My first article on Smallmouth bass fishing
Idaho Fishing, Oregon Fishing, Washington Fishing
Sep 16, 2023 19:58:05 #
Fish-N-Fool
Loc: N. Idaho
Chasing Summer Smallies
By Rick Lawrence, the Fish-N-Fool
Most of the rivers and larger creeks in the Inland N.W. have some excellent Smallmouth bass populations. Rivers like the Spokane, Snake, Columbia, and Pend Oreille all have some fabulous Smallie fishing, This also holds true in most parts of the country.
Chances are there's some good summer time Smallmouth bass fishing in a flowing body of water near you. Here are some ways of catching those bronze backs during the summer and early fall. The main thing you want to look for in catching Smallies this time of year is currant breaks or eddies, where fast and calm waters meet. Put that together with a few of the presentations below and you will put more summer Smallies in your boat.
Fish Tubes;
If there’s one lure that consistently catches Smallmouth bass anywhere you go. It’s a tube! It’s not new and sexy like the Spy bait. It’s ugly, and it’s been around for a LONG time.
Why is it so successful? It closely mimics many of their favorite treats, whether that be crayfish, or sculpins.
There are two primary old ways to fish tubes:
A standard internally weighed tube (which is most popular)
One a mushroom head jig with an exposed hook.
But there is a new way that becoming very popular and that’s the Zeka Rig.
This consists of a EWG hook to match the size of tube used, a small split ring and a long skinny drop shot type weight. The tube is Texas rigged making it almost a snag proof and weedless presentation. This new technique has taken the bass fishing world by storm in the last few years.
The correct weight you need for any of these methods depends on the amount or current and depth of water you’re fishing. Carry weights from 1/16 oz all the way up to 1/2 oz, and you’ll be prepared for fishing anywhere from 2 feet of water to 30+ feet.
Probably the most important thing with fishing a tube is presenting it effectively to the fish. What that means for tube fishermen is keeping the bait on the bottom or as close to the bottom as possible without getting snagged every cast.
There are three primary retrieves you can employ with tube fishing:
1. Bottom hopping
2. Slow dragging
3. Slow drag with a rip
If you’re in the store looking to stock up on some tubes, you’ll quickly find that you have a LOT of options. While brand choice is up to you, I can make some recommendations on size. Most fishermen like using three inch baits, but we would suggest trying out the smaller two inch models. I use all three sizes, but when the bite gets ultra tough, we like to bust out the two incher for more of a finesse look.
And as the old saying goes, any color works great as long as it’s green pumpkin…
Fish Turd Worms;
The other soft bait that has quickly become a standard is the Turd worm, AKA "Ned rig", I don't know why this little do nothing bait catches fish, but boy does it!!! I found a weedless Ned head jig hook on Amazon, that works great with this setup and doesn't get hung up like the regular Ned heads do. You can hardly fish a Ned wrong, but my favorite way is a lift and drop method. Smallies love to hit baits on the fall so make a long cast and lift the bait up off the bottom about 3 feet and let it fall again. Then reel up your slack and repete. Another way I love to fish then is using for the weight on a dropshot rig. Just tie on a regular dropshot bait and put a Ned rig under it. Many times you will get a two for one deal. Craw colors and PB & J are my go-to colors. Most of the time I run Turd worms on the Ned head and the dropshot hook.
Fish Jerkbaits;
In the warmer waters of the summer, river bass are accustomed to chasing down their meals. Anglers reap the benefit of being able to catch them using a moving lure, as opposed to fishing one that must be worked more slowly along the bottom. Often the most effective moving lures are ones that are fished in a jerky spot-and-go manner.
Jerkbaits exist in both hard and soft versions. Though each has a place in summertime river bass fishing, I've found the hard jerkbait to be the go-to choice most of the time.
