Smallmouth Bass
The Smallmouth Bass is the most common game fish species in North America. The bass got its name from the size of its mouth, which is often compared to a smallmouth bass’s head that feels like a minnow.
The North American smallmouth bass, in particular, is one of the most popular game fish found here. They can also be found breeding throughout much of their range, with the great lakes and rivers as good places to find them.
This article will focus on some specific areas for catching smallmouth including different techniques and tackle options for these locations.
Habitats of Smallmouth Bass
1.Ponds
Most Smallmouth Bass can be found in ponds or small lakes with good structure, such as rocks, overhanging trees or really just holes dug in the water. In some areas they like to feed on mayflies and Caddis flies and they can be found mostly during the spring months. They also love to feed on crayfish in some areas which is why you will find them year round. Smallmouth Bass can be fished with a variety of baits including worms, corn and finesse style spoons although there is usually a better population of these species during the summer months when it gets warmer. They are aggressive feeders, so they can be caught in these smaller bodies of water even with a lighter action rod and light line.
2.Rivers
Smallmouth Bass can also be found all year round in rivers and streams as well, especially during the warmer months when there is a surge of fish movement. These species of bass are usually caught using their natural food sources in large rivers, so if smallmouth are caught you can be sure that they have been on the move because they will have to feed during a long journey. With cooler water temperatures come fewer fish but still a strong population. In fact:
3.Lakes
In summer months smallmouth bass can be found in shallow waters of lakes or rivers located in the northeast, but can be caught all year long on the southeast coast. There are many different types of tackle to use when fishing for smallmouth bass and the tackle you select is dependent upon several factors including how deep they are located and how small they are. Larger lures with big hooks will be necessary if you plan to catch larger fish, and if you want to catch small fish you will need smaller lures and lighter lines. It is important to set your gear up correctly so that it matches the size of the bass you are trying to catch. These fish typically range from 10 inches to 24 inches and weigh between 1-5 pounds.
Smallmouth Bass Diets
Smallmouth Bass are often found in shallow waters of lakes and rivers, but they can also be found in deeper waters as well. When it comes to the diets of these species there are several different types that they prefer to eat. While crayfish are usually the best option for smallmouth bass, grubs and minnows are also on the menu for these fish. It is important to remember that if you want to catch really large fish you need to match their natural food sources with your baits.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips:
1.Look for rocks and a little current
This species can be found along many different types of water bodies including rivers and streams. They are usually located in quiet waters near rocks, logs and sometimes even the shoreline. These fish can also be found in deep waters where there is a lot of current, so if you have access to a kayak or canoe you can use this to your advantage by trolling for smallmouth bass in these areas. They will typically hang out in calm waters until they are hungry, but then they will move up into the faster currents where they like to seek their prey.
2.Research your fishing grounds
While it is possible to catch a Smallmouth Bass anywhere, you may have to spend a little time researching different lakes and bodies of water before you go fishing for them. The best way to do this is by reading reviews, hunting down some old fishing magazines, or even talking to people in your area who fish frequently. This can really help you learn more about the specific water bodies that these fish are found in and their favorite types of bait and where they will be most active.
3.Use the right bait
There are several types of baits that work well on smallmouth bass depending on how deep they are located in the water as well as what type of season it actually is. You will want to use floating fish for them in deep water, but if you are fishing near the shoreline then live baits should be your best option. For shallow water you can use small jigs and for a deeper hole, bigger crankbaits or even some plastic poppers will help you catch more Smallmouth Bass.
4.Fish Along a Structure
Smallmouth Bass tend to stay in bodies of water with a lot of structure and they usually prefer areas where they can hide behind rocks and logs, so fishing along overhanging trees or around rocks is usually going to help you find these fish in high numbers.
You can also try making your own structures using a trash can or even using a fishing tackle box.
Conclusion
Smallmouth Bass are one of the most sought after species of bass by anglers all around the world. The ultimate target for these fish is their huge breeding population. In areas where they have good populations, there will be many anglers fishing for them during important times of the year such as during spawning season or spawning migration.
They are caught under every size of rod and line between a few ounces and several pounds. The optimum depth for smallmouth bass is about 10-18 feet down, which means that even a small crankbait would do very well to catch this fish in shallow waters where you are fishing near rocks and other structures