Hey everyone! I live in the great lakes area, well known for Smallmouth. I am new to bass fishing and this is my first year learning and catching both small and largemouth. I fish from shore and im looking for new baits to use for smallies, something where I can cast out far past a lot of weeds and grass that grow close to shore. Looking around I know tube baits are a favorite, but Ive seen soft plastic goby baits too, and I know smallies love the invasive gobies. Id like to try those aswell.

 

Does anyone know the best way to rig goby plastics? And any other help with favorite baits and rigs to use would be great!

Ever Try a top water over the grass ? Small popper, I really like the x pod jr. How it walks and splashes.

Ever Try a top water over the grass ? Small popper, I really like the x pod jr. How it walks and splashes.

 No ive never tried. Ive never used any hard plastics, I might give them a try though.

the best way to fish goby baits is on a drop shot... easy way to catch 4 plus pound smallmouth on erie

Poorboy Baits Erie Darters are the goby bait of choice in IL and IN. WI is anything white. White spinnerbaits, tube jigs, senkos, Gulp minnows, blade baits, and crankbaits.

the best way to fish goby baits is on a drop shot... easy way to catch 4 plus pound smallmouth on erie

 

How much distance do you usually run between the hook and weight ?

Fat Ika.  Casts well, weedless, can be a Goby or Craw or Bon Bon.

How much distance do you usually run between the hook and weight ?

Typically 14 inches but I'm always changing and experimenting. I've caught them on a 28 inch drop shot and sometimes I use a super short 4 or 5 in drop shot. Like I said I normally start with a 12-14 inch then let the fish tell me what they want