Small Mouth Bass Fishing Tips

Some fisherman ply their tricks in search of trout, but it's bass that pose the real challenge—for a leg up on the competition, follow these smallmouth bass fishing tips. Small mouth will produce offspring in early to mid-spring, when the water finally starts to warm. But, depending on the part of the country, the small mouth season can last for six months or more. Here are some tips to get started.

1. Location, location, location. Smallmouth bass typically reside in cool water, but they are a hungry species and will chase after food. If a river is your choice of fishing hole, choose one with a solid bottom filled with rocks.  When the temperature is cool, you will find small mouth bass hanging out in shallow areas and ledges; as temperatures rise they will move to deeper areas. In lakes, smallmouth bass tend to congregate in shade, especially deeper grass.
2. Study the water. Studies show that small mouth feed on sight; because visibility in water can vary greatly by time of year, it's important to consider color in selecting your bait. Use natural colors in clear water; when the water is muddy consider bait that provides contrast to make the fish stand out.
3. Select the right bait. When casting in to shallow rocky waters, consider using white and yellow spinner. If you should hit a cold streak, then try using live bait. Try making the live bait dance a jig—cast far out and start reeling in slowly, letting the bait slip under the water gradually.
4. Think small. Sometimes, the best fishing holes are ones where you least expect them. Small mouth bass have proven inviting targets in small creeks. To capitalize on this, you'll need to invest in some waders and shoes because it may require you to get wet to get the prize.

Like most tasks in fishing, patience is very much a virtue. By following these tips and enjoying the challenge, you'll be capturing prized catches of small mouth bass in no time.