Seems alot of what guys recommend for smallies and topwater is baits that are considerably smaller than what people use for largemouth. Are people just going for numbers with smallmouth or do people really think you have to downsize to tiny baits. I've had good success here in Wisconsin on lakes and rivers with superspooks and other nice sized walk baits, 3:16 baby wakes, and slammers. So why are people using tiny lures for smallmouth? If you want to catch bigger fish use bigger tackle. Big top waters are great at night for smallmouth.

Hmm...

I like BIG, too!

8-)

Hmm...

I like BIG, too!

8-)

Thats what she said JK LOL, Ive had success with rebel pop r's

;D ;D ;D ;D

I like big tops too. Nothing like a Spook and smallies.

I bought a Rapala XRW13 to try in the spring. It is 5.75" 1.25oz walking bait.

THe LC Sammy 100 and 115 are great smallmouth baits.

I generally use Zara puppies. But I just might have to go Big now.

I'm a fan of big baits in general. When they decide to eat them, it's over. Here's a photo of a nice smallie taken on the brand new 7" 2oz. 3:16 Hyper Herring.

http://www.316lurecompany.com/

WOW!

That's a beauty!

;D ;D ;D

Whenever I fish deep (25' - 35') humps for smallies, I usually drop shot, spoon 'em, or jig. But often times, especially in the mornings on these same structures, I'll toss a 100 Sammy. Incredible results sometimes! But it's a hit or miss scenario....it either works or won't, depending on how high the bass are suspended.

I think the small bait thing is directly attributed to the SMALLmouth name.  Nothing more.  Smaller baits will get more hits but then you have (in my rivers) sunfish and redeye (rock bass) hitting the lure more often.  I went BIG this past year throwing larger versions of the bait I have toss to them for years.  I will say what I used to get told is true: Want to catch a bigger fish, use a bigger bait!

For what it is worth, a 4lb smallie has a Big Mouth.

Ern

I agree, I think people get confused by the name "Smallmouth." They do have smaller mouths, but I don't think they know it.

Hmm...

I like BIG, too!

8-)

Thats what she said JK LOL, Ive had success with rebel pop r's

;D ;D ;D ;D

I thought it but would have never wrote it. you need to think before you type brother man! no offense

I thow Super Spooks for Smallies to start out and if they are not eating it then I may switch to a Zara Spook or a Super Spook Jr.  I always catch my biggest top water Smallie on a Super Spook.  It is like candy to a Big Smallmouth!!!    

Smallies are the best...

So guys, what is it about Spooks and smallies? I have caught them on all kinds of tops like Pop-R's, Rico's, Sammies, Torpedoes, you name it but most of my nicer smallies----5 to 6---came on big Spooks. Hmmmm.