I need help on catching smallmouth in st. joe river, I know there are smallmouth there because if've seen them caught, but on a boat, I'm on the shore, ive used all types of rattle traps and had no luck, is there another way to fish it other that straight in? Ive also used spinners, crankbaits and jigs. the river is probably 75m across and im guessing 25-35 ft deep, any tips please HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome aboard!

I would fish with more traditional smallmouth baits: 3 1/2" tube, grub and GYCB Single Tail Hula Grub. If you are using heavy line, try a thinner diameter (.009" or .010").

I would try finesse baits like RW said. I use senko's (I absolutely kill them with green senko type baits) and fat ika's along with other tube baits. I just cast out upstream and let them bump there way downstream, then repeat farther out/closer in. I have also had luck with a white twister tail on a jig. I also use 8lb test, either gamma or yo-zuri hybrid.

Also make sure to look for structure, rocky bottom with vegetation is where I seem to find the most fish, but my river is 6-8 ft deep AT MOST. Usually its like 2-5 ft. places where the depth changes near structure work out the best for me.

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

how would you find out if there are rocks or vegetation from the shore?

Good question, I wasn't thinking there. where I fish, in the Mississippi up here in Mn, its easy because its so shallow. If your river is that deep though, would be tough. Maybe RW has some thoughts. RW?

As you fish the river you will learn a lot about its structure. Don't concern yourself with it initially, fish all of the river that is accessible to you. I am sure there will be areas that are more interesting than others. It takes time to know any body of water.

When fishing the White River in Indiana for SM, we use small cranks like the bandit 100's in a seasonal crawfish pattern. Red seems to work better for us. Hold on as you will also catch some big drum on the Bandits.

It takes time to know any body of water.

So, so true. And the better you know it, the more fish you will take.