Hard jerkbaits like the Rapala X-Rap and Lucky Craft's Pointer have the ability to attract the bass's attention, but my favorite in the last few years has been the Strike King KVD Jerkbait in the Chrome Sexy Shad. The secret in working jerkbaits in the summer is to really work it. Impart aggressive, hard jerks, and stop the bait for just a second. I like to use a MH 6 ½ to 7 ft spinning rod with 20 lb Suffix braid and a 4 foot 10 lb fluoro leader for working all my Jerkbaits.
Also try a weedless soft jerkbait like the Zoom Fluke when weeds are present, and come close to the surface. You can't work the soft jerkbait as aggressively — it will just skip across the surface — but that's not necessary. Bass hiding in weed depressions are often actively feeding and don't need to be teased into biting; they simply rise up and intercept the lure as it comes by.
Go Out in the Rain;
Some of the most productive summer time river bass fishing happens during those rainy, summertime days, the ones where it never really pours, but the rain gear stays on all day. It's the kind of day many folks shy away from, waiting instead for "better" weather. As with the fog pattern, the lower light intensity of such conditions seems to allow bass to feed more efficiently.
One area that consistently produces bass for me during the rainy summer days where the water is still low and clear is the tail-out section of a major river hole. The tail-out is the transition zone, where the pool shallows up before it spills into a riffle area, and it's a classic feeding spot. The best depths to fish feeding fish is from 3 to 6 feet; the best tail-out areas feature a combination of rocks or logs and aquatic vegetation, places that provide good ambush points. Bass use tail-outs during twilight feeding periods. During rainy days often they stay there all day long.
Get on the Water Early or Stay Late;
Like all bass Smallmouth are the most active in low light conditions. So fishing that evening bite or in early morning when river valleys often fill in with fog, a cloak that during the morning hours temporarily shields the water from the burning rays of the sun. Coupled with the action provided by the natural feeding activity of the morning hours, it pays to be on the water at the crack of dawn. Don’t forget about topwater lures in those early morning hours as it can be deadly on Smallies. Baits like Whooper ploppers, Poppers, Spooks and buzzbaits all are summer time favorites.
Though there's not always a hot, early- to mid-morning "fog bite," the majority of the time there is. Just be prepared to have things slow down appreciably when the fog burns off. Often it's like having a switch thrown to the off position. The bass aggressively feed during the low-light period of early morning — conditions that give them an advantage over their prey — and the light-dampening effect of the fog extends that period. Happily, this shut-down period usually only lasts for a couple of hours. The water is warm, bass metabolism is high, so they must feed. During a typical sunny summer time day the fish get more active by early afternoon and that’s when I get out my jerkbaits.
If there is one fish I love catching it’s a Smallmouth. Pound for pound they are one of the hardest fighting fish that swims and one of the most fun to catch. So go find a river near you and put a few of these Bronze Beauties in your boat.
If you guys are interested I will post more articles about Bass , Pike and Muskie fishing .
By Rick Lawrence, the Fish-N-Fool
Most of the rivers and larger creeks in the Inland N.W. have some excellent Smallmouth bass populations. Rivers like the Spokane, Snake, Columbia, and Pend Oreille all have some fabulous Smallie fishing, This also holds true in most parts of the country.
Chances are there's some good summer time Smallmouth bass fishing in a flowing body of water near you. Here are some ways of catching those bronze backs during the summer and early fall. The main thing you want to look for in catching Smallies this time of year is currant breaks or eddies, where fast and calm waters meet. Put that together with a few of the presentations below and you will put more summer Smallies in your boat.
Fish Tubes;
If there’s one lure that consistently catches Smallmouth bass anywhere you go. It’s a tube! It’s not new and sexy like the Spy bait. It’s ugly, and it’s been around for a LONG time.
Why is it so successful? It closely mimics many of their favorite treats, whether that be crayfish, or sculpins.
There are two primary old ways to fish tubes:
A standard internally weighed tube (which is most popular)
One a mushroom head jig with an exposed hook.
