Need Some Smallmouth Bait Advice

[Fisher_C]

Hello,

 

I am going to be fishing at Milford Lake in Kansas. The water temperature should be around 46-48 degrees. I have never gone fishing for smallmouth like this and was wondering what kind of baits i should be fishing as well as tactics and everything else? Thanks and all the help is appreciated.

[The Young Gun]

Jerkbaits and tubes are always my smallie go to's

[Scott F]

I know nothing about Milford Lake in Kansas, but, you've got to find the areas where the smallmouth will spawn. The temps might be a bit low for a real good bite, but some fish should be moving toward their spawning grounds.  Different lakes could have smallies spawning in 1 foot or 10 feet of water. If you can, find out what the major forage is, then match that in terms of size and color. Pre-spawn smallies on my favorite lake are gorging on minnows that are only 1 to 2 inches long. Lucky Craft Pointer 65's are perfect. If your minnows are larger, the 78's or 100's may work better.  I find mine, just off shallow spawning flats in water around 6 feet deep. Power fish until you find them. Once you locate them and the bite slows, clean up the rest with a 4" senko.

[Crookedneck]

I know nothing about Milford Lake in Kansas, but, you've got to find the areas where the smallmouth will spawn. The temps might be a bit low for a real good bite, but some fish should be moving toward their spawning grounds.  Different lakes could have smallies spawning in 1 foot or 10 feet of water. If you can, find out what the major forage is, then match that in terms of size and color. Pre-spawn smallies on my favorite lake are gorging on minnows that are only 1 to 2 inches long. Lucky Craft Pointer 65's are perfect. If your minnows are larger, the 78's or 100's may work better.  I find mine, just off shallow spawning flats in water around 6 feet deep. Power fish until you find them. Once you locate them and the bite slows, clean up the rest with a 4" senko.

 

x2 

[Crestliner2008]

Scott has given you some excellent advice.

[Fisher_C]

Thanks a lot scott and everyone else. I will be sure and post my results tomorrow night when i return. Thanks again and wish me luck.

[roadwarrior]

Small swimbaits:  Money Minnow, Shadalicious. Hollow Belley and Keitech Swing Impact Fat.

 

Fat Ika

 

Rage Tail Baby Craw

 

Wiggle Wart

 

Bandit 200

 

 

 

[Siebert Outdoors]

Jerkbaits and tubes are always my smallie go to's

 

That is what I was going to post, and a jig.

[motodmast]

Reaction innavations smallie beaver is also a very good smallmouth bait. You can use them as a trailer, t rig them, i like to drag them on a carolina rig or a football head on offshore structure

[Fisher_C]

Well. I threw everything in the boat at those smallmouth and only came away with 2 white bass on a spoon jig. Water temp was 39-43. It was a cold day of fishing as well. Cloudy all day with a high of about 49. No skunk overall but sure did get skunked by those smallies. Hopefully ill have better luck in a couple more weeks when the water warms a little.

[flippin and pitchin]

3.5 INCH TUBE

JERKBAIT

ROBO WORM (DROP SHOT)

NORMANS DEEP LITTLE N

 

Look for gravel and rock transition areas with deep water close by.  Points near spawning flats or creek channels near or in a spawing flat are go to locations.  Search with the jerk bait and crankbait and then work it over with a tube and drop shot. A hair jig could also be a sleeper bait. Check out Paul Mueller's videos on You Tube and find the one on a hair jig and you'll get the idea.

 

Good luck.

[A-Rob]

I know nothing about Milford Lake in Kansas, but, you've got to find the areas where the smallmouth will spawn. The temps might be a bit low for a real good bite, but some fish should be moving toward their spawning grounds.  Different lakes could have smallies spawning in 1 foot or 10 feet of water. If you can, find out what the major forage is, then match that in terms of size and color. Pre-spawn smallies on my favorite lake are gorging on minnows that are only 1 to 2 inches long. Lucky Craft Pointer 65's are perfect. If your minnows are larger, the 78's or 100's may work better.  I find mine, just off shallow spawning flats in water around 6 feet deep. Power fish until you find them. Once you locate them and the bite slows, clean up the rest with a 4" senko.

 

Good info