WatermlnSuperfluke

In my area, there isn't too much of a difference most of the time, but there is a little bit, and sometimes a big difference. My opinion based on my area is that Smallmouth are in the clearer lakes that are crystal clear and deep, which makes it a) easier for them to detect subtle mistakes by a fisherman and they are often very deep

I have had a similar problem before. I worked with the lip of the bait and bent it back to the proper performance shape. Get some pliers and mess around with it and cast it and test it out. Both sides should be bent identically. It doesn't take much to set these things off.

When I wacky rig worms I use different ones for different situations. First I always use an octopus hook about 2/0. When fishing in shallower water 1-8 feet, I use a Zoom Trick Worm. They are light, but cast just fine with a well-spooled spinning reel. Cast, let it sink for about 20 seconds. Make sure to keep some line tension to feel for hits. Then I reel in a little and let it flutter again. For deeper water I use the same technique, but when fishing ledges and drop offs or deeper structure I fish Senko style baits wacky. I always use natural colors such as Watermelon, Green Pumpkin, Pumpkin, Black and sometimes Junebug. I personally do not like shad-colored worms for wacky worming, but that's just me.

I don't think so, I think at times it is better to use a smaller one.. but I have caught numerous 6-8 inch smallies on zoom trick worms (6 3/4 inch) and four inch tubes. I am a big fan of green pumpkin tubes for smallies. They work real well.