But there is a new way that becoming very popular and that’s the Zeka Rig.
This consists of a EWG hook to match the size of tube used, a small split ring and a long skinny drop shot type weight. The tube is Texas rigged making it almost a snag proof and weedless presentation. This new technique has taken the bass fishing world by storm in the last few years.
The correct weight you need for any of these methods depends on the amount or current and depth of water you’re fishing. Carry weights from 1/16 oz all the way up to 1/2 oz, and you’ll be prepared for fishing anywhere from 2 feet of water to 30+ feet.
Probably the most important thing with fishing a tube is presenting it effectively to the fish. What that means for tube fishermen is keeping the bait on the bottom or as close to the bottom as possible without getting snagged every cast.
There are three primary retrieves you can employ with tube fishing:
1. Bottom hopping
2. Slow dragging
3. Slow drag with a rip
If you’re in the store looking to stock up on some tubes, you’ll quickly find that you have a LOT of options. While brand choice is up to you, I can make some recommendations on size. Most fishermen like using three inch baits, but we would suggest trying out the smaller two inch models. I use all three sizes, but when the bite gets ultra tough, we like to bust out the two incher for more of a finesse look.
And as the old saying goes, any color works great as long as it’s green pumpkin…
Fish Turd Worms;
The other soft bait that has quickly become a standard is the Turd worm, AKA "Ned rig", I don't know why this little do nothing bait catches fish, but boy does it!!! I found a weedless Ned head jig hook on Amazon, that works great with this setup and doesn't get hung up like the regular Ned heads do. You can hardly fish a Ned wrong, but my favorite way is a lift and drop method. Smallies love to hit baits on the fall so make a long cast and lift the bait up off the bottom about 3 feet and let it fall again. Then reel up your slack and repete. Another way I love to fish then is using for the weight on a dropshot rig. Just tie on a regular dropshot bait and put a Ned rig under it. Many times you will get a two for one deal. Craw colors and PB & J are my go-to colors. Most of the time I run Turd worms on the Ned head and the dropshot hook.
Fish Jerkbaits;
In the warmer waters of the summer, river bass are accustomed to chasing down their meals. Anglers reap the benefit of being able to catch them using a moving lure, as opposed to fishing one that must be worked more slowly along the bottom. Often the most effective moving lures are ones that are fished in a jerky spot-and-go manner.
Jerkbaits exist in both hard and soft versions. Though each has a place in summertime river bass fishing, I've found the hard jerkbait to be the go-to choice most of the time.
Hard jerkbaits like the Rapala X-Rap and Lucky Craft's Pointer have the ability to attract the bass's attention, but my favorite in the last few years has been the Strike King KVD Jerkbait in the Chrome Sexy Shad. The secret in working jerkbaits in the summer is to really work it. Impart aggressive, hard jerks, and stop the bait for just a second. I like to use a MH 6 ½ to 7 ft spinning rod with 20 lb Suffix braid and a 4 foot 10 lb fluoro leader for working all my Jerkbaits.
Also try a weedless soft jerkbait like the Zoom Fluke when weeds are present, and come close to the surface. You can't work the soft jerkbait as aggressively — it will just skip across the surface — but that's not necessary. Bass hiding in weed depressions are often actively feeding and don't need to be teased into biting; they simply rise up and intercept the lure as it comes by.
Go Out in the Rain;
Some of the most productive summer time river bass fishing happens during those rainy, summertime days, the ones where it never really pours, but the rain gear stays on all day. It's the kind of day many folks shy away from, waiting instead for "better" weather. As with the fog pattern, the lower light intensity of such conditions seems to allow bass to feed more efficiently.
One area that consistently produces bass for me during the rainy summer days where the water is still low and clear is the tail-out section of a major river hole. The tail-out is the transition zone, where the pool shallows up before it spills into a riffle area, and it's a classic feeding spot. The best depths to fish feeding fish is from 3 to 6 feet; the best tail-out areas feature a combination of rocks or logs and aquatic vegetation, places that provide good ambush points. Bass use tail-outs during twilight feeding periods. During rainy days often they stay there all day long.
