SMB this time of year

[ffmedic147]

My goal this winter is to key up on the Small mouth bass. I was talking to a guy the other day and he said the smb fishing really gets good this time of year when the water temps. get below 50 degrees on a lake near by. Smith mountian lake. He said throw a crankbait and throw it a lot. Were do i need to fish to be most successful (Structure) and what depth af crankbait do i need to throw or what crankbait do i need to throw?

[Tin]

Wiggle warts and jerkbaits on steep rocky banks or points.

Well, thats what works 400 miles north of you when the water gets below 50*. :

[Crestliner2008]

Not sure of how the bass respond in your neck of the woods with the warmer waters, but up here in MA, they are all hugging the bottom right now in 32 - 36 deg. water! Rivers are most productive and hard jerks or blade baits rule.

[Bassin Virginia]

I've never fished Smith Mountain, but I love the New River 100%.  It can't be all that far from you.  Either way in this cold water I like the bass pro shops suspending jerkbait in gold/black back and pumpkin.  Both in the smaller 4 inch version.  I'm sure hair jigs would work to but I've never messed with them much.  

[FIN-S-R]

South facing steep rocky points, or manmade structures. The key is like you always hear 45 degree angle, but what you dont hear is at least 45 degree angle but not vertical, though vertical is better than gradual. Bait is key, and right now in southern oklahoma the bait is down around 25-30' during the majority of daylight hours. I know it sounds counter intuitive, but right now I do better deeper earlier, and then a little shallower, and then back deeper by say 10 or 11 am. A crank cant be beat this time of the year. A BIG DEEP crank, and then pick up the 3/4 oz jig and knock off the stragglers in the area. Thats my strategy, and dont be mistaken, Its an athletic event to wind those Manns 30+ and DD22s for 5 or 6 hours, my shoulder still hurts from last weekend.............