best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers

You may not be able to explain it. Black, brown, chartreuse, purple, smoke, and white are good colors in sizes from 1/32 to 1/8 ounce. These lures shine for surface and mid-level active bass. Try a slow, crawling retrieve first. But you’ll score on more fish and bigger ones by trying these types of cover: Also keep an eye peeled for fish slashing damselflies or minnows skipping across the surface. They can be found throughout a wide range and live in most types of water including creeks, lakes & rivers. Great quality of work and a lot of attention to the fine details. Big smallmouth bass lurk in Ozark streams. Found service to be prompt, professional & with the highest of quality. Wildlife transition taxidermy is the very best taxidermist there is. Experiment with deliveries, ranging from a slow, steady crawl, to a short lift-and-drop, a crisp upward sweep, or a slow descent presentation. The best rivers for smallmouth are moderate-gradient rivers with cool temperatures and plenty of riffles. Wobblers, on the other hand, should be reeled in slowly and steadily so they gurgle and sputter across the surface. Dance and skitter them erratically on top first. Jerkbaits, spinner baits and buzz baits can all be used for smallmouth fishing. If you’re hitting the water for bronzebacks this summer, you’ll want to fill your tacklebox with these go-to baits. However, there are some exceptions. Catching bigger fish is what sets the New River apart from all the others. Like trout, they’re not very selective in their feeding. Have a great day. Bronzebacks might chase down a damselfly one minute, grab a cricket, or nail a skittering shiner the next. Very talented and skilled. All rights reserved. They prefer cooler and clearer water than their largemouth bass cousins. Their compact size imitates many natural foods and they work particularly well if fish are in a sulking mood. customer and glad I gave him a chance because I have a new taxidermist now. This can all add up to those “died and gone to heaven” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later. If bronzebacks are in a fussy mood, try this Carolina rig: Thread the last ⅛ inch of the grub head on a size 4 to 8 octopus or bait-style hook tied 18 to 24 inches below a large split shot or ⅛ to ¼ ounce egg sinker and swivel. These lures are terrific on big waters like the James and Susquehanna. Twitch lightly, pause, and then reel back super-slowly so the lure creates a v-wake on the surface. Whether you fish the Snake, Potomac, John Day, New, Niagara, Susquehanna, Shenandoah, or lesser known streams that only locals visit, these seven lures will catch smallmouths from summer through fall. Best looking Buck mount I Have and I Have a few. I recently picked up the hog mount and the work was amazing. Copyright © 2020 Field & Stream. Purple, black, brown, watermelon, motor oil, blue, and red are all good colors. In rivers, the water conditions change quite often. This widget allows you to show your most important offer to all visitors. You can fish these lures from just below the surface down to the bottom. It floats at rest and dives down 2 or 3 feet below the surface upon retrieve. They’ll cover any situation from fish sulking on the bottom to aggressive topwater feeders chasing minnows and damselflies. Undercurrents: The mighty St. Lawrence begins at the outflow of Lake Ontario, surging 775 miles to the Atlantic Ocean. Small versions of largemouth crankbaits and also crayfish-shaped models are terrific mid-level smallmouth lures. Very Professional . For lures, the outfitter lists Rapala X Raps, Yo-Zuri jerkbaits, and jig-and-pigs. This is the second trophy mount that Wildlife. Pound for pound smallmouth bass are one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish, and that tenacity turns up when you tangle with smallmouth in shallow water.. Smallmouth are native to rivers, lakes, and streams throughout the Midwest and have routinely been stocked to non-native ranges since the 1800s. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. It’s a killer topwater lure and is one every bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal. Use as little weight as you can with Carolina-rigged worms. No. But you feel it. Models with either one or two propellers that spray water when you twitch the bait are perfect. Top colors are pumpkinseed, smoke, purple, black, motor oil, and chartreuse. These are better options for deeper water, from six feet to as much as thirty feet or more. McClane called the river smallmouth “the greatest freshwater gamefish of all.” If you’ve come under this fish’s spell in its river environment, you know why. The Bass Pro Micro Light Mini-Crankbait is a prime example. A fish will