There are many different types of fishing lures that can be used for smallmouth bass fishing, and in this article I’m going to outline some of the most effective of these lures. It seems as if smallmouth lures come in as many styles as there are stars in the sky, and this article will help you narrow your choices down to a manageable level. The smallmouth lures listed in this article are in no particular order, yet they are all quite effective.
The next time you go smallmouth bass fishing, any of these lures will be a great choice. Make sure you give one or all of them a try, you won’t be disappointed. When it comes to lures, any one of these will be a great choice:
Crayfish Imitations – There is probably no bait better for smallmouth bass than crayfish. Did you know that in water where crayfish are prevalent, smallmouth bass actually secret a scent through their skin that mimics crayfish? This scent will actually make crayfish come out of their hiding spot to protect their territory. When they come out, the smallmouth gobbles them up. Pretty cool, huh? This is why in waters where crayfish are prevalent, crayfish imitations are very effective. I’ve had a ton of success with Berkley’s Power Craws. Spinnerbaits – In shallow shoal area’s white and yellow Spinnerbaits are deadly. Remember to use smaller sizes that you would for Largemouth Bass. Spinnerbaits in crayfish patterns can be effective as well, especially when fishing shallow rocky areas. Tube Baits – Tube baits are a very good smallmouth lure in deeper water. When smallmouth bass go deep they tend to hang out around drop offs and underwater ridges. This usually happens when the weather changes and pressures fluctuate. Tube baits in natural (worm) colors work best in these situations and again, Berkley Power Tubes are a great choice. If you’re using traditional tube baits, try adding a small piece of real worm under the tube. Baitfish Imitations – Baitfish imitations are also a great smallmouth lure. The key here is to use a lure that’s as realistic is possible. You want to know the natural forage of the water you’re fishing and choose you baitfish imitation accordingly. The key is that is looks as much like the natural forage as possible. When it comes to smallmouth lures and baitfish imitations realism is the key.
The lures just mentioned are the most effective smallmouth lures in most smallmouth fishing situations. Are they the only options? Certainly not, but in my 25 years of smallmouth experience these are certainly the most effective.
By: Trevor Kugler
Archive for January, 2010
Smallmouth Lures – The Best Lures For Smallmouth Bass Fishing
January 28th, 2010Steelhead Fishing on The Salmon River in Idaho
January 24th, 2010
Steelhead fishing is starting to pick up on the Salmon River near Riggins Idaho. I was able to make a quick Steelhead fishing trip yesterday and to my surprise I did quite well. I fished for three hours hooked four fish and was able to land three of them they were nice fish too one my have went 14 pound a nice hen.
Fishing below Riggins about 5 miles there is a boat launch just below a small community called Lucile I fished at the tail end of the hole there and it seemed like the Steelhead were starting to move again after this last cold spell.
I was using a small pink colored corky and pink and white yarn with a small piece of bait shrimp. The water is still pretty cold and they did not hit hard but they were hitting.
If you are planning a trip soon remember to keep your presentation small as the water is clear and cold and I always have better luck using small baits and lures under these conditions. Try to find holes where the water is moving steady but not out in the main current the Steelhead are not very active yet and they seem to still prefer the slower currents.
I have heard that things are picking up on the Clearwater as well mainly below Orofino. I have not made It up there yet this spring however a good friend of mine has made several trips that way recently and has been doing very well.
So get your reel oiled up put on some new line its time to start hitting the rivers again here in central Idaho. Hope to see you on the River!
By: Robert R Smith
Steelhead Fly Fishing Tip: Selecting Your Steelhead Fly Fishing Outfit
January 23rd, 2010
It’s to your advantage when Steelhead fly fishing to use the proper tackle. A well-balanced fly rod and reel, and a good quality steelhead fly line are a must when fishing steelhead waters. The length and weight of your fly rod is very important because it needs to work and feel right for you. If you have done any type of fly-fishing, you should be able to tell when you find the right rod. You don’t want a rod that is too light nor do you want one that is too long or too heavy. You need a rod that you are able to fish and cast with for 5 to 7 hours a day and not over tired. This is a big factor if you are on a destination trip where you are “power” fishing, long hours for several days in a row.
For Summer Steelhead fishing in Oregon waters, I prefer a #8 weight, 9’ or 9’-6”graphite fly rod and a good quality Steelhead fly reel that has a good adjustable drag system. The reel should be large enough to hold a WF #8 floating steelhead fly line, plus150 yards of 20 lb Dacron fly line backing.
I sometimes use a one-size lighter weight fly line than what is called for by the fly rod manufacturer. When using the wet fly swing or damp fly method of steelhead fishing, I suggest a #7 weight wet tip or dry line for an 8-weight fly rod. For example, when casting and fishing the wide river of Oregon I often have extra line out past the rod tip, the extra weight of that line, plus the steelhead fly, plus a strong double haul cast will load the 8-weight rod, making a tight loop and long cast. I also like the way a #7 fly line fishes because it is easy to mend the line after making a cast. The lighter weight of the #7 also helps to make a change of direction cast and is easy to pick up or roll cast when you’re ready to make another cast down and across the current.
By: Stanley Stanton
