In this article I’m going to discuss some of the keys to success when fishing for smallmouth bass. Smallmouth bass are amazingly fun to catch, and are know as being one of the hardest fighting fish that swim in freshwater. In my experience these fish, pound for pound, most certainly live up to that reputation.
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Many anglers don’t realize that smallmouth bass can be caught from the flowing waters of small rivers and streams just like trout. As a matter of fact, many times these fish can be caught in the exact same waters that you go trout fishing. This is how I like to catch smallmouth bass. I actually use my trout fishing rods and reels when fishing for ‘bronze backs’ and it’s a ton of fun.
In any case, when fishing for smallmouth bass, these keys to success will serve you well.
Use Small Diameter Line – As I said, I like to use my trout fishing gear when fishing for bronze backs, and my trout fishing gear is quite light. I use an ultra light rod and reel spooled with four pound test monofilament. The smaller the diameter of line you use, the more bites you will get, it’s as simple as that. This is a key to success when smallmouth bass fishing, especially in clear water situations. Use Gang Hooks – This key to success is integral when fishing with live bait (especially worms). Gang hooks are simply a pair of small hooks tied in tandem, which allow a worm to be presented in an outstretched and natural manner. This makes a big difference in bite rates, and is a key to success when fishing for smallmouth bass. Gang hooks should be a part of your smallmouth bass repertoire, especially in river and stream situations. Being On The Water At The Right Times – When fishing for smallmouth bass it’s important to be on the water when the bass are the most active. This can be accomplished by learning ways that the weather & moon impact the behavior of fish. There’s no need to become a scholar on these subjects either, the basic rules will do fine. Learning the ways in which these two forces of Mother Nature affect fishing is certainly one of the keys to success when fishing for bronze backs.
Begin using these simple keys to success and start catching more of these wonderful and feisty fish. Catching smallmouth bass on light gear can be as much fun as can be had with your clothes on and these keys to success will make you much more effective. Get out there and give one or all of them a shot on your next “smallie” fishing excursion.