Today we’ve got 8 year old JD on the boat with us and he’s ready to catch BIG Smallmouth! We’re on Lake Michigan and the bass have moved up on shallow rock reefs and sand flats where you can see them in the clear water. Some of them are shallow, others are in 9-12 feet of water but it doesn’t matter, you can see them as if the water wasn’t there at all. The fish are BIG and they’re aggressive, let’s go fishing!
Fishing clear water like this requires a finesse touch. Tim and JD focus on a combination of finesse swimbaits and dropshot to catch these bass. In addition to the small baits, light line is critical to consistently fooling these fish. Lines that would be no issue in typical lakes will scare these fish before the bait even reaches the bottom. The bass can see both the line and the shadow of the line as it sinks, and both are enough to scare them off.
Below is a breakdown of the baits and equipment the guys were using to catch these fish. If you want to to target big smallmouth (or any other bass) in crystal clear water, finesse tackle is a great place to start. The baits listed below are our confidence baits for this style of fishing and work around the country. The links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
Swimbaits…
-Dark Sleeper 3″ (Wakasagi): http://bit.ly/2TyR1GT
Other Great Colors… Hanahaze, Donko
-Spark Shad 3″ (Purple Haze): http://bit.ly/2XcLZk4
Other Great Colors… Neon Pepper, Real, Royal Gill
-Megabass Okashira Head 1/16 oz (For Spark Shad): http://bit.ly/2EpluSA
Dropshot…
-Big Bite Baits Smallie Smasher Worm (Light Watermelon Red): http://bit.ly/2ZpCOCY
Other Great Colors… Chick Magnet, Green Pumpkin Purple
-Owner Mosquito Light (Size 1) Hook: http://bit.ly/2zQVKx3
-Tungsten 1/4 oz Casting (Tie On) Dropshot Weight: http://bit.ly/37AVcrx
Jig…
-Bass Patrol Round Rubber 3/8 oz Football (Brown Purple): http://bit.ly/2Hbyf5x
-Yamamoto Double Tail 4″ Grub (Smoke Blk and Purple): http://bit.ly/2db9w1p
Tim’s Combo…
Rod- Shimano Expride 6’10” Medium: http://bit.ly/2nTq9FL
Reel- Shimano Bantam MGL 150: http://bit.ly/2H44yjG
Line- Sunline Sniper 10 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
Spinning Combo…
Rod- St. Croix Legend Xtreme Spinning 7′ Medium: https://bit.ly/37UhrKR
Reel- Daiwa Certate LT 3000: http://bit.ly/35Kclij
Line- Sunline SX1 High Vis Yellow Braid 16 lb: http://bit.ly/2FngUkQ
Leader- Sunline Sniper 7 lb Fluorocarbon: http://bit.ly/2p7fxju
“Bang For The Buck” Finesse Spinning Combo…
Rod- Dobyns Fury 7′ Med light: http://bit.ly/2e7HZPF
Reel- Shimano NASCI 3000: http://bit.ly/2g278cC
Line- Power Pro Braid 15 lb: http://bit.ly/2aFg46b
Leader- Maxima Ultragreen 8 lb: http://bit.ly/2ae97J9
NEW Tactical Bassin Apparel…
TacticalBassin Reaper Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2TwBWs7
TacticalBassin Shadow Hoodie: http://bit.ly/2FVD9Rs
TacticalBassin Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/2TvFMBD
TacticalBassin Hooded Sun Shirt: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
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What we wear…
Sun Mask: http://bit.ly/2JcA8xi
Sun Shirt w/ Hood: http://bit.ly/38cVi9G
Light Fishing Pants: http://bit.ly/2foDx10
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Equipment We Recommend…
Minn Kota Ultrex Trolling Motor: http://bit.ly/2vFQypW
Humminbird Solix 15 Electronics: http://bit.ly/2Hazsej
Minn Kota Talons: http://bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Hot Foot Throttle Control: http://bit.ly/2ob4kgO
Loc-R-Bar Boat Security: http://bit.ly/2CMF1NP
Favorite Storage Box: http://bit.ly/2fvjcFB
Favorite Pliers: http://bit.ly/2tfxFvw
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: http://bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
Favorite Wire Cutters: http://bit.ly/2soB34k
Favorite life jacket: http://bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite sunglasses: http://bit.ly/2glE3eN
Hero8 Camera: http://bit.ly/37hVTX4
ElectroSamson Scale: http://bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Frabill Net: http://bit.ly/2FNdnQr
Lure Retriever: http://bit.ly/2TLTJc6
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If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won’t be able to even see a difference but they’ll know you’re one of us!
#bassfishing #smallmouth #clearwater