Smallmouth bass are peculiar predators. At times, they’ll sneak up
to, sniff, and ignore finesse-type lures. At other times,
they’ll smash fast moving baits. Those who chase smallmouth live
for those magical times when a school of brown bass transforms into
“wolfpack” mode.
“Structured” Smallies
Following
the spawn each spring, many smallmouth remain in relatively shallow water
throughout the summer.
They relate to rock and wood scattered along shorelines. They feed on a buffet
of forage that includes crawfish, minnows, and bugs. Other fish will drop off
into mid-depths, say 8-15’ of water, and hang adjacent to rock, timber, and even
vegetation. This population will feed on available food at that depth range or
make frequent trips into shallower or deeper water, if necessary. Smallies
situated in shallow and mid-depth ranges tend to hang in groups of three to half
a dozen fish. When active, they all get active together. It’s their
competitive nature. When an angler hooks one of these fish, her friends will
often follow and actually attempt to take the bait out of her mouth.
“Unstructured” Smallies
In bodies of
water that harbor strong populations of smelt or ciscoes, a percentage of
smallmouth will venture into “no-man’s land” in search of these suspending
baitfish. It’s these fish that make anglers scratch their heads. The lack of
regard to structure opens up a new frontier of possibilities in regard to fish
location. At times, locating these fish can be like finding a needle in
haystack. When active however, these fish are more readily detected on
electronics, positioned just below clouds of baitfish. At times, a school’s
location will be given away as anglers observe surface activity created by bass
chasing baitfish. Much is yet to be learned about these roamers
but a couple of facts are obvious. These “unstructured” smallies tend to be
larger than average and the schools in which they travel are often huge.
Swimbaits
Even during
these active periods, when targeting smallmouth in all depths, it pays to use
realistic presentations. Swimbaits, a smallmouth favorite, refer to soft
plastic lures that typically emulate baitfish. It could be as simple as a jig
and grub. Baits like Northland Tackle’s Slurpies Swim Shiner and Swim Shad are
more realistic in terms of color patterns, profile, and action. Built with a
jighead encapsulated by the soft plastic body, these lures are soft and chewy as
well. The action imparted on these baits gives them their categorical name.
They are designed to be casted and retrieved at a steady, relatively rapid
rate. Similar to a spinnerbait or crankbait, the lure provides the action.
Last summer,
I was able to test the new Slurpies swim baits on the smallmouth rich waters of
Rainy Lake on the MN/Ontario border. Designed to look, taste, and feel like the
real thing, smallmouth got all over them. Like slashbaits, swimbaits are great
for covering water quickly. You can “power fish” with these lures, yet they are
less intimidating than conventional power baits like crankbaits and
spinnerbaits. I put them in their own “hybrid” category somewhere between
“power baits” and “finesse baits” because they have qualities of each.
Duane
Peterson likes the simplicity of swimbaits for smallmouth. As a bass fanatic
and Vice President of Northland Fishing Tackle, Peterson is able to test
products regularly. “When it comes to swimbaits, cast ‘em out and crank ‘em
in”, urges Peterson. “When fishing vast bodies of water, the 4” Slurpies Swim
Shiner and Swim Shad are great tools for finding smallmouth.” Both lures
emulate a baitfish. The Swim Shiner features a curly tail while the Swim Shad
sports a paddle tail. Peterson raves about the versitilty of these lures. “I
can go down a bank and fish these baits in depths from 1-15 feet. When I get
around structure like underwater points and isolated reefs, I might count the
lure down a little deeper but then work it rapidly back to the boat.” Peterson
says a swimbait is very easy to retrieve relative to a spinnerbait or
crankbait. “These baits don’t have as much pull. I can cast all day and not
wear myself out.” Peterson makes long casts with a 7’ medium action casting rod
and reel combo spooled with 14 pound Trilene XT monofilament. The long rod
facilitates lengthy casts and provides leverage for long distance hooksets.
Peterson opts for the Silver Shiner pattern in clear water and the Super-Glo
Chub in stained water. Peterson is an accomplished tournament angler. While
proficient with numerous presentations, he attempts to narrow his options by
tournament time. Often, when the whistle blows, a swimbait will get the nod.
Slashbaits
Smallmouth
are often tempted by hard minnow-shaped lures as well. Slashbaits have made a
big splash in recent years. These baits appear to be another stickbait with a
minnow profile, similar to the standard or “Original” Rapala. The difference is
apparent when put to use. Erratic action sets slashbaits like the X-Rap apart
from its predecessors. With a wider wobble, the bait moves more water. They
can be ripped hard and still run true. If hung in vegetation, slashbaits can be
torn free without rolling, allowing the angler to continue retrieving the lure
in the strike zone. Essentially, the X-Rap is a Rapala with attitude. A key
smallmouth enticing characteristic is the lure’s ability to suspend. Allow it
to pause during the retrieve and the bait sits still, unlike floaters which
immediately rise toward the surface.
Competitive
angler and smallmouth expert, Steve Mattson, says slashbaits can be phenomenal
lures throughout the season when chasing structure related bass as well as
“suspenders”. He always has an X-Rap rigged and ready when targeting
smallmouth. “It’s just a great lure to use all year. Suspending stickbaits are
heavier than the traditional stickbaits and the X-Rap seems to fall into a
league of its own. It is simply a dream to cast when targeting clear water
smallmouth.” While Mattson starts out imparting a typical jerk-jerk-pause
action, he is quick to experiment.
“Water temperature is a big factor. Less aggressive jerks and longer pauses are
often effective during spring and fall. During summer,
there are times when you can’t work it too fast,” says Mattson. His favorite
model is the XR 10, which is 4” in length and weighs 7/16 oz. “I like the color
patterns that best resemble the forage on the water I’m fishing.” Olive green
and glass minnow patterns see the most action. Brighter colors are called upon
in stained water.
Mattson
alternates between casting and spinning gear when jerkbaiting. He spools 12 to
14-pound line (Berkley Vanish or Trilene) on a high-speed casting reel and
mounts it on a 7’
medium
action Fig Rig Carbon Classic Rod for most applications. “In windy conditions,
I’ll switch to a 7’ Fig Rig spinning rod matched with a quality Rapala or
Shimano spinning reel.” On this set-up, Mattson employs 10-pound test Fireline.
Its low diameter and lack of memory enhance casting distance. He plans to use
the spinning outfit more in the coming season when fishing the new XR-8, a
smaller brother to the XR-10.
Regardless
of the depth, when active smallmouth are located, swimbaits and slashbaits are
two presentation options that will put numbers of fish in the boat in short
order.
Travis Peterson
classicbass.com Field Staff
