Did you know you can fish for smallmouth bass in 47 out of 50 states across America and all 10 Canadian Provinces? The only states with no record of smallmouth bass are Alaska, Florida, and Louisiana. Since smallmouth have a broad distribution throughout North America, they’re nearly as sought-after as their largemouth cousins.  If you want to learn more about this special species and how to catch smallmouth, please stick around. For those readers who’ve never caught one, we will share our pro tips for landing your first smallie.

Get ready folks, as we first learn how to identify these special fish correctly.

How To Identify Smallmouth Bass

First, the easiest way to identify a smallmouth bass from a largemouth is by looking at their jawline and the markings on their side. For example, as their name implies, a smallie’s mouth isn’t as wide as a largemouth. Their jaw does not extend past the middle of their eye when closed. Then, their markings are also quite different. Typically, a smallmouth has dark, vertical barring along its sides. Another way to identify them is by their color. Smallmouth are usually bronze to brownish-green, which is how they get their other nickname, “brownie.”

Smallmouth Bass Gear/Equipment

How To Catch Smallmouth: Five Tips

Now that you have the correct gear and understand how to identify smallmouth bass, you’re about ready to start fishing. So, here are our five tips to help you land your first smallie:

Tip #1: Keep Your Tackle Light

First off, when fishing for smallmouth bass, you want to keep your tackle light. These fish don’t grow as big as largemouths, with the record for smallies sitting at 11-pounds and 15-ounces. Honestly, catching a smallmouth that size is rare, which is why the record hasn’t been broken since 1955. Most anglers would even consider landing a 5 or 6-pound one as a trophy. Thus, when selecting a rod, we suggest using an ultra-light to medium-powered one.

One rod in particular that is very good for smallmouth fishing is the Dobyns Sierra SA700SF model. The Dobyns Sierra model is great because it features a sensitive, lightweight, and durable blank. The line rating on this rod is 2 to 8 pound-test, a perfect range for catching smallmouth. Plus, the Sierra is effective when throwing lure weights between 1/16 to 5/16-ounces.

Tip #2: Cool, Clear, rocky water

Next, smallmouth bass naturally inhabits clearwater lakes, rivers, or streams with cool temperatures and rocky areas. Generally, rocky areas provide these fish with cover and shelter from predators, and they’re ideal nesting spots for spawning. Additionally, smallmouth enjoy gravel bottoms and slower current areas of rivers like flowing pools.

Tip #3: Bring the Right Bait and Lures

Then, you need to select the best lures to present to smallies. Depending on the time of year, and weather and water conditions, our favorite lures to throw for smallmouth are:

  • Jerkbaits
  • Crankbaits
  • Small swimbaits
  • Spinnerbaits
  • Tube baits
  • Jigs

When fished in the right conditions, these types of tackle seem to produce fish. Furthermore, if you would like more information on our thoughts on the best bass lures, check out our 2021 review.

Tip #4: Fish Early

Many dedicated anglers will tell you the best bass fishing occurs in the early morning. Typically, the bass activity will spike when water temperatures are around 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Mostly because bass prefer the times of day when the water is cooler.

Tip #5: Switch Up Your Techniques

Some lures are better to use during specific scenarios than others. So, if you’re struggling with getting a bite, consider switching up your lure or technique. For example, if you’re hitting heavily covered areas for smallies, try flipping or pitching your tackle against offshore rocks or timber. Or, if you’re fishing in deeper waters with finicky bass, try your luck by finessing a drop shot rigged worm. Whatever chose of lures you go with, make sure to change it up every now then. Varying techniques and lures can significantly improve your success rate for catching smallmouth bass.

Go Get Those Smallmouth!

We hope these  tips will help you land your first smallmouth bass – one of the most popular species targeted by anglers today.  Tight lines happy bass fishing and we will see you on the water!