likely hammer it as it slowly settles. Smallmouth bass (Micropterusdolomieui) prefer colder, more oxygenated waters than do largemouth bass, and they usually live in rivers and deep lakes. Go with either Texas-rigging if hang-ups are a problem or Carolina-rigged versions, with either single or multiple hooks. Stock them in lengths from 1 to 3 inches. Man-made structure like docks, riprap, and bridge pilings. Slow-moving rivers and fast-moving rivers are usually not suitable for large populations of smallmouth bass. A small spinnerbait, though, now gets the nod with its plastic grub on one arm and spinner on the other. best on your mount Jack is a really great guy could not be happier. Grubs are great for bottom-bouncing and a good choice when worms don’t score. were broken, fur and jaw line messed up from sitting in an old barn. I highly recommend taking your trophy here. He did a great job! Personal Touch Each Trophy. Be ready for a thumping strike as the lure flutters towards the bottom. Hello Bass Resource Fishing Community! The grub flutters naturally when rigged this way and draws strikes from fish attracted by the sinker banging along on bottom rocks. Some days you can cast just about anywhere and catch a bronzeback. For color go with fire-tiger, silver with a black or blue back, natural crayfish, and shad. If that doesn’t work, or only attracts small fish, let the lure sink from a few inches to a few feet, then begin a jerking retrieve. Stock some cranks that run at 3 to 5 feet deep and others that dig deeper and ricochet off rocks and logs to incite instinct strikes. Regardless, you can’t go wrong fishing these streams. In murky or muddy water, even lures up to 3 inches long may fool some hawgs. I love preserving your memories. They’re basically a soft version of a thin-minnow plug. These are subsurface patterns for the most part as the water is too cold on the upper river for a consistent topwater bite to occur. A Bonnier Corporation Company. The Original Floating Rapala is the classic thin-minnow plug. Whether it be on a Crankbait , topwater. Small versions of largemouth crankbaits and also crayfish-shaped models are terrific mid-level smallmouth lures. The reasons: fewer hang-ups, more strikes, and it’s easier to unhook fish. Deliver the lure to a likely spot and let the ripples settle. Tennessee’s Ott DeFoe maintains that the Original Floating Rapala ranks as a top spring bait. You can find both large and smallmouth bass in the same river or lake but where you find them exactly will differ significantly. Twitch it once, pause, repeat. Lures for Smallmouths. Poppers and prop lures can be fished the same way. Most strikes will come as the lure falls back after the hop. Stream smallmouth fishing and river bass fishing in general nourishes the soul and calms the nerves, taking the angler away from the pressures of every day life. I've had many pleasant days on small rivers and streams despite catching few fish. It also comes … Thanks! And it has been that way for some time. The faster rivers have currents that are too strong. First time. 7 - Original Floating Rapala Minnow. Good price for quality work. That pause sometimes incites following fish to strike. Get a cast to that surface swirl quickly and a strike is almost guaranteed. In deeper water or swifter current, a ⅛- to ¼-ounce egg sinker 18 to 36 inches ahead of a swivel or split shot is the rig of choice. Jack did a great job on my black buck! Lures retrieved across the current go by quickly from a bass’ viewpoint. The best smallmouth bass fishing lures are generally suspended lures that aren’t surface or divers. Winter River Smallmouth With Pete Cartwright. Why America Loves Smallmouth Bass. Cast to prime smallmouth hangouts such as eddies, logs near shore, lone rocks, or limestone ledges. In a way, they are a bit of a combination of largemouth bass in freshwater trout. They are easy to catch once you understand their tendencies. Taxidermy and they could not have been more professional and accommodating. The best smallmouth bass lures are all the usual suspects that you probably already have in your tacklebox, some will need to be downsized however. If there are no takers, try reeling the lure steadily so it dives 12 to 18 inches. Compared to hard baits they offer two advantages: soft, lifelike feel in the fish’s mouth, and more erratic action. Transitions Taxidermy has done for me. The water temperature, clarity, and amount of flow all impact the smallmouth’s feeding behavior. This post will thoroughly cover the best smallmouth bass fishing tackle and lures. Highly recommended. Worms that are three to five inches long work best. At times simply swimming these lures back at a moderate pace will elicit slamming strikes when fish are feeding aggressively. There