Get on the Water Early or Stay Late;
Like all bass Smallmouth are the most active in low light conditions. So fishing that evening bite or in early morning when river valleys often fill in with fog, a cloak that during the morning hours temporarily shields the water from the burning rays of the sun. Coupled with the action provided by the natural feeding activity of the morning hours, it pays to be on the water at the crack of dawn. Don’t forget about topwater lures in those early morning hours as it can be deadly on Smallies. Baits like Whooper ploppers, Poppers, Spooks and buzzbaits all are summer time favorites.
Though there's not always a hot, early- to mid-morning "fog bite," the majority of the time there is. Just be prepared to have things slow down appreciably when the fog burns off. Often it's like having a switch thrown to the off position. The bass aggressively feed during the low-light period of early morning — conditions that give them an advantage over their prey — and the light-dampening effect of the fog extends that period. Happily, this shut-down period usually only lasts for a couple of hours. The water is warm, bass metabolism is high, so they must feed. During a typical sunny summer time day the fish get more active by early afternoon and that’s when I get out my jerkbaits.
If there is one fish I love catching it’s a Smallmouth. Pound for pound they are one of the hardest fighting fish that swims and one of the most fun to catch. So go find a river near you and put a few of these Bronze Beauties in your boat.
If you guys are interested I will post more articles about Bass , Pike and Muskie fishing .
Sep 16, 2023 23:00:36 #
Fish-N-Fool wrote:
Chasing Summer Smallies br br By Rick Lawrence, t... (show quote)
Thanks for the post FNF. I look forward to more in the future. Very well written and VERY informative.
Sep 17, 2023 00:50:40 #
Sep 17, 2023 08:11:18 #
Fish-N-Fool wrote:
Chasing Summer Smallies br br By Rick Lawrence, t... (show quote)
FNF, Great Post, and Welcome to the Stage. Nice to have you. Keep 'em coming, they'll be especially helpful to our less experienced members. Also plenty of info for the more seasoned members as well.
The time & effort that you put into this are appreciated. Nutz🥜.
Sep 17, 2023 16:18:33 #
Pacific Bonker
Loc: Portland, Oregon
FNF, this is really cool and the timing couldn’t be better. My grandson wants me to take him bass fishing. I know nothing about bass fishing as my entire life has been trout, steelhead and mostly salmon fishing. This provides some very helpful tips that we will deploy.
Sep 17, 2023 20:16:21 #
Sep 18, 2023 03:52:32 #
Sep 18, 2023 10:33:53 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
Thanks for posting. It is very clear and informative without having a bunch of useless crap thrown in. You can bet I will be reading all your posts.
Sep 18, 2023 11:29:24 #
Sep 18, 2023 15:10:36 #
JimTom
Loc: N Idaho
That was very informative and it mimics some of the ways I like to fish. Also was informative about ways that I haven't used yet. I will be watching for your future posts.
Sep 18, 2023 15:38:34 #
ShortorderCook62
Loc: Grand Junction, Colorado
Fish-N-Fool wrote:
Chasing Summer Smallies br br By Rick Lawrence, t... (show quote)
Great article FNF. Most of my bass fishing had been largemouth so this was very helpful. Also I have never targeted walleye or pike. We have a few in Western Colorado and I would be interested in your technics, rigs and baits. Thanks and keep 'em coming.
Randy
Sep 19, 2023 00:01:57 #
Cybertyger
Loc: Medford OR
Yes please keep posting! Very informative for me, as a beginner bass fishing fool. I'll definitely look forward to reading more from you!
Sep 19, 2023 11:08:10 #
Sep 20, 2023 04:49:04 #
Sep 29, 2023 22:09:01 #
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