35 replies to this topic

[huskybass]

What baits do you prefer for smallmouth in waters that are extremely clear?  The reservoir I fish is clear enough to see bottom in 20' on a calm day.  The forage base is rainbow smelt and crayfish primarily, with some yellow perch mixed in.

I have a handful of favorite baits, but I am always open to new ideas.

Thanks in advance.  

[Stingray23]

use the basics like small finesse worms, tubes, grubs....I would use natural colors like browns, greens, whites, pearls, clears.

[Chris W]

I fish Dale Hollow and it is hard to beat a Hair Jig there water clarity is close to the same and believe it or not yellow is one of the best colors. Check out www.punisherlures.com to see some great hair jigs made right here in TN by some great people.

[Tim Ford]

Jerkbaits and Flukes.

[wisturkeyhunter]

Natural colored jigs and plastics, brown, greens, black, and smoke. Don't be afraid to throw swimbaits either. Mattlures makes some great perch patterns and 3:16 does too.

[roadwarrior]

The only thing I can suggest that you might not already be using is the
GYCB Fat Ika. In flat water, less than 12' deep, this is my #1 producer.
Skirt forward, 4/0 EWG Gamakatsu Offset Worm Hook, weightless and
weedless. Pick your favorite color, I don't think it matters. Mine is
watermelom with black flakes.

Otherwise, in low light both topwater (Zara Spook & LC Sammy)
and jerkbaits (LC Pointer, Rapala Husky Jerk & X-Rap) are favorites.
During the day, 3 1/2" tubes (baby diaper yellow), GYCB 5" Single
Tail Grubs and Single Tail Hula Grubs are standard fare.

I love me some jigs, but they have never been big for me targeting
smallmouth. I feel the same way towards the Senko which is still my
go-to largemouth bait.


8-)

[Dwight Hottle]

Try LC staysee in 90 Sp. They mimic the size of rainbow smelt very well. Pick a color pattern that matches the hatch. It work on Erie with similar water clarity & a strong rainbow smelt population.  

[iceintheveins]

Natural colored grubs, tubes, senkos, soft jerkbaits, craws, ikas, and finesse worms. Very natural colored cranks, jerkbaits, and topwaters in the evenings.

[midnighthrasher]

Tubes, tubes and more tubes.

[dacrawdaddy]

Easily the best bait for smallmouth in ultra clear water is a Zoom super fluke jr., small clear plastic spook, drop shot 4" dragon worm by Mann's, and in the fall a bitsy bug jig w/tiny Paca chunk.

[pondmaster32]

all types of plastics. make sure the colors are natural or they match the forage, and other food sources in the lake.

[J Francho]

Bubble Gum (pink) Super Fluke.

[Thad]

Been doing pretty good on a 5" Mission Fish lately, dark hitch.

[Crestliner2008]

Easily the best bait for smallmouth in ultra clear water is a Zoom super fluke jr., small clear plastic spook, drop shot 4" dragon worm by Mann's, and in the fall a bitsy bug jig w/tiny Paca chunk.

Where do you get the Dragon Worms? I used them several years ago on my DS, but have been unable to find them. Outstanding producers!

[Pitchinkid]

Id go to a Smaller Shakey head worm on a spot remover. Green pumpkin is my choice. I like a small 4 "finesse worm on a mojo rig or a split shot rig too. I have done fairly well with the Trigger X line of soft plastics and of course zoom finesse worms. Both in Green pumpkin.