I'm leaving today for a trip to northern minnesota where I'll do a lot of fishing for smallmouths. I figured they'd be deep this time of year moslty and i was planning on fishing mostly mid lake humps anywhere from 8-30 ft deep. the problem is I dont know how to go about locating the fish. what kind of baits and techniques should be used to locate the active fish down deep? I was thinking of trolling deep diving crankbaits or  dragging tubes or jigs but i wasnt sure. thanks!

In low light I would suggest fishing a jerkbait. Throughout the rest of the day these are some baits I would recommend:

#1 In shallow water, <12", GYCB Fat Ika

#2 3 1/2" Mizmo tube, Kent's Classic (squash green) on an inserted jig head 1/8 - 1/4 oz.

#3 CYGB Single Tail Hula Grub, rigged on a gig head

#4 GYCB Single Tail Grub, also on a jig head

#5 Ledgebuster 3/4 Single Willow Blade

I would fish isolated humps, ledges and primary points. Large, submerged boulders and rock piles are additional structure to focus on.

alright thanks. we'll see how it goes  

In low light I would suggest fishing a jerkbait. Throughout the rest of the day these are some baits I would recommend:

#1 In shallow water, <12", GYCB Fat Ika

#2 3 1/2" Mizmo tube, Kent's Classic (squash green) on an inserted jig head 1/8 - 1/4 oz.

#3 CYGB Single Tail Hula Grub, rigged on a gig head

#4 GYCB Single Tail Grub, also on a jig head

#5 Ledgebuster 3/4 Single Willow Blade

I would fish isolated humps, ledges and primary points. Large, submerged boulders and rock piles are additional structure to focus on.

RW,

ARe you saying that you fish methods 2-5 in water deeper than 12 feet?

just wonering, what lake is it? i spent a full week at kabetogama, and only caught one smallie, 4 walleyes, and 2 pike.