I've got a tournament there in mid October.

We launch down by the dam.

My boat has a top speed of 30, so going long distances really isn't an option.

My first thought would be forget about green bass, and target bronze backs.

I've only fished there once.

With that said, any input on colors and strategies would be appreciated.

Thanks...

Catchemall!!!

im going down to SML tomorrow night. i may can give you better info when i get back. but i will say this, if youre going to target the smallmouth just remember that there arent nearly as many of them as largemouth. smallmouth make up less than 10% of the black bass population there. but typically i hear they can be found around the dam by the rocky walls coming down off the mountain into the water, the finger cuts in the mountain leading up to the dam and such. personally ive never caught a smallmouth at SML though. the bass in my avatar is a SML bass i caught on a drop shot while night fishing around a couple tree stumps

Stick to largemouth.

 

Look at your SML map and select an area to fish.

 

You don't have to travel 30 miles on SML to be successful.

 

And do other tournaments blast off and weigh-in at your location?  If so, their bass are around the area so you can fish for them.

 

Remember, the shad may be heading to the backs of creeks as the water temperatures start to drop in the fall but for now it is open season all over the lake.

 

Good luck and let us know how you do in the tournament and what you throw and what the winning team throws, etc.