Kent,

I think you you need to alter your plan. If your boat buddies would fish with deep diving cranks bumping bottom occasionaly & try to free all subsquent snags it would make your life easier. But if they aren't into that you probably need to stick with live bait because it works. Remember this quote? I stole it from your article  The Next World Record Smallmouth Bass  written in 2005. " A second factor that protects the species is the fact that smallmouth in the Midsouth are VERY difficult to target during spring and summer, the time of year when the majority of "recreational fishermen" are out on the water. On top of that, for whatever reason, artificial lures do not produce many big bronzebacks on this river." Good luck with your quest. We both know your fishing in the right waters.

I know some guides would take issue with some of that.

"Big" is a subjective term. I know Steve Hacker, for example,

has put his clients on hundreds of 5+ smallies fishing lures.

However, over more than a decade of full-time guiding, his

clients have only boated one 8 and he has none. (Note: This

statement is based on an old interview and may not be 100%

accurate today).

Anyhow, I'm still going to try some other tricks, but for those

that are interested in their best shot at a trophy on the

Tennessee River, big minnows are the ticket.

8-)

I can't believe a drop shot doesn't work for you in that situation.  When the Smallmouth are feeding on minnows (or gobies in my neck of the woods), the drop shot with a minnow (or goby) type imitation usually does great.  Also, guys have good success dragging tubes and jigging spoons.  All these techniques mimic a minnow or bait fish and present it to the Smallmouth close to the bottom, which is where I assume your boat mates are drifting their minnows.  Maybe those river fish are that much more discerning than the lake fish.  If that's the case, you need to get up to the great lakes (while the government still allows fishing on the Great Lakes) and get yourself some smallmouth on artificials.  

No. I caught a couple two weeks ago using a 3/4 oz football head

and Baby Paca Craw. The the following weekend,  -0- with a variety

of hair jigs and a smaller presentation. This weekend I'm going with

a white spinnerbait (lumiflex skirt) and GYCB Hula Grub (301) to start

with.

8-)

my buddy hooked into a monster with 1/2 oz black and blue jig with a blue berry candy baby paca but unfortunately it broke his line when he came to the top of the water

I appreciate the suggestion. That might be the answer.

Have you caught some quality smallmouth on a big swimbait?

If so, which one?

8-)

I would DEFFINENTLEY use the Spro BBZ-1 Shad. Also maybe the 5 inch Sebile Majic Swimmer   they are both great baits

With all due respect, and there is A LOT of respect to be due, why wouldn't you just fish was just working? I usually do.

I want to fish artificials and target big fish.

8-)

Haha totally understand. Plastics and jigs have been my number one big fish producers.

RW,

Something you might want to give a try is an xrap shad or shad rap. They were amazing this year in Ontario. Both in deep and shallow versions.