Florida Bass Fishing Forum
Smallmouth, Largemouth, We're All About Bass!

i really like fishing for smallmouth bass in rivers, what should i look for to fish for smallmouth? what lure?

works best? what time of day? and where do they hold up on?

Public Comments

1. I use a xrap or a jig with a brown gulp minnow or grub a few inches long. Look for them in pools or behind rocks, I have had my best luck in the morning.

2. I like top water tiny torpedo, clear with ribs painted on them. Smallies travel they can be anywhere but are predators so better chance is around structure or areas with hiding places where they can ambush, the like rocks and drop offs. Also small crankbaits with square short lips. Light colors for clear water, darker for stained water. I always catch more when I wear one white sock and one red sock.

3. i use a 3 1/4 in tube

4. fish on the shore

use minnows, live ones, its stupid to use lures when you can just use what the lures are trying to look like just use the real thing.

bobber ----- spit shot sinker ---------------hook with minnow

the minnow can move the bobber around but when it goes underwater youve got a fish

5. Inline spinners are deadly on river Smally's.

Here's my favorite for river Smally's (and Trout), (Get the 1/4 OZ size)- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_15446_100006002_100000000_100006000?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

The best part about Inline Spinners? You can cover water quickly targeting active fish.

If you get into an obvious school of Smallmouth then start casting a simple 4" - 4.5" Tube rigged Texas-style (so it's weedless).

Here's what you need:

1. 4.5" Tube- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_98302____SearchResults

2. Size 4/0 Skip Gap Gamakatsu hook- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90007____SearchResults

3. 1/8 OZ Screw-in Worm Weight- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_90022____SearchResults

Those 2 lures alone, (Inline Spinner & Texas-rigged Tube), will produce many, many fish for you.

Look for Smally's to be just out of the current, holding on boulders and any wooden rip rap available. Smally's usually travel in groups of 2. Find one and usually their will be (at least) another.....

Hope this helps ya?