Hey guys, I've been fishing for largies my entire life, but this year I want to try and find me some smallies. Not really familiar with this species and what to look for to find them. I'm a bank fisherman so I'm used to fishing ponds and lakes. What do I need to look for to find quality smallmouth? I've been on google earth/maps finding creeks/streams and small rivers. 

I know fishing spots are closely kept secrets, but if anyone could point me in the right direction that would be great. I live 40 min west of St. Louis. And would prefer spots within reasonable driving distance.

thanks in advance

Hey so I know what your saying. It's the same for me. No boat. But there is this place called Angler in Union MO and the borbouse river run on it and I've caught huge smallies there included rock bass and largemouth. You have to pay a small fee and become a member to fish there but it's really worth it. My buddies  and I go a lot and we catch tons or bass.

Also I like to use black slider worms. You can get them at bass pro shops and the smallies love them

 

2 minutes ago, WillBass24 said:

Hey so I know what your saying. It's the same for me. No boat. But there is this place called Angler in Union MO and the borbouse river run on it and I've caught huge smallies there included rock bass and largemouth. You have to pay a small fee and become a member to fish there but it's really worth it. My buddies  and I go a lot and we catch tons or bass.

Thanks man! I will definitely check that out. What kind of bait you using?

It's really worth it especially in the spring/summer. I'll be going for sure. But I normally throw a black slider worm. You can get them at bass pro shops. There really catch a lot of fish. I normally get the 4inch ones

19 minutes ago, WillBass24 said:

It's really worth it especially in the spring/summer. I'll be going for sure. But I normally throw a black slider worm. You can get them at bass pro shops. There really catch a lot of fish. I normally get the 4inch ones

How are you rigging them? T-rig?

Welcomes on the prime! If you use the search feature, you'll find a ton of info on this.

Google "Missouri Smallmouth Alliance". Hook up with those guys and you will learn a lot about catching smallmouth in Missouri.

I normally use slider jig heads. There work good with it

I have no idea on where you are talking about fishing for these smallies but I like the choice of black. Slider, Power Worm, Zoom will work. Clearly a productive color, all version styles will work. I've had a lifetime addiction to these smallies.

7 hours ago, WillBass24 said:

I normally use slider jig heads. There work good with it

I use these with 3" and 4" worms:

http://sliderfishing.com/Spider-Classic-Slider-Heads-SPCH-18-per-pack-SPCH-18-per-pack.htm

Mainly 1/8oz.  The same packs are $19.95 at Bass Pro Shops.  I think they're just under $10ea +shipping if you buy five or more direct from that link. 

Pat

Wacky rig 4 inch worms,Rage Craws and bugs work great down here on the james.Also dont forget tubes.