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HOW TO CATCH SMALLMOUTH BASS
Fishing is no doubt a very fun thing to do, but for some, fishing goes far beyond the fun of it. It would be surprising to an amateur why an angler will not only dedicate his time to catching a particular fish but also derive so much joy and satisfaction at every catch. Well, some fishes give this sort of excitement, especially the ones that are not easy to catch. Smallmouth bass is one of such fishes.
Before you think that the smallmouth bass is a small fish, probably because of its name, you might want to have a rethink. The name 'smallmouth bass' comes from their relatively small mouth - which does not extend past their eyes- and it has absolutely nothing to do with their size.
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Unlike the largemouth bass, smallmouth bass prefers staying in deep water; hence, they are more difficult to catch and are less widespread. They also tend to be more abundant in cold water compared to largemouth bass, but both can be found in the same lake.
Although smallmouth bass might not attain the same size as largemouth bass, they are not to be taken lightly. If you intend to catch them, they are not one to give up without a solid fight, just so you know. In fact, many anglers who caught a two-pound smallmouth thought they caught a fish twice that size.
BRIEF LIFE HISTORY
The smallmouth bass are freshwater fish in the sunfish family. It has always been one of the most sought-after game fishes by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America. Little wonder it is, according to an old-time journal, 'the gamest fish that swims.' Smallmouth bass are green and have dark vertical bars, although the color could vary with environmental conditions. The vertical bars on
smallmouthed bass are more evident in clear and unproductive waters, but when in misty water, they appear yellowish-brown. Also, on their cheeks are bronze streaks that seem to radiate from their eyes. On the smallmouthed bass are two united dorsal fins; one is spinous, and the other is soft-rayed. Averagely, the size of a smallmouthed bass is twelve to sixteen inches, but they can be up to twenty-four inches dorsal fins. In recent times, it has been introduced to lakes in other countries such as Canada and the United States. Spawning for smallmouth bass usually happens in the spring from May to early July when the water temperature is within 60-70 degrees. Typically, a smallmouth bass lives for five to seven years. There have, however, been few exceptions as few smallmouth basses can live for ten to twenty years.
Tips for catching Smallmouth Bass
The fact that the smallmouth bass is a sought-after game fish by anglers already makes it quite difficult to catch, not to mention the fact that it requires
some sort of expertise. However, adhering to some of the under-listed tips will give you a chance at being successful in your quest for smallmouth bass:
Know when it is suitable to catch smallmouth bass: Going to fish without identifying the appropriate time for smallmouthed bass can be disappointing. There is always an inland smallmouth bass catch and release season which typically opens in Mid May making it a great time to fish for smallmouth bass. Also, within the same time, there is always an early harvest season that takes place in the North and East of the United States. The exact dates vary on the water that borders South Dakota, Canada, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa. So, you know that going for smallmouth bass during these periods can be very rewarding.
Identify the most suitable place to fish for smallmouth bass: Identifying where smallmouth bass can be found is a great step towards catching one. One of the places you can find a smallmouth bass, especially a big one, is in moving water. This is because big-looking smallmouth bass love to be where they can easily get food. So, they would prefer to stay in spots where the current will direct food towards them without having to move about for food. Another place to find a smallmouth bass easily is creek mouths or any other narrow parts of the lake where foods are easily filtered through.
Also, to be lucky in your quest for smallmouth bass, you might want to look for them in areas that are not regularly visited by anglers. This is because smallmouth bass in such areas have not seen many baits and cannot really tell what bait looks like, unlike those in areas that
are frequently visited by anglers. Hence, smallmouth bass in areas that are not oftenare frequently visited by anglers. Hence, smallmouth bass in areas that are not often visited by anglers can easily fall for the bait and be caught.
Be an early bird: You know what they say about the early bird catching the worm. You can be one as well, but in this case, you will be catching the smallmouth bass. In the warmer months, many smallmouth basses will come up shallow to feed in low light conditions, especially very early in the morning; the reason you have to come out as early as possible for your catch because if you do not, chances are you might not catch any the whole day.
Do not be afraid of the weather: If indeed you want to catch smallmouth bass, then the weather should not give you any shivers. Instead, be ready to face whatever changes that come with the weather boldly. The truth is, you are more likely to get lucky with a smallmouth bass when it is windy. This is because smallmouth bass is more likely to feed more when the wind
is blowing, just like they are when the water is moving. So, in essence, the wind is vital to the food chain, and if you are really looking to catching smallmouth bass, you would not be perturbed by the weather. Rather, you would want to do this when the smallmouthed bass is most vulnerable.
Big baits: Do not be confused by the name 'smallmouth bass' and think that it is caught using a small bait. Well, in some cases, some small baits can be used, but you stand a better chance of catching smallmouth bass with big baits.
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Keep the noise down: Here is a crucial tip if you want to return with a smallmouthed bass. There is a tendency for you to get excited about catching a small-mouthed big bass and, in the course of your excitement, make some noise. This can alarm the smallmouthed bass and cause it to move away from your direction. You do not want that now, do you? So, learn to stay as quiet as possible when trying to catch small-mouthed bass.
Suitable Baits for catching Smallmouth Bass
Even with all the tips for catching smallmouth bass, without the use of the most suitable baits, it would all amount to a waste of precious time. Just in case you are wondering exactly what the most suitable baits for smallmouth bass are, well, here you have it:
Drop shot: One of the most effective baits for catching a smallmouth bass is a drop shot. The reason is not farfetched; a drop shot can go as far as the bottom of the water irrespective of the water depth without the angler losing touch of it. Many anglers have embraced this bait in their quest for smallmouth bass because they recognize its effectiveness.
Ned rig: Here is another effective bait for the smallmouth bass. Named after a man called Ned Kehde, the ned rig is known to catch just about anything that swims. Anglers agree that it is a bonafide smallmouth killer; however, the only thing it lacks in deep water is the feel a drop shot gives.
Topwater walker: Yet another great bait for the smallmouth bass is the topwater walker. Smallmouth bass often lives in places with clean water. This thus helps them to see their prey even from a long distance. A topwater walking bait is perfect for this kind of situation.
Swimbaits: Swimbaits are just great baits for smallmouth bass. And the great thing about swimbaits is that you can get them in the sizes that are best suited for the smallmouth bass. Considering the 'small mouths' of smallmouth bass, swimbaits are just perfect.
Jerk bait: It might be surprising that jerkbait can be used to catch smallmouth bass as many consider it just a cold water presentation. As long as the smallmouth bass is shallow enough, a jerkbait is more than a perfect bait.
CONCLUSION
If you enjoy fishing and are yet to fish for smallmouth bass, you are undoubtedly missing a lot. It is time to let go of your fears and take a go at them because it is really not as difficult as you think. With the right attitude and tips, you just might find yourself finding it difficult to stop after the first time. Or, if you're wanting to get back to the basics, see our article on "How to Catch Bass in a Lake."
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