Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass are often considered the strongest pound-for-pound freshwater fish. These fish are extremely territorial but finesse fishing tends to be the most effective way to target them. Smallmouth are often found in bodies of water that contain deep, clear water with rocks or boulders on the bottom. They use these offshore boulders for cover and ambush points. Additionally, some cold water creeks and rivers will contains Smallmouth Bass.
Videos & Articles (90)
How to Choose the Right Bait with Bob Downey
Thu, August 11, 2022
Learning how to choose the right bait for specific cover and structure is key to success. Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, is here to give some tips on how to choose the right bait.
Kayak Tackle Storage Tips with Joey Vanyo
Wed, August 10, 2022
Staying organized on the water is never more important than when space is limited while fishing from a kayak. Kayak tournament angler, Joey Vanyo, he here to share his preferred method for storing tackle while kayak fishing.
Top 3 Techniques for Kayak Fishing with Joey Vanyo
Tue, August 9, 2022
Kayak angler, Joey Vanyo, shares three must-use techniques when bass fishing from a kayak.
Seth Feider's Neko Rig Setup (Rod/Reel/Line)
Fri, August 5, 2022
Bassmaster Angler of the Year, Seth Feider, is here to give a rundown on his Neko Rig setup.
How to use Humminbird MEGA 360 with Bob Downey
Thu, August 4, 2022
Humminbird pro and Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, shows how to be more efficient on the water and catch more bass with Humminbird's MEGA 360 imaging.
Bob Downey's Neko Rig Setup (Rod/Reel/Line)
Wed, August 3, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, reviews his preferred Neko Rig setup.
How to Choose Neko Rig Components with Bob Downey
Tue, August 2, 2022
Bob Downey gives a rundown on how to choose the right Neko Rig components.
VideoOneida Lake Summer Smallmouth Fishing
Tue, August 2, 2022
VideoOneida Lake Smallmouth Fishing
Tue, August 2, 2022
VideoOneida Lake Fishing Breakdown
Tue, August 2, 2022
Bob Downey's Small Swimbait Setup (Rod/Reel/Line)
Mon, August 1, 2022
Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Bob Downey, is here to give us his setup for fishing a smal soft bodied swimbait.
VideoSt. Lawrence River Summer Smallmouth Fishing
Mon, August 1, 2022
VideoSt. Lawrence River Smallmouth Fishing
Mon, August 1, 2022
VideoSt. Lawrence River Fishing Breakdown
Mon, August 1, 2022
Perfect Vision Bassin': How Megabass Jerkbaits Can Help You Catch More Fish
Fri, July 29, 2022
The Megabass Vision series of jerkbaits have become a staple of hardcore anglers worldwide. We dive into the history of these baits and how Megabass Jerkbaits can help you catch more fish.
How to Fish a Small Swimbait with Bob Downey
Fri, July 29, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, gives a few tips on how to fish a small soft body swimbait.
VideoHow to Pack Light for Fishing Your Next Boundary Waters Trip
Fri, July 29, 2022
Strike King Chick Magnet Breakdown
Thu, July 28, 2022
Tailormade for cold water crankin', the new Strike King Chick Magnet just might be one of the best flat-sided shallow crankbaits on the market!
How to Choose a Small Swimbait with Bob Downey
Thu, July 28, 2022
Bassmaster pro, Bob Downey, shares how to choose a small swimbait.
Yamamoto Fat Ika Breakdown
Wed, July 27, 2022
A unique bait from head to toe, we breakdown what makes the Yamamoto Fat Ika so special.
Bob Downey's Finesse Marabou Hair Jig Setup (Rod/Reel/Line)
Wed, July 27, 2022
Bob Downey shows his preferred setup for fishing a finesse marabou hair jig.
Yamamoto Senko Breakdown
Tue, July 26, 2022
Get a breakdown on what has become one of the most popular bass fishing baits of all time: the Yamamoto Senko.
How to Rig a Small Swimbait with Bob Downey
Fri, July 22, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, shares how to rig one of the most popular techniques for covering water and getting bites, a small soft bodied swimbait.
