How far do you generally have to cast to catch smallies this time of year? Ive fishing 1/2 oz jerkbait in clear cold water. I never see any fish, but I assume they are very hard to see, but I cant tell if I dont get any bites because they are not there, or because I am not casting far enough.

Has nothing to do with casting distance. What type of water are you fishing, lake, pond, river? Are you fishing shallow or deep? And where are you?  

Firstly, welcome to the forum.

 

More information is needed before the membership can chime in with good information.  Don's asked all the questions we need to get started.

 

Also, do you fish from shore or on a boat/kayak?