Suspended Smallmouth Tactics

[Tiller]

I fished a couple northern natural lakes this past weekend and found most of the smallmouth to be suspended off structure and chasing baitfish. I tried a number of things but only hooked one and then got a couple that swam to the bottom as I went over them in a dropshot. Anyone have any successful baits or techniques for targeting these fish?

Joe

[Scott F]

I'd throw crank baits, blades or lipless crank baits trying to have them run just a bit shallower than they are holding. You could even try using a slip float to keep your drop shot worm just over their heads instead of just off the bottom.

[Neil McCauley]

Crankbaits, crankbaits, crankbaits.

 

And don't be afraid of the big ones (DT16, 10XD, etc).

For some reason, casting seems to be better than trolling. Probably because they like a stop-go retrieve.

[Dwight Hottle]

Jerk baits and crank baits worked mostly fast.

[A-Jay]

Might want to try the "Double Rig" ~

 

Seen here.

 

http://www.in-fisherman.com/tv/double-rig-smallmouths

 

Good Luck

 

A-Jay

[Crestliner2008]

All these are good suggestions. You might also want to try suspending a wacky rigged Senko under a slip bobber; such as described in detail in the "Pinned" topic at the beginning of this section.

[IntroC]

Spybaiting with a Duo Realis spinbait 80. Count it down to where the fish are suspending and slowly real it through them. Great clear water bait.

[no39]

Spybaiting with a Duo Realis spinbait 80. Count it down to where the fish are suspending and slowly real it threw them. Great clear water bait.

How fast do those things sink?  I have occasionally see arches on my sonar on some rock piles.  They're usually grouped up in fours but they're suspended about 6-10 feet up in 35+ feet of water.  I've wanted to try to figure it out and catch them, but can't think of a efficient way of fishing that depth.  I might just buy a camera to ease my curiosity.  

[Bluebasser86]

Keitech Swing Impact on a jighead. Count it down and use a slow, steady retrieve. 

[steverowbotham]

If they're busting, then I'd throw a spook or a jerkbait.  Don't look past a senko either

[ChrisWi]

If youre vertical put gulp on a slipbobber. It's beyond easy.

[Tiller]

I was able to catch a number of very nice fish swimming a hair jig I tied.