Am I understanding that you need a road trip to Lake St Clair? If you cant catch one there you might as well give it up and stick with largie fishing. ;D I mean geez, I even caught a few there. :-? ;D
If I remember correctly your from RI. I'm suprised RI doesnt have a good population of smallies.
Check this out,
http://www.***/states/rhode_island_fishing.shtml
Might have some good info for you.