Fishing Natural Lakes with Bob Downey
Wed, July 20, 2022
Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Bob Downey, is here to break down what to expect when bass fishing on natural lakes.
How to Fish a Neko Rig with Bob Downey
Tue, July 19, 2022
The Neko Rig has become one of the most popular finesse tactics to fool wary bass. Today, we're in the boat with Bob Downey to learn how to fish a Neko Rig.
Popper Setup (Rod/Reel/Line) - Bob Downey
Fri, July 15, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, shares his setup for fishing the Storm Arashi Cover Pop
Bob Downey's Humminbird Graph Setup and Shortcut Keys
Mon, July 11, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, shares how he sets up two Humminbird Helix units at the console for the highest level of tournament bass fishing.
Junk Fishing 101 with Bob Downey
Fri, July 8, 2022
Junk Fishing is all about fishing in the moment and targeting whatever comes in front of your boat. Bassmaster Elite, Bob Downey, is here to give us a Junk Fishing 101 crash course.
How to Catch Fry-Guarders in the Spring with Bob Downey
Wed, July 6, 2022
We're in the boat today with Bob Downey to learn how to catch fry-guarding bass in the spring.
No Stink Here… Why Poop Baits Work in Bass Fishing
Thu, June 30, 2022
How to Fish a Texas Rig in the Spring with Bob Downey
Thu, June 30, 2022
We're in the boat with Bassmaster pro, Bob Downey, to get a rundown on how to fish a Texas Rig during the springtime.
What to Look for During Spring Fishing with Bob Downey
Tue, June 28, 2022
We're on the water with Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Bob Downey, to learn what to look for and how to pattern springtime bass during all phases of the spawn.
VideoOmnia's Five Essential Smallmouth Techniques
Tue, June 28, 2022
Zoom Z Craw Worm Review with Patrick Walters
Wed, June 15, 2022
A synergy of two best-sellers, the new Zoom Z Craw Worm has arrived and Bassmaster Elite angler, Patrick Walters, is here to give his review on why it's quickly become a favorite of his.
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Lake Bemidji Summer Fishing Report
Wed, June 15, 2022
Shallow Diving Crankbait Setups (Rod/Reel/Line) - Patrick Walters
Mon, June 13, 2022
A great way to cover water and hunt down bites, Patrick Walters shares his two favorite setups for shallow crankbait fishing.
How to Fish in Current with Patrick Walters
Fri, June 10, 2022
Bassmaster Elite, Patrick Walters, shares his simple approach to bass fishing in current.
How to Fish a Jig in Trees and Flooded Timber with Patrick Walters
Wed, June 8, 2022
Shallow trees and flooded timber are great to target while bass fishing and a jig is one of the most effective tools for picking apart these pieces of cover.
How to Skip a Bait with Patrick Walters
Mon, June 6, 2022
Learning how to skip a bait is a great way to access fish under docks or overhanging trees that other anglers might ignore. Here, Patrick Walters shares a few tips on how to skip a bait with a baitcasting setup.
How to Fish a Spinnerbait Around Heavy Cover/Trees with Patrick Walters
Fri, June 3, 2022
Spinnerbaits are great for imitating a variety of baitfish species and make an excellent choice for fishing shallow trees and cover. Here, Patrick Walters shares some tips on fishing spinnerbaits around shallow cover.
How Bass Set Up on Laydowns w/ Patrick Walters
Wed, June 1, 2022
Targeting laydowns can be a great pattern to catching more and bigger bass during the springtime. Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Patrick Walters, is here to break down how bass will typically set up on laydowns and how he approaches them cast by cast.
Patrick Walters' Favorite Lens Color for Bass Fishing
Tue, May 31, 2022
Elite Series Pro, Patrick Walters, shares his favorite frame and lens color from Bajio Sunglasses.
How Patrick Walters Chooses Sunglasses Lens Colors
Thu, May 26, 2022
Bassmaster Elite Angler and Bajio sponsored pro, Patrick Walters is here to share how he chooses the right lens color for any given condition.
