Live Bait

Some anglers debate the ethics of using live bait but when it comes to smallmouth bass, few question its effectiveness. From the basic earthworm to exotics like the water dog, live bait does catch bronzebacks. Some of the best baits are baitfish, leeches, worms, and crayfish, of course.

Leeches

The less-than-beautiful leech composes a relatively small portion of a smallmouth's diet, but it is good bait during the summer months. Leeches come in one of my favorite smallmouth colors -- black. They are a very hardy bait, lasting a long time on the hook and resisting knock-offs in heavy cover quite well. Beware -- all leeches are not created equal. A general rule of thumb is to pick up a leech and watch its action. If it hangs limply, a bass won't take it; if it riggles, squirms, and tries to escape, it will probably be irresistible to that big bronzeback. To make handling easier, drop the leeches into a small container of sand.

Worms

As far as earthworms are concerned, any of the several varieties used by North American anglers will catch smallmouths.

Crayfish

Crayfish is the top-choice bait in certain conditions, and can be fished on a plain hook or on the other live bait rigs.

Baitfish

When using baitfish, start small in the early season and increase the size to three to four inches by autumn. This size corresponds to that of the smallie's natural prey. Use healthy bait and handle it carefully. Use a species indigenous to the waters to avoid accidental introduction of unwanted exotic species. If you have a choice, use the hardiest possible bait. For example, sucker minnows will last longer than emerald shiners.

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