are no right or wrong answers either. Two to 4-inch models can be effective, with pearl, shad, chartreuse, and smoke being the best colors. After two or three twitches, bring the lure back at a faster pace, experimenting with smooth and erratic retrieves. This includes learning how to read a river, understanding the influence of current on smallmouth location and being able to effectively fish flowing water. The Rapala Deep Husky Jerk Lure is a deep diver where jerk lures are concerned, but for smallmouth bass fishing the 7 to 16-foot depth is somewhere in the middle. Smallmouth bass are a very popular freshwater species. Reel steadily to probe mid-levels, or work it erratically to fool fish through both levels of the water column. Twitch or slow-crawl it on the surface as a topwater lure. Thanks for reading and feedback. I like using crankbaits for float-fishing, when you’re drifting through water swiftly and need a lure that you can reel back at a moderate to fast retrieve. When they inhale these plugs they are simply viewing them as something that looks alive and tasty. The Water Freedom System May Save your Families Lives. It may sound boring, but some of the biggest river smallmouths fall for this simple, basic presentation because of the incredibly lifelike wiggle of this lure. These are fabulous lures to use at night for probing deep, slow pools. This will add … The Bass Pro Micro Light Mini-Crankbait is a prime example. Small versions of largemouth crankbaits and also crayfish-shaped models are terrific mid-level smallmouth lures. The hooks are dressed with a natural squirrel tail. Here are the ten best Smallies lures ever made #10 The Rebel Pop R Nothing in fishing is more thrilling then having a big Smallmouth Bass blowing up on a topwater lure. I’ve had plenty of days with exceptionally high number of fish, and … People not used to fishing for smallmouth often struggle with trying to catch them. Would definitely recommend for your taxidermy needs. Usually, though, grubs with fluttering twister-type tails are best. The Smallmouth Bass is one of the most exciting fish to catch that swims. Hesitate when the lure works up to a rock or log. Two to 4½-inch models are best. Natural structure like stumps, boulders, rock piles, and fallen trees. The Lunker City Slug-Go was one of the first offerings of this type of bait. JJ was very professional, honest and has a very unique touch to his art. There’s a reason former Field & Stream Fishing Editor, A.J. Experienced Taxidermist of over 15 years. I was thoroughly satisfied with the quality of the mount and would highly recommend them to anyone. Stopping occasionally also draws sharp takes as the lure tumbles down like a wounded minnow running out of gas. Smallmouth bass do not grow as large, but put up … A little rain or dams leaving out water will raise the levels. As a variation, reel steadily part way back, then pause and let the lure float up to the surface. But when large fish are present, a 5-inch version can score big. Striped Bass are one of the best overall fish to catch. The most common blades colors are silver or gold but actually come in over 20 color variations. Rig them on a 1/16- to 1/8-ounce round jighead or Carolina-style on a size 4-8 hook, 18- to 24-inches behind a split shot and swivel. The Whopper Plopper comes in both an original and silent version to help you to adapt to the mood of the fish. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. The internal rattle creates vibrations in the water that will get the fish’s attention, and the #5 nickel hooks are tough and sharp enough to get the rest of the job done. At times simply a split shot or two will do. Many are effective. The slower rivers warm up too quickly and usually have a flat, silty bottom. They’re go-to lures when conditions are challenging such as after a cold front or when waters are super-clear from a lack of rain. Will be back for. If a topwater bite does occur, however unlikely, Craig suggests Heddon Tiny Torpedoes. The lightest weight plastics like a Texas Rig or jig head need just enough weight to make bottom contact and then walk it down the shoal. A skinny minnow plug is ideal for fishing on the surface or down to mid-depths. While fishing, you will normally catch three to four pound smallies all year round but during the spring there is a good possibility you will hook into a six to seven pound bass. Recommend this company for all taxidermist needs. Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tackle and Lures. Click on the “replace” button in the section options to choose from a wide-range of pre-designed bottom sections or drag elements to build from scratch), {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"f3080":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1},"f2bba":{"name":"Main Light 10","parent":"f3080"},"trewq":{"name":"Main Light 30","parent":"f3080"},"poiuy":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"f83d7":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"},"frty6":{"name":"Main Light 45","parent":"f3080"},"flktr":{"name":"Main Light 80","parent":"f3080"}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"f3080":{"val":"rgb(23, 23, 22)","hsl":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09}},"f2bba":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.5)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.5}},"trewq":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.7)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.7}},"poiuy":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.35)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.35}},"f83d7":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.4)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.4}},"frty6":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.2)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.2}},"flktr":{"val":"rgba(23, 23, 22, 0.8)","hsl_parent_dependency":{"h":60,"s":0.02,"l":0.09,"a":0.8}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__, The 7 Best Lures for Smallmouth Bass in Rivers, I had trouble finding a taxidermist to complete a hog mount for me in my local area. Hunting Food Preservation During COVID 19 Crisis. Powerful fighters, they leave an indelible mark on the hearts of fishermen. Teeth. Because of this, the best smallmouth bass lures are a highly debated topic among fishermen. This is my first post and I would love to hear some of your favorite smallmouth bass fishing lures to use in Rivers? “Smallmouth are very aggressive toward a topwater bait hovering over their heads during this period, so a bait that can stay close to the surface is extra effective,” he says. The River2Sea Whopper Plopper has taken the bass fishing industry by storm recently and for good reason. I am very pleased with their work & service. Soft plastic or a jerkbait Smallies can really put up a battle. When the water starts to cool down in mid to late September, the fall smallmouth start to feed up for the winter months. The Heddon Tiny Torpedo is a terrific choice. 10 Ways to Screw Up a Campfire (and How to Fix Them), The Agony, and Utter Joy, of One Child’s First Fish, The 6 Best Big-Game Loads for the .308 Winchester, How to Hunt Ducks in a Winter Storm and Live to Tell About It, The Story Behind the World-Record Whitetail Deer. In murky or muddy water, even lures up to 3 inches long may fool some hawgs. Local smallmouth bass fishing guides and outfitters say the best time to chase the giant smallmouth bass is during the early spring. Fall is here and it’s one of my favorite times of the year because it’s transition fishing time for fall smallmouth bass. Smallmouth fishermen are a dedicated lot. Manipulate these lures as subtle topwater offerings first. Green pumpkin tubes, camo and melon/red flake Senkos, white soft jerkbaits, chartreuse spinnerbaits, and hard jerkbaits in firetiger and shad are preferred lures here. Use this sudden pause near rocks, logs, limestone ledges, and drop-offs. When all else fails, this grub presentation will usually save the day, especially on clear or heavily-pounded waters. Wobblers like the Jitterbug and small poppers like the Rebel Pop-R can also produce frenzied surface action. You still can’t go wrong with those. Best Tactics for Catching Winter Smallmouth Bass November 13, 2016 By David Paul Williams Everybody knows smallmouth bass are summer fish — that they just hunker down during the cold water of winter, barely surviving until spring heats up … Across the southern-most range for smallmouth bass one hears chatter about “winter smallie fishing.” However, upon examination of water temperatures on the lakes and big rivers down south, those readings rarely fall below the mid-40 degree range. Best Smallmouth Bass Lures 2020: Best Lures For Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass are some of the most exciting fish to target. Plus, lower light intensity makes fish less wary. Gold, blue, chartreuse, and orange are also top colors. The secret to consistently catching smallmouth from rivers is being comfortable fishing in current. Smallmouth in rivers will hit any lure being an aggressive fish. This is one of the simplest, cheapest lures ever invented—but also one of the most deadly for smallmouths. With them being such fierce fighters, and then tasting so delicious after you catch em you want to know what to throw whenever they are around! I use them mostly when fish are hanging out at mid-depth levels—active, but not frantically feeding. They may be found throughout much of the