How Patrick Walters Uses Mega 360 and Forward Facing Sonar to Catch More Fish
Wed, May 25, 2022
With so much buzz in the fishing industry around forward-facing sonar and Mega 360, anglers have utilized these tools in both fishing competition and everyday angling to effectively catch more fish. Listen in as Patrick Walters explains how to use both tools in harmony to catch more fish.
How Patrick Walters Fishes Finesse in the Post Spawn
Tue, May 24, 2022
The post spawn funk can often bring about the bassin' blues for anglers, as it can be a challenging time to pattern and catch quality bass while they recover from their annual spawning ritual. Here, Bassmater pro, Patrick Walters shares his tips on capitalizing on this often challenging time to catch bass.
How to Fish a Large Swimbait with Patrick Walters
Mon, May 23, 2022
A great way to target big bass, Bassmaster Pro Patrick Walters is here to share a few tips on how to fish a large soft-bodied swimbait.
Large Swimbait Setup (Rod/Reel/Line) - Patrick Walters
Fri, May 20, 2022
Hop in the boat with Bassmaster Pro Patrick Walters and get a full rundown on his setup for large swimbait fishing.
Glide Bait Setup (Rod/Reel/Line) - Patrick Walters
Thu, May 19, 2022
One of the most exciting ways to trigger big bites, Bassmaster Elite Series pro, Patrick Walters, is here to give his rundown on the proper setup for glide bait fishing.
How to Locate Hard Bottom with Side Imaging with Patrick Walters
Wed, May 18, 2022
Advancements in technology has made finding bass-holding cover and structures easier than ever! Bassmaster Pro, Patrick Walters, is here to give an overview on how to easily identify hard bottom areas using Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging.
Humminbird Waypoint Tip with Patrick Walters
Mon, May 16, 2022
Bassmaster pro, Patrick Walters, spends a lot of time behind his electronics while prepping for and competing in Elite Series events. Here, he has a quick tip on how to best manage your Humminbird waypoints to get the most out of your investment.
How to Locate Bass on Shallow Flats with Patrick Walters
Sat, May 14, 2022
Shallow flats are key fish-holding areas during the spring, but they can pose a challenge with how expansive they and the abundance of cover they offer. Hop in the boat with Patrick Walters to hear how he quickly breaks down a shallow spawning flat to find fish fast!
Your Spawning Questions Answered with Patrick Walters
Thu, May 12, 2022
You asked, he answered! Sit down with Patrick Walters and hear his answers to the questions submitted by BassUtopia fans about fishing for bass during the spawn.
How to Fish a Shaky Head with Patrick Walters
Wed, May 11, 2022
The reliable shaky head is a finesse fishing staple of bass anglers nationwide, and here are some tips from Patrick Walters on how to fish a shaky head.
How Bass Set Up on Trees with Patrick Walters
Tue, May 10, 2022
Bassmaster Elite angler Patrick Walters knows a thing or two about fishing trees by spending so much time on the target-rich environment of Santee Cooper lakes in South Carolina. Here, he shares some tips on how to narrow down these targets and maximize your efficiency on the water.
How to Fish a Bass Bed with Patrick Walters
Sat, May 7, 2022
One of the most exciting times of the year to fish, the spawn can also be a challenging time for anglers to convince bedding bass into biting. Here, Patrick Walters shares how he looks for beds and how he approaches them to make calculated casts and trigger fish into biting.
How to Fish a Glide Bait with Patrick Walters
Fri, May 6, 2022
A glide bait is one of the best big bass search baits ever made and here are some tips from Bassmaster Elite angler, Patrick Walters, on how to fish one successfully.
How to Rig a Jig
Thu, May 5, 2022
One of the most famous ways to catch big bass on a consistent basis, the jig has been found on boat decks of bass anglers for years and is a confidence lure for many. Patrick Walters finds the jig to be one of the most versatile lures across the country, and here he gives some tips on how he modifies and rigs his favorite jig setup.
How to Rig a Large Swimbait with Patrick Walters
Wed, May 4, 2022
Large swimbaits are one of the best offerings to catch above-average sized bass and here Patrick Walters breaks down the differences between pre-rigged and unrigged swimbaits and how he sets them up for success.
