The best bass lures for smallmouth are very similar to largemouth lures, just on a smaller scale.

When trying to decide on the best bass lures to catch smallmouth size is probably the first thing to take into consideration. Typically a good size lure for these bass is around 2 - 3 inches.

Most anglers opt for dark colors rather than bright or fluorescent unless the conditions absolutely call for it. The smallmouth will strike at your typical bass lures such as spinner baits, minnow baits and top water plugs, but anything that mimics its favorite prey, crayfish, can prove to be very successful.

Here are some examples of these lures from Bass Pro Shops. Click on a pic or check out more great bass lures from BPS and Cabela's

Jigs can be especially effective as they can be used to mimic a crayfish dancing across the rocky bottoms of a lake or river. If you decide to go the route of a more natural looking lure, it is suggested that you go with minnow baits over crankbaits due to their tighter wiggle. And for those looking for real action, topwater lures are known to be effective in spring and in a clear lake can call the smallmouth from the depths to strike.

As stated earlier crayfish are at top of list as the favorite prey of the smallmouth. This being the case, a lot of anglers believe live bait is best option especially when fishing is tough, but if you are set on artificial, plastics offer great potential due to how closely they can resemble natural prey of the smallmouth with the variety of shapes and sizes you can get them in.

Another favorite bait that many fishermen love to use is the larvae of the dobson fly, aka hellgrammites. Many have reported that this is really a great bait to get the most bites.

Whatever you choose to try from these suggestions, you're sure to have a great time catching these bass.

Find the best lure for you and keep reeling them in and be sure and see what other knowledge you may be able to gain on this fish by going back to our smallmouth bass page.

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