or a Strike King KVD Splash (https://amzn.to/3mUpsrN).
Both of these lures have been tested and proven as being great topwater lures and really grab the attention of the fish. Unlike other options on this list, use these lures with a setup that is rigged with monofilament line. Monofilament (mono) floats which makes it great for topwater fishing applications.
Dropshot Setup
Gear Needed:
Gamakatsu Dropshot Hooks (https://amzn.to/3LxxVep)
Reaction Tackle Lead Drop Shot Weights, 1/8oz (https://amzn.to/3zEvsMO)
Roboworm, 4 1/2" Green Neon Pumpkin (https://amzn.to/3aX1zNg)
A dropshot rig is great around deeper areas of a river or in places where you want the lure to hangout in the strike zone for longer periods of time. Deep vertical rock bluffs and fish beds are two examples of where this rig excels.
Rig it with a Palomar knot and remember to run the tag line back through the eye of the hook before tying on your weight. This allows the hook and worm to have a nice, flat presentation. For tips on how to tie a Palomar knot check out our blog post "The Only 3 Bass Fishing Knots You Need".
Wacky Rigged Worm
Gear Needed:
Offset Wacky/Dropshop Hooks (2/0), 30-Pack (https://amzn.to/3xZrD3k)
Zoom Trick Worm(https://amzn.to/38M0580)
Another deadly setup to have in your summer smallmouth arsenal is a wacky rigged worm. For best action of the worm, run the hook through the worm SLIGHTLY off center.
Wacky rigged worms are great for skipping under trees and other types of cover and a great option when bank fishing.
A typical retrieval method includes a few fast twitches (2-3) of the worm then a 2-5 second pause. Rinse and repeat!
Inline Spinnerbaits For Riffles & Rapids
Inline spinners have been around for a LONG time and they have passed the test of time for lures that reliably catch fish. Mostly known as a trout lure, inline spinners are a great smallmouth bass option when fishing the riffles and rapids of a river.
An effective and affordable option is the SouthBend Inline Spinnerbaits, 6-Pack (https://amzn.to/3O4b3F5). These are best fished with a light spinning setup and may require an additional split shot weight depending on how far you want to cast them or if the area you are fishing has strong current.
Time to go Catch More Fish!
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