Spinnerbait/Chatterbait Setup (Rod/Reel/Line) - Patrick Walters
Tue, May 3, 2022
When it comes to spinnerbait and chatterbait fishing, Bassmaster Elite Series angler, Patrick Walters, likes to keep things simple and consistent. Take a look at his setup for these two popular techniques.
Tournament Fishing Essentials Gear List
Tue, April 19, 2022
The Lew's Pro SP Reel
Tue, April 19, 2022
One of the most popular new reels on the market, the Team Lew's Pro SP Speed Spool was designed to be the ultimate user-friendly skipping and pitching low profile casting reel.
The Daiwa Ballistic MQ LT
Sun, April 17, 2022
Loaded with premium features from Daiwa, the Ballistic MQ LT has been reimagined, redesigned, and fully-upgraded for battle for both freshwater and inshore spinning applications.
Humminbird: Mega Live vs. 360 w/ Bob Downey
Fri, April 15, 2022
Humminbird pro and Bassmaster Elite Series angler Bob Downey is here to break down the differences between Humminbird Mega 360 and Mega Live along with how and where to use each tool both individually and together in harmony to catch more fish
The Daiwa Tatula 80
Wed, April 13, 2022
Compact in size but mighty in performance, the new Tatula 80 offers a host of premier features from Daiwa in an easily palmable low profile casting reel.
The Atlas Tackle Pack from Plano
Mon, April 11, 2022
The premier solution to portable tackle management, Plano introduces the new Atlas 3700 Tackle Pack.
Spring Smallmouth Fishing on Lake St. Clair
Fri, March 18, 2022
Get an in-depth overview on targeting prespawn smallmouth bass on Lake St. Clair!
VideoStriker Livestream with John Crews
Wed, October 13, 2021
Famous tournament angler John Crews joins Pete and Brad to talk Missile Baits and Striker outerwear.
VideoXZone Livestream with Brandon Palaniuk
Tue, October 12, 2021
The Omnia Team sits down with the award-winning angler Brandon Palaniuk to talk XZone Lures.
VideoPlano Livestream with Kristine Fischer
Mon, October 11, 2021
As a kayak angler, Kristine Fischer knows how crucial her storage space is, which is why she likes Plano boxes so much.
VideoDaiwa Livestream with Seth Feider
Wed, October 6, 2021
Daiwa brings together two of the top anglers in the game, Seth Feider and Patrick Walters, to talk products and their favorite tournaments.
How To Fish A Jig
Tue, September 14, 2021
VideoTop 3 Summer Bass Fishing Techniques
Tue, July 13, 2021
VideoWhere to Find Summer Bass
Tue, July 13, 2021
VideoSeth Feider's Must Haves for the Bassmaster Northern Swing
Fri, June 25, 2021
VideoThe Importance of Spinning Reel Spool Size
Wed, June 24, 2020
How Does a Bass See Your Tackle in Water?
Wed, April 8, 2020
Learn how largemouth and smallmouth bass interpret color.
Seth Feider Tops St. Clair
Wed, October 2, 2019
Leech Lake Summer Bass Fishing
Tue, July 16, 2019
Bass Jig Fishing Tips
Tue, July 2, 2019
How to Fish the Umbrella Rig
Mon, July 1, 2019
How To Fish A Jerkbait For Bass
Sat, June 29, 2019
Lake Guntersville Fishing Report
Mon, June 17, 2019
Lake Champlain Fishing Report - Spring/Summer
Wed, May 29, 2019
How to Fish the Jika Rig
Mon, April 1, 2019
Crankbait Fishing: How to Use the Square Bill
Thu, March 21, 2019
How to Fish the Ned Rig
Mon, March 18, 2019
Sam Rayburn Spring Bass Fishing Tips
Thu, March 14, 2019
Interview: Seth Feider Previews the 2019 Bassmaster Classic
Tue, March 12, 2019
Neko Rig Fishing - The Essentials
Thu, February 14, 2019
Lake Mille Lacs Bass Fishing Report
Tue, February 12, 2019