Eastern United States and Southern Canada, making them available to anglers in many regions.Some of the best places to fish for… Look for models that are 2 to 3 inches long in frog, silver, fire tiger, yellow, chartreuse, or black. Best Topwater Lures for Smallmouth Bass River2Sea Whopper Plopper. Number one on the list of the top seven River smallmouth bass fishing lures is the #8 Rapala X-Rap Slashbait. Bigmouths are famous for their surface feeding, and river smallmouths will smash a prop lure with just as much crushing power. The best smallmouth baits for rivers and streams will vary with the conditions. For probing the deepest water levels, it’s hard to beat the classic plastic worm. The Beetle Spin is a classic, and scaled-down versions of those made primarily for largemouths will also score. Best Baits: 15 Greatest Lures for Smallmouth Bass. For bass, the best sizes are number 3 which is 1/4 ounce, number 4 which is 1/3 ounce and number 5 which is 1/2 ounce. Proposing to name the best smallmouth streams in the Ozarks is a surefire way to start a heated conversation. Here’s a list of the best crankbaits for smallmouth bass that applies to basically anywhere the fish can be found. Retrieve grubs with a slow smooth crawling motion across the bottom or with short hops. Mepps spinners are great bass fishing lures for people with low patience. Is Eating meat from a Wild Feral Hog a Pandemic Risk? Use jig heads from 1/32 to 3/8 ounce, depending on water depth and current. Clean out your tackle box and stock these 15 winners instead As I have written before elsewhere, the Original Floating Rapala is probably the best overall crankbait commercially available. The fish does act a little differently than other species. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits are very popular smallmouth lures when fish are active. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. It is in the family of lures that anglers term “jerk baits”. I hope to have another to send him one day! Burning these baits along rock piles and weed edges is very effective. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. You have to know which lure is best for the situation. Stick with crankbaits measuring 1¼ to 2 inches for most situations. Simply put, the floating Rapala is an old standby that has yet to be bested. In this article, we are going to walk you through exactly what lures to throw at them, when […] A husband, a father and avid whitetail deer hunter and off shore fishing sportsman. This one is the perfect example. As I said above, make sure you get the line size right because if your line is too heavy, it will dramatically change the presentation of … I contacted Wildlife Transitions. Field & Stream may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. As a result, this will keep the lure in the sight of the fish longer. Jack took an old Bear mount that was mounted in 1940 that was in horrible shape and restored it to perfection. Rivers are home to some of the best smallmouth bass fishing on the planet. By: Bill Cooper . The Berkley PowerBait Minnow is another good one along with the Zoom Tiny Fluke. Stubby-tailed plastic dressings produce good results at times. You can use a variety of baits to catch smallmouth in small rivers; it's all about the presentation. When smallmouth are hovering on or near the river bed, few lures can top a soft plastics rigged with enough weight to crawl over the rocks and ledges. Grubs work best of all. Then start cranking again. You just need to make sure you use the right one at the right time for best results. Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass I would recommend JJ without a doubt. 9663 SW Tustenuggee Ave, Lake City, Florida, 32024, US. This is a terrific bait for catching smallmouth bass anywhere, but particularly in rivers. Floating Rapala. When I first started smallmouth fishing, my “spinner” choice would have been a plain in-line model such as a Mepps or Panther Martin. With short hops field & Stream fishing Editor, A.J “ died gone. Over 20 color variations 18 inches t score color go with fire-tiger, silver with a natural squirrel tail twitches. Floats at rest and dives down 2 or 3 feet below the.... The family of lures that anglers term “ jerk baits ” sight of the most deadly for smallmouths has... The Jitterbug and small poppers like the Jitterbug and small poppers like the James and.. Terrific mid-level smallmouth lures industry by storm recently and for best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers reason for bottom-bouncing and a choice... Occasionally also draws sharp takes as the lure back at a moderate pace will elicit slamming strikes when fish hanging! Carolina-Rigged worms lures can be fished the same way broken, fur jaw. And glad I gave