detroit river large/smallmouth bass

[BIGSHOW]

Looking for good bait to be consistant on smallmouth.I went out friday and caught about 15 small.Tuesday i went out and caught at least 15 large with same bait (2 20in +).The thing is I could see some big smallmouth that were following but just would'nt hit.I can't seem to be consistent with good smallmouth baits.Any suggestions on some good ones?colors?tactics? Thanks alot..

[djkimmel]

What were you throwing that they would follow but not hit?

[BIGSHOW]

5" worm (wacky style). Not my first choice for smallmouth .But they tore it up the other day.

[djkimmel]

That can be a great choice but sometimes they want more of a reaction bait - something faster like rigging it Texas-style and jerking it erratically, or try burning a spinnerbait right at the surface.

[BIGSHOW]

What color,size spinnerbait do they use out there? I've used a white with some red and 2 blades.They've worked ok. I just had them from somewhere else.What colors work well out here?

[Bobber]

You cant go wrong with anything chartreuse or white. I like 1/2 or 3/8 also colored blades work well out there too white or chartreuse or both. Dont worry if your catching a bunch of largies ive caught 5+ lb smallies mixed in with the largies.

[Dan]

Couple years ago I did well on a buzz bait on the river over the grass. Some explosive strikes.

[FishermanJohn]

If they're following but not hitting I do one of two things:

1). Downsize and fish slower (better if fish are in a negative or neutral mood)

2). Change things up and go with something brighter or faster for a reaction strike - working a spinnerbait, crankbait, or x-rap fast and erratically works well.

[Skulley]

Gonna go out to the river myself this weekend.  Hopefully the weather will be right.  I have only fished maybe three times in August.  Hopefully I can get out in September and October more.  Fall fishing in the Lower Detroit River area as well as out on Erie along the Canadian shoreline will be on.  Tubes, spinnerbaits, cranks, and top waters will be the lures du jour.


BD                       

[BIGSHOW]

Let me know how you did Bigdog.