I've been chasing Smallies for the last week or so and would like to share some simple techniques that may work for you.
Early in the season Small Mouth can be found in shallow water with
rocks, boulders, and ledges. As the Summer heat progresses the Fish
begin to head for the deep cooler water. I have been finding the
Smallies in both deep and shallow water.
My most recent outing I was using a drop shot with Xzone Slammers.
In the photo above is my favorite color Slammer. Creamy Mellon with a floating tail. I was fishing in 12 feet of water with current. I like the floating tail because it raises the bait and increase the action, giving the bait a realistic look.
The VMC zero twist drop shot hook allows the bait to rotate and swim without getting tangled. This hook is a must when using a drop shot, if you want to maximize the baits potential. An Ultra Tungsten weight will decrease the amount of snags and allows the bait to move freely through structure. Tungsten is a very dense material that is lead free. The density allows for a smaller sized weight.
I really like the white belly on the bait, in certain water depths it adds to the baits visibility.
A drop shot is a simple technique that is easy to rig and can be fished any way. In still water or in a current, in structure, or on a flat. The stronger the current the heavier the weight.
Please visit the website to see a variety of colors and baits.
http://www.xzonelures.com/
Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/xZoneLures
Another bait of choice has been an El Grande Tube Texas rigged on a 3/0 XPS red hook with a Tungsten bullet weight.
I was fishing in rocks and weeds so this set up let me navigate through the weeds with ease. The video below shows what kind of structure I was fishing. The two Bass in the video were caught on an El Grande Tube.
This technique is also easy to use and is great for rocks and boulders that have vegetation growing off of them.
I was fishing in 4-8 feet of water off a dock. You don't have to be in a boat, these baits can be just as effective fishing from shore.
Visit El Grande to view the great selection of soft plastics.
http://www.elgrandelures.com/
Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/pages/El-Grande-Lures/217652448244798
One of my favorite ways to fish is top water, I am a top water fanatic. I throw the Super Spook Jr. all the time. I feel I have perfected the dog walking action. Over my life time I have walked the dog hundreds of miles. I don't hear a lot of anglers talk about this bait, it seems as though it's almost forgotten.
I use a bone colored Super Spook Jr. with #4 XPS red trebles. I've tested other colors and this set up has been the most productive for me.
The photo above shows rock edges, I run the Super Spook Jr horizontal to those edges. I try to pull the Bass away from the rocks or boulders they may be seeking cover from. In these situations I walk the dog hard creating a loud knocking noise to get the fish's attention.
In the photo above it looks like I am fishing deep water, I actually found a rock shoal in the deep water. It went from 20 feet of water to 2 feet, like a little island. I was excited when I found that. I was walking the bait just over the edges and the explosive action was a blast. I had one bigger than the above photo but it popped the lure out on the fourth head shake.
Visit the Heddon Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/heddonlures
You don't have to be an expert to do a little Bronze Back slamming, these three techniques are very simple to use and with a little patience, the fish will be on the end of your line.
Remember catch and release benefits the fish and the angler.
