Smallmouth bass present a challenge to anglers, making them a favorite sport fish for catch-and-release or for eating. For successful smallmouth bass fishing, it is important to know your prey. Smallmouth bass are not particular about bait when they are hungry. When traditional spinners and trolling techniques fail, try using floats or bobbers to offer the bait in a different way.
Floats
The standby red and white bobber float works fine for smallmouth bass. It can help you keep track of your line if you’re letting it drift, and its weight helps stabilize your casting. Use the smallest float that will work with your rig. One inch diameter bobbers should work with small worms, and 1 1/2 inch bobbers for nightcrawlers. Present the bait as realistically as possible. This kind of float can be helpful if you are fishing off a pier or shallow bank where the bass tend to congregate around the underwater structure. Set the depth of the bait so it remains in the active feeding zone. Children like this setup because the bobber is a surface indicator of what’s going on down below.
Slip-bobber
A slip-bobber works differently than a stationary one. Use a bobber stop with a bead to set the maximum depth. The slip bobber will move along the line as necessary. Balance the sinker weight so your bait sinks. Start your bait near the bottom, and move it to shallower depths for a natural pattern of movement. Slip bobbers come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Match the size to your bait and the shape to your preference. The floats with thinner profiles have the least resistance on a bite, and they cast smoothly. A rounder profile carries well in a current for drift fishing, and is more stable on the surface in windy conditions.
Change Tactics
If your casting and spinners haven’t brought a strike, changing tactics can lure bass in. Try a slip-bobber with active bait that will get noticed. Change bait, and change depth. Stay versatile and don’t become fixated on one style of fishing.
Float n’ Fly
As the day warms and the bass move to cooler water, Bass Pro experts suggest a float 'n' fly technique. Use a stationary float as a strike indicator and rig stabilizer and to set the depth of your bait. Add a small, brightly colored fly bait for visual attraction, and fish the area as a column. As the fish move to shallower or deeper water, they’ll see the lightweight fly in their space and go for it. Reset the depth as necessary.
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