The Smallmouth Bass can be an even more exciting catch than its famous relative.

Although it may not be as popular as the largemouth, the smallmouth bass is still a favorite of many fishing enthusiast. These fish are known for putting up a great fight when you hook'em. More often than not you will be able to watch them thrash about twisting and turning above the surface of the water as they make every attempt to throw your hook. It's this extreme action that keeps anglers coming back for more.

Also known by a few other names, such as Bronzeback, Brown Bass and Smallie; smallmouth is a way to differentiate them from their big cousin but don't let that fool you, there is nothing small about this fish. There is a unique look to this bass that is all its own. There a few things you'll want to look for to identify a smallmouth bass, but once you got those down you'll recognize them easily.

Smallies are native to the upper and middle Mississippi River basin, the Great Lakes and on into the Hudson Bay basin. They can be found hanging out mostly in rivers or lakes in areas with sandy or rocky bottoms. They enjoy cooler and clearer waters than the largemouth. Because of this they will move to deep water during the days of summer and come to the shallows at night.

There is nothing like getting a strike from a big smallie while working a jerkbait across the surface of the water. While your standard tackle box set up will work, there are a couple of popular bass lures and baits that are known to produce results. You need to make sure you know what they are and learn how to use them.

• Winter Smallmouth Bass Fishing Techniques
• Bass Fishing Boats
• Bass Fishing Rods

New! Comments