what is the difference in fishing for smallmouth vs. largemouth?

[Jacob C.]

i come from an area where i grew up only catching largemouth bass due to the fact that they were the only bass species around. i am now in an area that has both and want to try my luck at catching some smallies! what types of lures/ jigs/ baits should i use to catch smallmouth in creeks and streams?

[NateFollmer]

Tubes seem to always catch smallies. Depends on what is living in the stream or creek though (I never fished for smallies in creeks, but I would assume its close to what you use in rivers).  Tiny Torpedos work good for topwater as well as poppers. I usually downsize my baits when I fish for smallies. For example, for largemouths I usually use a 6 or 7 inch curly tail worm, with smallies I usually use a 4 inch worm. Most of the same things will work for large and small mouths, just depends what the major forage is where you're fishing.

[roadwarrior]

General differences:

Smallmouth tend to relate to structure.

Largemouth seem to prefer cover.

In rivers and streams, brown fish like current and

breaks; green fish prefer still water.

Lures are the same, it's location that dominates.

8-)

[Jacob C.]

thanks to you both! i always thought cover and structure were the same thing... i'm gonna end up using a microspinning combo. (short rod, small reel) hopefully this will make it easier to get in tight places and add a fun challenge! if you have any other tips, lets me know.

[iceintheveins]

The main thing is smallies aren't found in slop and heavy cover nearly as much as largemouths, but that's not to say they won't be found there. You usually don't have to go with line heavier than 10 - 12 pound test for that reason.

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

Definitely the wrong choice of equipment.

The general suggestion would be "bass gear".

My main set-up is a 7' MF rod, 2500 series

spinning reel and Yo-Zuri Hybrid #6 for live

bait and soft plastics. For hard baits, 6 1/2'

MF baitcaster with a soft tip (Avid AVC66MF),

CH50MG and #12 Hybrid.

8-)

[Jacob C.]

i do have a baitcasting set up on a 6.5' rod. its a cheapo tho so its castability is crappy unless i have some serious weight to cast. i thought maybe the small spinning set up may add some funcionality to using smaller lures and jigs... i'm no pro tho

[islandbass]

It would probably be an excellent fight (largies ain't got nothing on a smallie's fight) but as RW said, you would be underpowered.

I cannot put into words how to describe a smallie's fight, but if you wish to keep it light, choose a medium light powered rod, the length of your choice (6'3" to 7 is a good start). You will still get a great fight but this would give you a fair shot. Go spinning too since you want to throw lighter things.

Look into the drop shot technique in addition to the tubes.

[MichBassMan]

"thanks to you both! i always thought cover and structure were the same thing..."

  structure=humps,drop-offs, & ledges, etc

cover= weeds,rocks,trees,and logs, etc

       Anywhere you find smallies they will eat a tube.

   Good luck, have fun, and HANG on ! 

[wvbucketmouth]

I agree with RW on the equipment. If you hook into a 3, 4, or 5 pound smallie on Micro stuff, she may just snap it in half real quick. ;D

They have a REAL attitude problem, and are one of the best fighting fish out there IMO. STRONG STRONG STRONG fish!! Great fun. 8-)

[Ern]

Would depend on the size of the fish available as to the size of the equipment needed.   I have a small creek behind my house that I use an ultralight St Croix and Shimano Symetre 500FJ on.  Small fish.  I have a blast with little ultralight lures.  Then there are sections of streams where I feel underguned with a baitcaster spooled with 12lb mono.

[Pez]

General differences:

Smallmouth tend to relate to structure.

Largemouth seem to prefer cover.

In rivers and streams, brown fish like current and

breaks; green fish prefer still water.

Lures are the same, it's location that dominates.

8-)

Rw, very well put!!!