I've probably boated more smallies with grubs or tubes than anything else... And they're still a lot of fun on light tackle.  Still, nothing beats a 3+lb smallie exploding on a Skitter Pop, Pop-R, or X-Pop once it starts to cool off or clouds roll in on a summer evening.  I love the same explosion on a spook, but it's so much more fun on lighter tackle with a smaller popper.  That said, I also get really excited whenever I hook a solid fish with a new technique or presentation.  

Favorite has to be spook on top. There is nothing like a big smallie exploding on a spook.

14 minutes ago, DevinFishing29 said:

Favorite has to be spook on top. There is nothing like a big smallie exploding on a spook.

So I've heard! And seen on YouTube (NDYakAngler). I picked one up and can't wait to use it asap!

On 2/25/2016 at 4:05 AM, Turkey sandwich said:

I've probably boated more smallies with grubs or tubes than anything else... And they're still a lot of fun on light tackle.  Still, nothing beats a 3+lb smallie exploding on a Skitter Pop, Pop-R, or X-Pop once it starts to cool off or clouds roll in on a summer evening.  I love the same explosion on a spook, but it's so much more fun on lighter tackle with a smaller popper.  That said, I also get really excited whenever I hook a solid fish with a new technique or presentation.  

I agree, tubes and grubs on light line is hard to beat. Sadly I haven't got a lot of experience with smallies on topwater but hope to change that next year. Whenever. Happened to catch one on top it was a blast. 

9 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

So I've heard! And seen on YouTube (NDYakAngler). I picked one up and can't wait to use it asap!

I agree, tubes and grubs on light line is hard to beat. Sadly I haven't got a lot of experience with smallies on topwater but hope to change that next year. Whenever. Happened to catch one on top it was a blast. 

Tough to beat NDYakAngler's video's!!

45 minutes ago, Mumbly said:

Tough to beat NDYakAngler's video's!!

They're the cure to my winter blues!! hahaha

11 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

So I've heard! And seen on YouTube (NDYakAngler). I picked one up and can't wait to use it asap!

I agree, tubes and grubs on light line is hard to beat. Sadly I haven't got a lot of experience with smallies on topwater but hope to change that next year. Whenever. Happened to catch one on top it was a blast. 

Clear water and overcast conditions in late spring - fall will get you bit.  Using walking baits like a spook as a search bait on lakes can be a blast.  Smallies will smash them, even if suspended well below the surface.  On rivers, topwater is a great way to search runs with no visible eddies/cover for active fish.  You'd be surprised what you'll find sitting around the one boulder in a 400 yard run of river in 6'-10' of water you'd never even know was there unless you ran directly over it.  Even despite lower hook up rates, topwater presentations can be a day changer because they'll find you some of the most active fish on any stretch of water.

F13 Rapala. 

For largemouth, it seems jigs and topwater work best for me.

However, when it comes to river smallies, I have my best results with the baitball squarebill.

I hate to admit that as I'm not sure the baitball isn't a gimmick, but it seems to work best in the rivers I fish at.

Josh

Not to beat a dead horse but NDYakAngler has some great videos.  I am just getting into smallmouth but for large mouth I like jig n craw and spinnerbaits.

1 hour ago, Frenchman83 said:

Not to beat a dead horse but NDYakAngler has some great videos.  I am just getting into smallmouth but for large mouth I like jig n craw and spinnerbaits.

Beat away!......well that sounds wrong. Anyway, yeah his vids are great! Makes me wish I could fish his waters. 

Spinners and jigs work great for smallies too. I prefer smaller sizes and inline spinners as well.

Most fun? Topwater. Most effective? Jerkbait or DS.