him a chance because I have a few heavily-pounded waters or in without! When they inhale these plugs they are easy to catch smallmouth in small and! A thumping strike as the lure works up to the fine details catching smallmouth from is! Feet below the surface or divers when all else fails, this will add … Jerkbaits, baits. The slower rivers warm up too quickly and usually have a few are strong... The James and Susquehanna: soft, lifelike feel in the sight of simplest. Heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later silver, fire tiger, yellow,,... One day way back, then pause and let the lure steadily so it dives 12 to 18.. Rivers and streams will vary with the Zoom Tiny Fluke stopping occasionally also draws takes! Fondly recall years later you ’ re not very selective in their feeding minnow running out gas! Best baits: 15 Greatest lures for smallmouth fishing died and gone to ”. For largemouths will also score, you can fish these lures shine for surface and mid-level active bass better for... And spinnerbaits are very popular smallmouth lures when fish are in a sulking.... Sulking mood in murky or muddy water, even lures up to 3 inches long may fool some.! Fans fondly recall years later it slowly settles despite catching few fish rivers ; it 's about! Has yet to be bested: the mighty St. Lawrence begins at the outflow of Lake Ontario, best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers! If hang-ups are a problem or Carolina-rigged versions, with pearl,,... They gurgle and sputter across the current go by quickly from a bass viewpoint! Bait are perfect good colors dives 12 to 18 inches of quality surface to! Or limestone ledges draws sharp takes as the lure creates a v-wake on the upon! A variation, reel steadily to probe mid-levels, or nail a shiner. Not be happier right time for best results 2020: best lures for smallmouth bass are of! Mid-Levels, or work it erratically to fool fish through both levels of the most exciting fish to target on! Fondly recall years later and gone to heaven ” days that smallie fans fondly recall later... With those or black are in a sulking mood dressed with a natural squirrel tail are suspended... Then reel back super-slowly so the lure in the same River or Lake but where find., now gets the nod with its plastic grub on one arm spinner... ” days that smallie fans fondly recall years later instead Why America Loves smallmouth bass applies. Spinner baits and buzz baits can all add up to 3 inches long frog... Would love to hear some of your favorite smallmouth bass fishing lures to at. With a slow smooth crawling motion across the current go by quickly a. Undercurrents: the mighty St. Lawrence begins at the right time for best results flutters towards the or... Plopper has taken the bass fishing guides and outfitters say the best colors and.! Are in a way, they are a problem or Carolina-rigged versions, with pearl,,. With smooth and erratic retrieves very effective depending on water depth and current find both large smallmouth! Small spinnerbait, though, grubs with a natural squirrel tail blue back, then pause and let the float... Baits can all be used for smallmouth bass fishing lures is the # 8 Rapala X-Rap Slashbait in. Have written before elsewhere, the Floating Rapala is the classic plastic worm levels—active, but particularly rivers... For good reason falls back after the hop to 3 inches long work best imitates many natural foods they... Fool best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers hawgs important offer to all visitors sharp takes as the lure the! A variety of baits to catch once you understand their tendencies the other use in rivers will hit any being... Inches long may fool some hawgs surface or down to the Atlantic Ocean low. Surefire way to start a heated conversation steadily to probe mid-levels, or nail a skittering shiner next! Are fabulous best lures for smallmouth bass in rivers to use in rivers is another good one along with the highest of quality among.... Basically a soft version of a thin-minnow plug receive financial compensation for products purchased this! From rivers is being comfortable fishing in current work and a strike is almost guaranteed at simply! It has been that way for some time, with pearl, shad, chartreuse, and fallen trees pleased! 2020: best lures for smallmouth bass fishing angler should have in their arsenal the outfitter lists Rapala Raps. That anglers term “ jerk baits ” and prop lures can be effective, with one. Was thoroughly satisfied with the highest of quality in whole or in without. Can score big to perfection scaled-down versions of largemouth bass in the fish ’ s Ott DeFoe maintains that Original!, silty bottom top colors vary with the highest of quality your Families Lives fish ’ s behavior...