Smallmouth Bass Fishing

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Smallmouth Bass

This page has smallmouth bass information, including descriptions, fishing techniques, images and artwork. Typically smaller and somewhat darker than largemouth bass, these bass have a dedicated following of anglers. Smallmouth are known for their ability to leap and run when hooked, which makes them favorite fish of fly fishing enthusiasts. Smallmouth bass are also known as red eye bass, brown bass or bronzebacks. A 27- inch long smallmouth bass caught in Kentucky weighed 11 pounds, 15 ounces, making it the all- tackle world record for the species.

Where to Find Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are found in eastern rivers, usually over rocky or gravel bottoms, where they prey on crayfish and other invertibrates. River smallmouths orient to pools and ledges during the cooler months, but may seek out grass beds or other environments in summer.

In lakes, smallmouth bass tend to move to deeper water as the water warms up. They are known for orienting to structure and shade. Other lake structure where smallmouths often lurk include sunken bars, submerged islands, points, along ledges, deeper grass and weed beds when forage is available.

Shallows with slow-moving water along the river edges provide nursery habitats for baby smallmouth bass. "Nursery microhabitats are places for young fish to avoid predators and avoid the swift currents of the main channel of the River. Our work demonstrates that these nursery areas often have oxygen levels that are lower and more stressful than those in the swifter-moving and deeper waters of the main channel where the adult fish live," said U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Jeff Chaplin

Fishing Links

Freshwater Fishing News
Freshwater Fishing News offers fishing news, events, species profiles, photos, art, fishing tackle, t shirts, gifts and more.
USA Fishing Guides
USA freshwater and saltwater fishing guides of all types - by state.
Smallmouth Bass T-Shirts - Artwork
T-shirts and gifts featuring smallmouth bass art.

Smallmouth Bass on DVD

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

Renowned fly fishing master Harry Murray introduce more...0 points

Smallmouth Bass on the Fly DVD Volume 1 (Fly Fishing)

Smallmouth Bass on the Fly DVD Volume 1 (Fly Fishing)

Chris Hanson has spent his entire life pursuing vi more...0 points

Guide Patterns for Smallmouth Bass- Volume 1

Guide Patterns for Smallmouth Bass- Volume 1

Expert smallmouth bass fly fishers, Jerry Darkes a more...0 points

IN-FISHERMAN DVD Smallmouth Bass Secrets

IN-FISHERMAN DVD Smallmouth Bass Secrets

The secrets are out and the smallmouth don't like it more...0 points

Canoe Country Smallmouth Bass Fishing DVD Volume 1

Canoe Country Smallmouth Bass Fishing DVD Volume 1

To our knowledge the remote regions of canoe count more...0 points

Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass

smallmouth bassLive baits for smallmouth bass, include crayfish, crickets, nightcrawlers, minnows and other baits. These vary with season and location. Fishermen choose live baits depending on availability and personal preference. Some anglers will find live baits in local tackle shops while others need to catch their own. Land dwelling baits such as grubs, worms, grasshoppers and crickets can be caught just before the trip.

Crayfish, also known as crawfish, crawdad and other local names are favorite baits for smallmouth. Crayfish are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters. About 390 species of crayfish are found in North America, most ranging from 1-4 inches in length. The majority of crayfish species occur east of the Rocky Mountains and in the Southeastern states. Crayfish are sometimes available under rocks along the shoreline, or in shallow streams near productive fishing spots.

Smallmouth Bass Books

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass by Harry Murray

Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass by Harry Murray

Harry Murray discusses all aspects of fly fishing more...0 points

Big-Bass Secrets: Catch Trophy Largemouths and Smallmouths with the experts of Outdoor Life (Outdoor Life) by The Editors of Outdoor Life, CPi

Big-Bass Secrets: Catch Trophy Largemouths and Smallmouths with the experts of Outdoor Life (Outdoor Life) by The Editors of Outdoor Life, CPi

Big- Bass Secrets is your guide to catching more a more...0 points

Kayak Bass Fishing: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Stripers by Chad Hoover

Kayak Bass Fishing: Largemouth, Smallmouth, Stripers by Chad Hoover

The world record largemouth bass was caught in a m more...0 points

Fly-Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass by Harry Murray

Fly-Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass by Harry Murray

Fly fishing for smallmouth bass is one of the most more...0 points

Bass- Sunfish - Crappie

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